The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sergeant Edward M. Burns (ASN: 36716672), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces Southwest Pacific Area, on 13 and 14 February 1945. During an attack on strong enemy defenses in South Manila, Luzon, Philippine Islands, Staff Sergeant Burns volunteered to bring up a rocket launcher and ammunition which was needed to destroy two strongpoints from which the enemy had repulsed infantry assaults. Crossing an open stretch of ground, he was suddenly subjected to withering enemy fire which forced both him and his comrade to take cover. Realizing the urgency of the situation, he picked up all the ammunition and courageously dashed across 25 yards of open terrain, reaching his objective, and delivering the rocket launcher which was successfully employed in the destruction of the enemy emplacements. On the next day, his company attacked a strongly fortified building from which the enemy was directing heavy machine gun and rifle fire as well as throwing hand grenades with devastating effect. Aware of the danger of remaining in the vulnerable position, Staff Sergeant Burns unhesitatingly led his squad forward, deployed them to furnish him with covering fire, and without regard for his own safety, moved forward alone through the exposed area until he reached the building. He then began the systematic destruction of the enemy, throwing hand grenades into the windows as he passed form one opening to another until he had completely neutralized the position. When the enemy suddenly opened fire from a flanking building, he immediately ran to the fire-swept and supervised the withdrawal of his men to the captured building where he quickly organized a position from which they destroyed adjacent enemy forces. As he was directing the fire of his squad, he was seriously wounded by mortar fire. Through his brilliant leadership and aggressive fighting spirit, Staff Sergeant Burns set an inspiration example of bravery, and directly contributed to the successful completion of his company’s mission. Staff Sergeant Burns’ extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.