The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Second Lieutenant] James F. Burke, Jr., United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 23 April 1953, while serving with the first Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. When the Island of Taedo located in Wonsan Harbor underwent heavy artillery bombardment from enemy guns, resulting in numerous casualties and destruction of communications and gun emplacements, Captain Burke unhesitatingly volunteered to go to Taedo and reorganize its defenses. Despite the continuing, intense, hostile artillery fire, he succeeded in restoring gun emplacements and defenses, in evacuating the wounded, and in directing counter gunfire upon the enemy. By his outstanding courage and initiative in the face of hostile fire, he served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.