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| PERSONALIA |
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| Name: |
Burke, Arleigh Albert "31-Knot Burke" |
| Date of birth: | October 19th, 1901 (Boulder/Colorado, United States)
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| Date of death: |
January 1st, 1996 (Bethesda/Maryland, United States)
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| Buried on: |
United States Naval Academy Cemetery |
| Nationality: |
American |
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BIOGRAPHY:
Service number: 57951/1100.
For his service after the Second World War he received a third Navy Distinguished Service Medal.
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DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL - NAVY/USMC
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Rank:
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Captain
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Unit:
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Destroyer Divisions 43 and 44, later Destroyer Squadron 12 and 23, U.S. Navy
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Action:
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Citation:
"For exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding Officer of a Destroyer Division and subsequently a Destroyer Squadron operating against enemy Japanese forces in the South Pacific Area from early February to December 1, 1943. Throughout this period, Captain Burke led his forces in many offensive operations. His indomitable fighting spirit and great personal courage contributed directly to the success of our forces in that area and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
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NAVY CROSS
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Rank:
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Captain
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Unit:
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Destroyer Squadron 23, U.S. Navy
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Action:
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Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander of a Destroyer Squadron operating in the Northern Solomon Islands area during the period from midnight 30 October to noon 2 November 1943. Captain Burke's squadron, as a part of a task force, participated in the first bombardment of the Buka-Bonis area and in the first daylight bombardment of the Shortland area. During the night of November 1 - 2, a heavier gunned Japanese naval force was met and decisively defeated with the loss to the enemy of one cruiser and four destroyers sunk, and an additional two cruisers and two destroyers damaged. The action contributed much to the success of our operations at Empress Augusta Bay. Thereafter, a heavy air attack by sixty-seven enemy dive bombers was fought off with a total of seventeen enemy planes being destroyed. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States."
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DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL - NAVY/USMC
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Rank:
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Commodore
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Unit:
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Command of Fast Carrier Task Force, Pacific, U.S. Navy
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Awarded on:
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May 30th, 1945
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Action:
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Citation:
"For exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility as Chief of Staff to Commander, First Carrier Task Force, Pacific, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War area from 15 December 1944 to 15 May 1945. Highly skilled in the planning and conduct of a prolonged series of operations in support of our assault and seizure of vital Japanese bases in the Pacific, Commodore Burke was in large measure responsible for the efficient control under combat conditions of the tactical disposition, the operation, the security and the explosive offensive power of his Task Force in its hold and determined execution of measures designed to force the capitulation of the Japanese Empire. Despite incessant attacks by overwhelming forces of hostile suicide boats and aircraft, he carried out all duties of his vast assignment with fine initiative and ability throughout the seizure of bases at Iwo Jima and Okinawa, including two carrier strikes on Tokyo, a carrier strike on the Kure Naval Base and an engagement with the Japanese Fleet on 7 April, in which several hostile men-o-'war were destroyed by our aircraft. On two occasions when the Flagship was damaged by enemy action, he directed the transfer of surviving staff personnel and ship records to another ship with a minimum of interruption to tactical command. His brilliant leadership, sound judgment and cool courage in the face of enemy fire were essential factors in the successful prosecution of the war, and his valiant devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon Commodore Burke, his command and the United States Naval Service."
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Details:
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Commander First Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0553 (May 30, 1945).
This award was obtained in the form of an Gold Star to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
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SILVER STAR
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Rank:
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Commodore
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Unit:
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Command of First Carrier Task Force, Pacific, U.S. Navy
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Action:
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Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Chief of Staff to Commander, First Carrier Task Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area, on 11 May 1945. When the Flagship on which he was embarked was hit by two enemy suicide dive bombers, Commodore Burke proceeded to a compartment in which personnel were trapped by fire and heavy smoke, and succeeded in evacuating all hands. When the Flagship to which he had removed his staff was in turn hit by a suicide plane on 14 May, he against arranged for the transfer of his command to a new ship. In spite of all the difficulties, Commodore Burke maintained tactical control of the Task Force throughout, thereby contributing materially to the success of the operations and reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service."
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LEGION OF MERIT - US MILITARY
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Rank:
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Captain
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Unit:
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Commander Destroyer Squadron 23 / U.S. Navy
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Details:
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With Combat "V" to be attached on the ribbon of the award.
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LEGION OF MERIT - US MILITARY
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Rank:
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Commodore
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Unit:
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Chief of Staff to Commander Carrier Task Force / Pacific Fleet / U.S. Navy
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Details:
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This award was obtained in the form of an Gold Star to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
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PURPLE HEART
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Action:
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For wounds received while serving on board the USS Conway during July 1943.
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