Burns arrived at Pearl Harbor 17 September 1943 and after a few weeks of training, embarked upon an outstanding World War II career.

Shortly thereafter Burns, as a unit of Task Group 50.9 (TG 50.9), took part in a surface action off Truk, Caroline Islands (17 February 1944).

She assisted in sinking Katori at 07°45' N. 151°20' E., and a trawler before being ordered to track down and dispose of the CH-24, which was accomplished at 1655 in 07°24' N., 150°30' E. Six Japanese survivors were rescued.

Burns was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register 1 November 1972, and sunk as a target 20 June 1974.

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.