The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Thomas M. Burke (MCSN: 1072876), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations against enemy aggressor forces near Seoul, Korea, on 24 September 1950. Observing an enemy machine gun nest on the right flank of his platoon during the assault on a heavily fortified position, Private First Class Burke fearlessly exposed himself to intense hostile fire to attack the position single-handedly, killing two of the enemy, wounding another and destroying the machine gun. By his courageous initiative and fighting spirit, Private First Class Burke aided materially in furthering the advance of his platoon, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.