Captain Burke was a member of the 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in South Korea on 14 January 1951.

Awards

Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V"
Purple Heart
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Combat Infantryman Badge

Awarded for actions during the Korean War:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" to Captain (Infantry) John H. Burke (ASN: 0-1288176), United States Army, for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an armed enemy on 26 September 1950 near Seoul, Korea. Captain Burke, while acting as observer in a forward point on Hill 262 for the mortar platoon of his company, directed approximately five hundred rounds of mortar fire upon an enemy force advancing toward our front lines. Captain Burke, constantly exposing himself to heavy small arms fire, voluntarily remained at his position and directed mortar fire to within twenty-five yards of his observation point. His courageous act materially aided in forcing the enemy to withdraw. The heroism displayed by Captain Burke on this occasion reflects great credit on himself and the military service.