THE WALL OF FACES

ALWAYS IN MY THOUGHTS. A MAN OF HONOR

FINALILY MADE IT TO THE WALL TO PAY MY RESPECTS TO KEVIN. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER. GOD BLESS ON THIS MEMORIAL DAY 5/28/18

i was Kevin's Battalion Commander in Vietnam. Initially Kevin was the Battalion S-1 (Personnel Officer). Kevin kept begging me to let him be an Infantry Platoon Leader in the field. He wanted to lead combat soldiers. I finally agreed and my last words to him were "keep your head down and take care of your troops. The rest is history as his citation for the DSC describes. I submitted the request for his award. I will never forget Kevin. What a great American. He died trying to save his soldiers. Later His Father Gail Burke and I corresponded and Gail told me about the Anita Airport dedication. I would like to renew contact with Gail and am searching my files to get his address. Kevin Burke's exploits are etched in my memory. Rest in Peace Kevin Burke. Sam WETZEL Lieutenant General US Army Retired, Columbua GA (age 87) Oct 23, 2017.

Dear Lt Kevin Burke,
Thank you for your service as an Infantry Unit Commander. I wish that you had not passed in the same month as your birthday. sigh. It is important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Kevin Gail Burke
Date of birth: 9-Nov-44
Date of death: Killed in Action
Home of record: Anita Iowa
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Distinguished Service Cross


Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Kevin Gail Burke (ASN: 0-5539311), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. First Lieutenant Burke distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 November 1968 as a platoon leader on a combat sweep operation near the village of Tan My in Quang Tin Province. During a battle with a large force of North Vietnamese regulars, Lieutenant Burke volunteered to lead fifteen men to rescue several wounded and dead comrades who lay at the base of a hill. Throwing hand grenades and firing his rifle, he came within twenty meters of the hostile positions as he worked his way down the hill. After reaching the casualties, he supervised their evacuation and remained behind to provide covering fire, killing at least five of the communists. When his men had escaped, Lieutenant Burke attempted to rescue a seriously injured man who lay next to an enemy bunker. Braving North Vietnamese machine gun fire, he charged the fortification and while returning fire with his rifle, was mortally wounded by the hostile fusillade. First Lieutenant Burke's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 392 (February 4, 1969)

Action Date: 20-Nov-68

Service: Army

Rank: First Lieutenant

Company: Company A

Battalion: 4th Battalion

Regiment: 31st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade

Division: Americal Division