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CPL Phillip Ray Burke

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CPL Phillip Ray Burke

Birth
Denver, City and County of Denver, Colorado, USA
Death
1 Jan 1962 (aged 38)
Los Angeles County, California, USA
Burial
Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles County, California, USA Add to Map
Plot
Hillside, Map D31, Lot 6114, Space 1
Memorial ID
View Source
Navy Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Phillip Ray Burke (MCSN: 350206), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Squad Leader of Company A, First Battalion, Eighteenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces At Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 20 November 1943. Wounded while landing on the beach during the initial assault, Corporal Burke immediately organized a group of men and, despite heavy enemy machine-gun and rifle fire, gallantly attacked hostile positions with TNT charges until the ammunition was depleted. Sustaining further wounds the following day, he continued on in the action and courageously threw himself on an enemy hand grenade to save the lives of members of his section, receiving serious wounds in his right arm. By his indomitable fighting spirit, Corporal Burke contributed materially to the success of our operations, and his devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Navy Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Phillip Ray Burke (MCSN: 350206), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Squad Leader of Company A, First Battalion, Eighteenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces At Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 20 November 1943. Wounded while landing on the beach during the initial assault, Corporal Burke immediately organized a group of men and, despite heavy enemy machine-gun and rifle fire, gallantly attacked hostile positions with TNT charges until the ammunition was depleted. Sustaining further wounds the following day, he continued on in the action and courageously threw himself on an enemy hand grenade to save the lives of members of his section, receiving serious wounds in his right arm. By his indomitable fighting spirit, Corporal Burke contributed materially to the success of our operations, and his devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.


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