Jackson D. Burke

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jackson D. Burke, Sergeant Major, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Cantigny, France, May 28 – 30, 1918. Sergeant Major Burke showed exceptional energy, bravery, and loyalty to duty. At one period of the fight it was necessary to send a message of great importance to the regimental commander. It was considered impossible for a runner to reach regimental headquarters because of the intensity of the enemy fire. He nevertheless volunteered to carry the message, and by crawling several hundred yards through machine-gun fire he successfully executed his mission.