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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Louis Edward Burke, Jr. (NSN: 0-85028), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of the Japanese Homeland Islands of Honshu and Hokkaido. Flying through intense anti-aircraft fire he led his element of carrier-based dive bombers in a strike on Maebashi airfield near Tokyo on 10 July 1945 which resulted in serious damage to hangars and other installations. On 14 July 1945, in spite of heavy overcast he led his element in a devastating attack on Kushiro city on Hokkaido causing severe damage to important installations there. Then again on 15 July 1945 he led his bombers through an almost solid overcast to Nemuro airfield on Hokkaido severely damaging the hangars, a radio station on the airfield and many cargo ships in the harbor. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 6 (VB-6)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hancock (CV-19)

    Action Date:

    July 24, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Louis Edward Burke, Jr. (NSN: 0-85028), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in an attack against major units of the enemy fleet, including battleships, aircraft carriers, cruisers and destroyers, in Kure Harbor, Japan, on 24 July 1945. He led a determined, aggressive, and successful group attack which severely damaged a large aircraft carrier, a battleship and a heavy cruiser. Skillfully leading the group through intense anti-aircraft fire both from enemy warships in the harbor and the many batteries on shore, he placed his own bomb close aboard the battleship causing probable water damage. His courage, determination and devotion to duty in the execution of this mission were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 6 (VB-6)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hancock (CV-19)

    Action Date:

    July 28, 1945
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01701 (September 3, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Louis Edward Burke, Jr. (NSN: 0-85028), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron SIX (VB-6), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in action against enemy Japanese forces in Kure Harbor, Japan, on 28 July 1945. Skillfully leading his group in an attack on major enemy Fleet units including battleships, aircraft carriers, cruisers and destroyers, many of which were camouflaged, Lieutenant Commander Burke piloted his aircraft through intense anti-aircraft fire both from enemy warships in the harbor and batteries on shore to score a direct bomb hit on the battleship. By his skillful airmanship and courage, Lieutenant Commander Burke contributed materially to the severe damage done to this vessel and to its ultimate sinking. His outstanding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.