The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Gerald J. Burke (NSN: 0-69637), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Navigator of the U.S.S. ALCHIBA (AKA-6) during the torpedo attack by enemy submarine on 28 November 1942, and the ensuing fire, and the second torpedo attack on 7 December 1942. Lieutenant Burke with great courage and ability, ignoring personal safety, assisted in bringing the fire under control, organized salvage facilities, living facilities on the partly destroyed ship, and in all possible ways helped prevent complete destruction of the vessel. 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.