Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) to Colonel Edward Burke Burdett (AFSN: FR-26295), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, from 1 August 1967 to 18 November 1967. In this important assignment, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Burdett resulted in significant contributions to the success of Air Force jet fighter aircraft operations over North Vietnam. As commander of this important Air Force organization, he contributed immeasurably to the furtherance of United States policy in Southeast Asia. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Burdett reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    September 2, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel Edward Burke Burdett (AFSN: FR-26295), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot over North Vietnam on 2 September 1967. On that date, Colonel Burdett was a member of a flight of four F-105 Thunderchiefs directed against a high priority military target. Although he faced heavy anti-aircraft and SA-2 missile launches, Colonel Burdett delivered all ordnance on target inflicting considerable damage. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Burdett reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    October 27, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel Edward Burke Burdett (AFSN: FR-26295), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief pilot over North Vietnam on 27 October 1967. On that date Colonel Burdett braved intense anti-aircraft fire in successfully completing a flak suppression raid in support of a large strike force attacking a high priority military target. The successful accomplishment of the mission and the following safe departure of the strike force from the heavily defended target area are attributed to the effective accomplishment of Colonel Burdett’s vital supporting role. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Burdett reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Major Edward Burke Burdett (AFSN: FR-26295/ASN: 0-26295), United States Air Force, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel Edward Burke Burdett (AFSN: FR-26295), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot over North Vietnam on 25 October 1967. On that date, Colonel Burdett was a member of a major strike force assigned to attack a high priority military target. Despite constant hostile artillery fire, Colonel Burdett courageously pressed his attack successfully. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Burdett reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    September 10, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel Edward Burke Burdett (AFSN: FR-26295), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a F-105 Thunderchief Pilot over North Vietnam on 10 September 1967. On that date, Colonel Burdett was a member of a Splendid Flight which attacked and destroyed a high priority military target. Despite marginal weather and anti-aircraft fire, Colonel Burdett delivered all ordnance on target. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Burdett reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    September 30, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-2191 (December 7, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Colonel Edward Burke Burdett (AFSN: FR-26295/ASN: 0-26295), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Commander, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Forces, in action over North Vietnam, on 30 September 1967. On that date, Colonel Burdett led a twenty ship strike force to a successful attack against a high priority military target. The destruction of this bridge seriously restricts the flow of military supplies to the hostile forces in South Vietnam. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Burdett has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Edward Burke Burdett (AFSN: FR-26295/ASN: 0-26295), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Burdett and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    35th Reconnaissance Squadron

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Edward Burke Burdett (AFSN: FR-26295/ASN: 0-26295), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a member of the 35th Reconnaissance Squadron in China, during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    November 18, 1967 – FOD

    Colonel Edward Burke Burdett (AFSN: FR-26295), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from November 18, 1967 until his death in captivity shortly after he was shot down.