The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Sherman K. Burke (ASN: 0-62829), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 3 June 1951, near Sunbong-ni, Korea, Company C, 1st Battalion, commanded by Captain Burke, was given the mission of attacking and securing Hill 466. Subjected to intense enemy machine gun and mortar fire upon arriving at the objective, Captain Burke immediately deployed his unit, supervising the disposition and attack of the assault platoon while fearlessly exposing himself. As the unit’s advance was stalled due to the heavy volume of fire, he quickly organized another platoon and led a charge through the assault platoon, successfully seizing the heights and killing approximately 50 hostile soldiers. When an immediate fanatical counterattack forced the platoon to withdraw, Captain Burke observed that the company was becoming disorganized under the strain of the eight-hour struggle and was moving among his men encouraging and reorganizing them when severely wounded. Continuing to remain with his company until it was well positioned and he was satisfied as to its ability to repel the enemy attacks, he refused evacuation by litter due to the large number of casualties the litter bearers had to remove. Despite his weakened condition from the loss of much blood, he, assisted by one man, walked to the distant aid station. The inspirational gallantry and superb leadership displayed by Captain Burke reflects the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Sherman K. Burke (ASN: 0-62829), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 29 April 1951, near Seoul, Korea, Captain Burke’s unit had the mission of occupying a blocking position in the rear of a second company’s flank. In order to do this and restore the main line of resistance which the enemy had penetrated, it was necessary to seize a hill in the area which was believed to be lightly occupied. Captain Burke and his platoon started at daylight to advance along a ridge, when a well-entrenched and heavily-armed enemy force opened fire, causing casualties and halting the advance. Although greatly outnumbered, Captain Burke, placed his men under cover, assisted in the distribution of ammunition and so encouraged and directed their efforts, that the enemy’s attempts to eject his troops from the ridge were futile. Again ignoring the intense enemy fire, coming from three directions, Captain Burke, moving from one place to another, supervised every element of his unit; and after placing preparatory fields of fire on the hostile positions, he led the unit in a coordinated attack, killing at least five enemy snipers as he moved forward, ahead of the assault. Captain Burke’s outstanding exhibition of gallantry and aggressive leadership reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.