Burdick, Charles Austin, MoMM2c

Prior to enlisting in the Navy, Charles Burdick served with Company L, 1st Infantry in the New York Guard. His service dates covered from 12/30/1940 to 6/11/1943. Nothing else is known about this part of his military service.

USS Bonefish (SS-223) was on a war patrol in the Sea of Japan with two other submarines. Her last communication was during a rendezvous on June 18th. Captured Japanese records indicate that a Japanese vessel was sunk on June 19th and that during an intense counterattack a submarine was sunk with all hands. It is presumed that this was the Bonefish. Motor Machinists Mate Second Class Burdick was officially declared dead 15 July 1946.

Service number: 8094906

Submarine war patrols:
USS Puffer (SS-268) - 3rd through 5th
USS Bonefish (SS-223) - 6th through 8th

Navy Unit Commendation
For outstanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese shipping and combatant units during her Fourth War Patrol in the Celebes and Sulu Seas from April 30 to June 21, 1944. Operating in bold defiance of persistent and severe hostile counter measures, the USS Puffer daringly struck at heavily escorted Japanese convoys. Going in despite relentless opposition, she penetrated the enemy's formidable screens to press home her attacks, launching her torpedoes with devastating speed and precision to sink numerous valuable units of the Japanese Fleet. Skillfully handled by her valiant officers and men, she withstood merciless depth charges and repeatedly returned to deliver crushing blows to the enemy's vital life lines of supply. Her gallant fighting spirit and intrepid devotion to duty were exemplified in an outstanding combat record in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Navy Unit Commendation
For outstanding heroism in action during the First, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth War Patrols in enemy Japanese-controlled areas of the Pacific. Harassed continually and several times bombed by watchful and aggressive enemy aircraft, the USS Bonefish boldly penetrated the most forward combat areas to effect wide coverage of her assigned sectors and strike fiercely at important Japanese surface targets. Consistently ready for combat under the superb handling of her gallant officers and men, she defied heavy escort screens; she developed her contacts with determined aggressiveness and launched gunfire and torpedo attacks despite the severest hostile countermeasures to sink or damage many ships vital to the enemy's continued persecution of the war. In addition to her valiant combat achievements, the Bonefish rendered splendid lifeguard services during air strikes against hostile territory, effecting the rescue of two friendly pilots. Her outstanding record of success under the hazards and difficulties of prolonged patrols reflects the highest credit upon the Bonefish, her courageous, fighting ship's company and the United States Naval Service.