The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign W. E. Burke, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a carrier-based Bomber Plane over the Japanese homeland on 24 July 1945. Making a dive bombing attack on an enemy heavy cruiser, he scored a direct hit with a large bomb on the bow. Intense heavy anti-aircraft fire was encountered during the approach. His skillful airmanship and courage during this action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.