The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman First Class Miles S. Burke (NSN: 8344722), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism in rescuing two shipmates from drowning on the evening of 6 April 1945. Forced to abandon ship on occasion of its loss due to enemy air attack with complete disregard of his own life he supported the two men, one without a life jacket, both weak from over-exposure and exhaustion for a period of five hours until succor arrived. His heroic conduct performed in the face of great danger to himself was outstanding.