Louis Edward Burke, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Louis Edward Burke, Jr., Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron SIX (VB-6), embarked from the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in action against enemy Japanese forces in Kure Harbor, Japan, on 28 July 1945. Skillfully leading his group in an attack on major enemy Fleet units including battleships, aircraft carriers, cruisers and destroyers, many of which were camouflaged, Lieutenant Commander Burke piloted his aircraft through intense anti-aircraft fire both from enemy warships in the harbor and batteries on shore to score a direct bomb hit on the battleship. By his skillful airmanship and courage, Lieutenant Commander Burke contributed materially to the severe damage done to this vessel and to its ultimate sinking. His outstanding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 01701 (September 3, 1946)