The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Byron K. Burke (NSN: 0-272799), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Boat Captain of a United States PT Boat of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron TWENTY-NINE (MTB-29) operating in the Ligurian Sea from May through October 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Burke participated effectively in many combat patrols well within enemy coastal waters in the Gulf of Genoa and in close proximity to the coast of southern France. In the course of these patrols he conducted numerous daring raids on enemy shipping and on all occasions pressed his attacks with extreme skill and determination in spite of intense gunfire and illumination from enemy surface units and shore batteries. In these successful actions, fearlessly executed, he torpedoed and sank two hostile “F” lighters and inflicted damage on other craft, thereby seriously disrupting the enemy’s attempts to bring reinforcements by sea to his front lines in Northern Italy. The extraordinary ability, cool and aggressive leadership and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Burke were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.