The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Jacob Thompson Bullen, Jr. (NSN: 0-73333), United States Navy, for meritorious achievement as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BURNS (DD-588), from July 1944 to February 1945, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area. Maintaining his ship at a consistent high level of combat efficiency during this period of extended operations against the enemy, Commander Bullen rendered valiant service during the Marianas operations, the assaults on the Philippine Islands, the Morotai landings, the Leyte operation and the Lingayen Gulf landings. By his forceful leadership and professional skill, Commander Bullen was largely responsible for the outstanding combat record achieved by the BURNS during this critical period, and his gallant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Bullen is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)