The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Joseph W. Burk (NSN: 0-193260), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while Commanding Motor Torpedo Boat THREE HUNDRED FORTY-SIX (PT-346). During the period November 1943 through January 1944, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Burk made twenty-one combat patrols, courageously and aggressively pursuing Japanese barges along the north coast of New Guinea and the west coast of New Britain. He has participated in the destruction of 26 enemy barges, time and again in the face of heavy and accurate fire from shore emplacements. He has been bombed by enemy aircraft and sustained a direct hit on his boat by an enemy 3-inch shell. On 8 January 1944, in company with Motor Torpedo Boat 323, while engaged in attacking 10 enemy barges, fire from heavy shore batteries was encountered. As Officer-in-Tactical-Command, he left the barges and proceeded under the shore batteries, silenced them, and returned to press home the attack on the barges, completely destroying them. Two nights later in company with PT’s 326 and 327, he successfully attacked and sank four heavily troop laden barges. One hundred sixty enemy troops are estimated to have been killed in this action which was bitterly resisted by the enemy, and one prisoner of war was taken. He has on two occasions successfully carried out secret missions far behind the enemy lines. The exceptional bravery, aggressive leadership, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Burk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.