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.