Edward Joseph Burke

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Edward Joseph Burke, Captain, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. PLUNKETT (DD-431), during Landing Operations at Anzio, Italy, on 24 January 1944. When his ship was subjeced to the simultaneous heavy attacks of enemy bombers and torpedo planes, Captain Burke maneuvered his vessel with extreme skill and directed intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire on the hostile planes. Although the PLUNKETT suffered six near misses and a direct bomb hit during the sustained and vigorous engagement, he fought his ship so heroically that two of the enemy aircraft were destroyed and a third was observed retreating in smoke. Captain Burke’s courageous leadershp and decisive action throughout reflect great credit upon himself, his command and the United States Naval Service.

Commander, Naval Forces HAW: Serial 3293 (May 20, 1944)