The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Gilbert F. Burk (ASN: 37247856), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 16 February 1945. When a forward observer of a heavy weapons platoon was seriously wounded by hostile fire in Manila, Private First Class Burk immediately went to the rescue. Alternately crawling and running over one hundred yards of exposed terrain, he successfully reached the casualty, grabbed him by the collar and dragged him back over the same hazardous route to safety. Private First Class Burk was slightly wounded in the neck while performing his heroic achievement. He was fatally wounded several months later during the advance on Baguio. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Burk, 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.