The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander Charles Augustine Burch, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Gunnery Officer of a United States Battleship from 12 September 1944 to 10 February 1945, during combat amphibious operations against the enemy. At Peleliu and Angaur, in an exposed position, he directed the gunfire of this vessel in delivering devastating blows and accurate fire at enemy troops and installations. In an exposed position, he directed the gunfire of his vessel in devastating fire against enemy planes headed for his ship, especially in the Leyte and Luzon operations, and succeeded on every occasion in shooting down or driving off every enemy plane that came within range for attacking his ship. By his exceptional performance of duty, he made it possible in these operations for his ship to respond most promptly and effectively to 120 alerts against the enemy. No enemy plane got through this ship’s fire to damage this ship. Time and again by his outstanding alertness and efficiency, he saved his ship from severe damage by enemy planes. By his courage, leadership, skill in combat, and determination, he gave great encouragement and steadiness to all around him in a manner that caused his action to be instrumental in the success of most difficult operations. His outstanding skill and courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.