Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Field Artillery) Edward Bourke (ASN: 0-1166442), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 52d Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion (Self-Propelled), 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Taejon, Korea, on 16 July 1950. While returning from a reconnaissance he learned that his battalion had been cut off by a numerically superior enemy force which had established strong road blocks in the front and rear. After dispatching a runner to his battalion’s Service Battery with instructions to bring up all available machine guns he set about to reconnoiter the area. Observing several wounded men lying in exposed positions he unhesitatingly ran to their aid. After directing their safe evacuation he rallied small groups of soldiers and placed them in positions from which they returned small arms fire on the enemy in the surrounding hills, thereby neutralizing this source of the enemy’s strength. From the site of the nearest friendly artillery battery he established a wire line to an exposed position where observation of the enemy positions could be obtained. With artillery support of his beleaguered organization thus assured he fearlessly moved forward through intense fire and rejoined his unit to aid in its gallant fight. With complete disregard for safety he led a group of soldiers to a position in front of one enemy road block in an effort to eliminate it. Although he was wounded in this action and weak from the loss of blood he continued to advise and assist the besieged troops in their efforts. Throughout the fierce fight his exemplary leadership and aggressive attitude in the face of overwhelming odds served well to inspire those who fought about him. Major Bourke’s courageous actions, outstanding leadership, and complete devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Army Artillery.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Field Artillery)

    Batallion:

    52d Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AW) Battalion (SP)

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 177 (1951)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Field Artillery) Edward Bourke (ASN: 0-1166442), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy in Korea while serving with the 52d Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.