The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Seaman Second Class Raymond P. Burke, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service rendered when the U.S.S. WILLIAM ROCKEFELLER was sunk by a torpedo on the night of 18 May 1918. Seaman Burke remained at his station until the ship was so far down at the stern end that the guns could not be manned. Burke went to the magazines, opened the same, and stood by until called to see that ammunition was sent to the guns.