The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Brigadier General Thomas E. Bourke (MCSN: 0-96), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Division Artillery Officer of the SECOND Marine Division and Commanding Officer of the Tenth Marines from 23 December 1940 to 10 December 1943. During this period, he displayed the highest qualities of leadership and outstanding professional knowledge in all matters pertaining to artillery. He organized and directed the technical and tactical training of the Tenth Marines from 23 December 1940 to 10 December 1943. During this period, he displayed the highest qualities of leadership and outstanding professional knowledge in all matters pertaining to artillery. He organized and directed the technical and tactical training of the Tenth Marines with such excellent judgment and exceptional skill that the units of this Regiment operated under his direction at Guadalcanal and Tarawa against enemy Japanese forces with outstanding results, contributing greatly to the success of these operations. During his entire service in the SECOND Marine Division his sound judgment, tactical knowledge, loyalty, devotion to duty and whole-hearted cooperation contributed materially to the efficiency of the Division and were of valuable assistance to the Division Commander, particularly during the critical stages of the Battle of Tarawa, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Brigadier General Bourke is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)