US Navy ADM Arleigh Burke: Navy Cross Recipient WWII

From October 30 to November 2, 1943, Captain Arleigh Burke led Destroyer Squadron 23 through uncharted, hostile waters in the Northern Solomons. Facing Japanese shore batteries, warships, and waves of enemy bombers, Burke launched aggressive daylight attacks, sinking five enemy ships and damaging four more. When 67 Japanese bombers retaliated, his squadron’s relentless anti-aircraft fire took down 17 planes and forced the rest to retreat. Burke’s bold leadership protected U.S. landings at Empress Augusta Bay—and earned him the Navy Cross.

Navy Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Arleigh Albert Burke (NSN: 57951/1100), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander of Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-THREE (DesSq-23), operating in the Northern Solomon Islands area during the period from midnight 30 October to noon 2 November 1943. Proceeding through unfamiliar and poorly charted waters, Commodore Burke, under terrific fire from hostile shore batteries and aerial attacks, participated in the initial bombardment of Buka-Bonis and the first daylight assault on Shortland-Faisi-Ballale. Against a Japanese Task Force of superior fire power, he fought his squadron with superb skill in a victorious engagement which resulted in the sinking of five enemy warships and the damaging of four. Later, when sixty-seven hostile bombers launched a deadly attack against his Task Force, Commodore Burke kept up a vigorous barrage of anti-aircraft fire which assisted in shooting down seventeen Japanese planes and driving off the others. His aggressive leadership and gallant conduct under fire contributed to the protection of our beachhead at Empress Augusta Bay and to the successful establishment of our land and air forces on the Bougainville Islands. His actions at all times were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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