b. 1847 Ireland. d. 03/02/1878 New York.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 12/05/1864 Spotsylvania, Virginia.
Burk was born in Ireland in 1847. He joined the 125th New York Infantry in August 1862, claiming to be 18 years old. He was captured following the Battle of Harpers Ferry, but was paroled the next day. After his Medal of Honor action, he remained in the hospital until his regiment was mustered out. He was presented with the Medal on 1 December 1864. Burk died on 3 February 1878 and his remains are interred at the St. Mary’s Cemetery.
MOH CITATION:
Capture of flag, seizing it as his regiment advanced over the enemy’s works. He received a bullet wound in the chest while capturing flag.
BURIAL LOCATION: ST MARY’S CEMETERY, TROY, NEW YORK.
SECTION 5, Lot 100
LOCATION OF MEDAL: NATIONAL ARCHIVES & RECORDS ADMINISTRATION, WASHINGTON DC.
