Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Mannert L. Abele (DD-733)

    Action Date:

    April 12, 1945

    Commander Destroyers Pacific: Serial 04069 (November 17, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Harry W. Burns, United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Executive Officer and Evaluator in the Combat Information Center of the U.S.S. MANNERT L. ABELE (DD-733) in the vicinity of Okinawa on 12 April 1945. Under his cool and capable leadership, correct and essential information was furnished to conn and control, which enabled the ship to fight to the best of her ability. Although wounded, he stayed on his station and continued to furnish vital information in an outstanding manner. With the ship sinking rapidly he aided materially in the orderly abandoning of the ship, and by his initiative while in the water was responsible for the rescue of several men. His conduct was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.