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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Thomas J. Burke (ASN: 12060859), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 5 October 1943, about one-half mile from *****, Italy. Private Burke, Scout, did without regard for his own personal safety, on his own initiative after his platoon leader had been killed, move forward under heavy fire from enemy automatic weapons, so that he might come within grenade throwing distance of a defiladed enemy position which was bringing fire on members of his platoon, a combat patrol. After coming within throwing distance of the enemy position, he threw two fragmentation grenades, the first landing near and the second in the enemy machine gun position, killing three and routing the remainder of one officer and seven enlisted men. Escaping enemy were killed by rifle and BAR fire. Such action is an example of the aggressiveness and courage of the American soldier and brings just credit to our Armed Forces.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    505th Parachute Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    82d Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    September 20, 1944
    Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 61 (November 30, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Thomas J. Burke (ASN: 12060859), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 20 September 1944, at ****, Holland. Corporal Burke was Assistant Squad Leader of a rifle squad of Company E, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in the attack on ****. He saw his squad leader killed by machine pistol fire from a house which covered the approach to the bridge over the Waal River. Corporal Burke courageously crossed the yard to the house within twenty yards range of the enemy’s weapons and secured a position in the doorway. Near the doorway lay a wounded member of his platoon who told Corporal Burke he had been wounded by fire from the first floor of the house. Corporal Burke called to the enemy to surrender. Receiving no answer and without thought to his own personal safety he entered the door of the house in an effort to expel the enemy. He was instantly killed by enemy fire from the stairway leading to the second floor. The initiative and aggressive action displayed by Corporal Burke has been characteristic of him through three campaigns. He was an inspiration to the men he led and his actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.