The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Harold Joseph Burke (NSN: 0-83606), United States Naval Reserve, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving in the Bureau of Ships as Officer-in-Change of the Fire Protection Sub-section of the Damage Control and Chemical Defense Section. He was personally responsible for marked and rapid improvements in shipboard and advanced base fire fighting techniques and equipment, through his initiative and supervision of fire fighting schools and the Bureau of Ship’s fire protection consultation and advisory service, and through the design of improved fire fighting equipment. His performance of duty was marked by sound judgment, devotion to duty and a high degree of initiative. The marked reduction in damage to and loss of Naval vessels due to fire alone testifies to the significance of his contribution to the successful prosecution of the war.