Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

Company A, 1st Battalion, 18th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps

"For extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Squad Leader of Company A, First Battalion, Eighteenth Marines, Second Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 20 November 1943. Wounded while landing on the beach during the initial assault, Corporal Burke immediately organized a group of men and, despite heavy enemy machine-gun and rifle fire, gallantly attacked hostile positions with TNT charges until the ammunition was depleted. Sustaining further wounds the following day, he continued on in the action and courageously threw himself on an enemy hand grenade to save the lives of members of his section, receiving serious wounds in his right arm. By his indomitable fighting spirit, Corporal Burke contributed materially to the success of our operations, and his devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

Company A, 1st Battalion, 18th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps