The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant George A. Burke (ASN: 6581084), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Bombardier of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 30th Bombardment Squadron), 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Allied Air Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area, over Soengi Patani, Malaya, on 15 January 1942. Sergeant Burke was the Bombardier in a B-17E type airplane which departed from an advanced base in Sumatra to attack an important enemy airdrome at Soengi Patani. Soon after the take-off, the formation became dispersed due to extremely bad weather conditions. However, when the plane arrived in the vicinity of the target, the weather broke sufficiently to permit a bombing run. Despite the heavy anti-aircraft fire, Sergeant Burke was able to score several direct hits on enemy concentrations, causing serious damage to grounded planes and to other installations. He has participated in more than thirty raids on the enemy and has, on every occasion, displayed gallantry of the highest type. His courage under fire and his devotion to duty have been an inspiration to the entire crew and are in keeping with the true fighting spirit and finest traditions of the United States Army Air Corps.