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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Franklin Norfolk Burley (NSN: 251231), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron EIGHTEEN (VF-18), during action against enemy Japanese forces over Central Luzon, Philippine Islands, 25 November 1944. When his flight was intercepted by an overwhelming force of hostile aircraft, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Burley promptly engaged the enemy in fierce combat and, although outnumbered two-to-one, succeeded in blasting two hostile planes from the sky. By his inspiring leadership, cool courage and indomitable fighting spirit, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Burley contributed materially to the success of his squadron, and his gallant devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 18 (VF-18)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Intrepid (CV-11)

    Action Date:

    October 12, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0396 (December 15, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Franklin Norfolk Burley (NSN: 251231), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while participating in aerial flight as a member of Fighting Squadron EIGHTEEN (VF-18), embarked in U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), in operations against enemy aircraft and military installations on Northern Formosa on 12 October 1944. As pilot of a carrier-based fighter he shot down three enemy aircraft despite numerical superiority of the enemy, resulting on one occasion in preventing an attack and the complete routing of the enemy formation. Earlier, on this same flight, in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, he made a direct bomb hit on an enemy workshop in Shininchiku Airfield which resulted in its complete destruction. His courage and skill were inspiring and were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.