The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant John Francis Burke (MCSN: 0-29765), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Naval Gunfire Spotter in a team of the Third Joint Assault Signal Company, Headquarters Battalion, THIRD Marine Division, and temporarily attached to Company A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 3 March 1945. Although wounded during the fierce exchange of hostilities, First Lieutenant Burke steadfastly refused to be evacuated and, repeatedly exposing himself to the enemy mortar and machine-gun barrages in order to obtain accurate observations of Japanese targets, stubbornly persisted in conducting naval gunfire. Returning from the front lines, he was wounded a second time by a mortar shell which killed one and wounded two members of his team. Resolutely disregarding his own condition, he aided his fallen comrades despite the continuous fire, then attempted to cross the exposed area for medical assistance. Struck down by a burst of artillery fire, he sustained fatal wounds to which he subsequently succumbed. Unfaltering in his skill and judgment throughout the bitter conflict, First Lieutenant Burke, by his dauntless determination and valiant fortitude in the face of tremendous odds, rendered invaluable service, and his indomitable fighting spirit throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.