Navy Federal Credit Union

Edmund Burrough graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1914. He retired as a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Cleveland (CL-55)

    Action Date:

    1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Edmund Weidmann Burrough (NSN: 0-8591), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer the U.S.S. CLEVELAND (CL-55) during operations in the Solomon Islands. His ship operated with the Covering Force during the occupation of Russell Island, was a unit in Task Force SIXTY-EIGHT on the night of 28 January 1943, when this force was heavily attacked by enemy torpedo planes, during which the cruiser CHICAGO was lost and many enemy planes destroyed. She participated in the bombardment of enemy defenses and air field on Kolombangara Island on the night of 5 – 6 March 1943. Prior to the bombardment the Task Force of which CLEVELAND was a unit engaged and sank in Kula Gulf two enemy warships, which opposed the bombardment. During these operations the vessel under Captain Burrough’s command was continually threatened by enemy submarines and enemy attack by bombing and torpedo planes. By his courage, determination and good seamanship, and by the efficiency of his ship’s organization he has contributed to the successful operations against the enemy in the Solomons area. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Burrough is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    June 25, 1943 – August 31, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Edmund Weidmann Burrough (NSN: 0-8591), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Senior Naval Member of the Joint War Plans Committee from 25 June 1943 to 28 March 1945, as Director of Post War Planning from 30 April 1945, and in addition Assistant Chief of Naval Operations for Logistics Plans from 24 July 1945 to 31 August 1945. Through the exercise of extraordinary foresight, judgment, great initiative, and displaying a profound grasp of the principles of war, he had a vital part in perfecting the strategic plans by which the United States and Allied forces achieved victory. Subsequently he directed preparation of the plans on which were based the structure of the Navy after the cessation of hostilities. His outstanding performance of complex and exacting duties contributed materially to the prosecution of the war.