CAPTAIN (then FIRST LIEUTENANT) SHERMAN H. BURKE, 062829, Infantry, Com-
pany "C", 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 29 April
1951, near Seoul, Korea, Captain BURKE'S unit had the mission of occupying a
blocking position in the rear of a second company's flank. In order to do this
and restore the main line of resistance which the enemy had penetrated, it was
necessary to seize a hill in the area which was believed to be lightly occupied.
Captain Burke and his platoon started at daylight to advance along a ridge,
when a well-entrenched and heavily-armed enemy force opened fire, causing
casualties and halting the advance. Although greatly outnumbered, Captain Burke,
encouraged and directed their efforts, that the enemy's attempts to eject his
troops from the ridge were futile. Again ignoring the intense enemy fire, com-
ing from three directions, Captain Burke, moving from one place to another,
supervised every element of his unit; and after placing preparatory fields of
fire on the hostile positions, he led the unit in a coordinated attack, killing
at least five enemy snipers as he moved forward, ahead of the assault. Captain
BURKE'S outstanding exhibition of gallantry and aggressive leadership reflects
the highest credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the military
service from the State of California.

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