The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Sherman Everett Burroughs, Jr. (NSN: 0-58599), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement as Air Group Commander of SARATOGA Air Group THREE while participating in aerial attacks upon enemy Japanese shore installations and shipping in the Solomon Islands area from 19 February to 8 March 1945. Personally leading six coordinated attacks upon Munda Point, Kahili, Buin Harbor and Ballale Island, Commander Burroughs, by his excellent judgment and cool courage in the face of heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire, contributed greatly to the destruction of numerous anti-aircraft batteries, ammunition and supply dumps and one large cargo transport. During the action against Kahili he further proved his brilliant leadership when, with complete disregard for his own safety, he intentionally exposed himself to hostile anti-aircraft fire while indicating to the pilots who followed him the location and identity of the target area. Despite hazardous opposition from enemy guns and fighter aircraft, Commander Burroughs gallantly led his air group to successful completion of each mission. His heroic conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Sherman Everett Burroughs, Jr. (NSN: 0-58599), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the Naval Ordnance Test Station, Inyokern, California, from December 1943 to August 1945. Captain Burroughs distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service in connection with the development and testing of rocket ammunition. Largely through his efforts, new types of rocket ammunition have been adopted for use by small vessels, invasion craft, and aircraft, and have greatly increased the effectiveness of these craft, thereby directly increasing the firepower of the Fleet. His initiative, technical ability, and aggressive spirit were instrumental in evolving and executing a carefully planned development and test program for rocket ammunition. By virtue of his previous combat experience and keen powers of analysis, he was able to select and propose for adoption rocket ammunition which was outstandingly successful in combat operations. His brilliant professional skill and determined devotion to duty were outstanding and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Task Force CommanderAction Date:
December 6, 1941 – June 14, 1942
Commander South Pacific: Serial 312 (February 1, 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Sherman Everett Burroughs, Jr. (NSN: 0-58599), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving on the Staff of the Task Force Commander during a series of highly successful offensive missions including the attacks on the Marshall and Gilbert Islands, the raids on Wake and Marcus Islands, the Battle of Midway and similar operations in the Central Pacific covering a period from 6 December 1941 to 14 June 1942. While under constant threat of attack by air and submarine, the Task Force to which Commander Burroughs was attached repeatedly steamed for protracted periods in enemy waters and in close proximity to enemy territory and bases. Largely due to his skill and determination under fire, only minor damage was suffered from attacking heavy bombers in the Marshall Islands engagement. In addition, he contributed materially to the marked success of the other actions through which the Task Force came unscathed after inflicting extremely heavy damage on Japanese installations and shipping. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
Task Force CommanderAction Date:
August 24, 1942
Commander South Pacific: Serial 652 (February 26, 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander Sherman Everett Burroughs, Jr. (NSN: 0-58599), United States Navy, for extremely gallant and intrepid conduct in action while serving on the Staff of the Task Force Commander during the Battle of Stewart Island, 24 August 1942. Constantly in danger from enemy surface and submarine forces while operating in hostile waters, the Task Force to which Commander Burroughs was attached was repeatedly subjected to heavy enemy air attacks in this action. His cool determination and courage under fire were important factors contributing to the successful culmination of this battle. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.