JFK PRESENTS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL TO ADMIRAL BURKE
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On July 26, 1961, President John F. Kennedy presented the Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Arleigh A. Burke* in a ceremony held in the White House Rose Garden.
The President said...
"I know of no American who is more devoted to his country, who is more willing to make any contribution that he can make to its welfare, and who more appropriately typifies the best qualities of the American serviceman."
JFK read the citation as follows...
"For exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States while serving as Chief of Naval Operations and member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from August 1955 to August 1961. Admiral Burke has displayed the same superb leadership, the same vigor and outstanding professional competence and highly successful combat operations in the Pacific Theater during World War II."
*Arleigh Albert Burke (1901-1996) was born in Boulder, Colorado & graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1923. He earned an MS degree in Engineering at the University of Michigan & served in the South Pacific during WWII. AAB also served in the Korean War & was Chief of Naval Operations under Presidents Eisenhower & Kennedy.
SOURCE
"Remarks at the Presentation of the Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Arleigh A. Burke," July 16, 1961, Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: John F. Kennedy, January 20 to December 31, 1961, United States Government Printing Office, 1962.
Admiral Burke with JFK & Jackie
Evelyn Lincoln's Office
May 5, 1961
Photo by Cecil W. Stoughton
JFK Library Image
