b. 22/04/1841 New Haven, Connecticut. d. 29/05/1911 Portland, Oregon.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 20/09/1862 Shepherdstown, Virginia.
Daniel W Burke MOH
Burke was born in New Haven, Connecticut on 22 April 1841. He enlisted into the Army from Connecticut in June 1858. On 20 September 1862 Burke’s unit had retreated across the Potomac during the Battle of Shepherdstown. Upon learning that a piece of artillery remained unspiked and accessible to the enemy, Burke returned in order to spike the gun. Although prevented from successfully completing this task due to heavy fire, Burke was awarded the Medal of Honor for this display of bravery though didnt receive it until 21 April 1892.
Burke was subsequently commissioned a second lieutenant in 1862 with the date of rank being 18 July 1862 and then first lieutenant in July 1863. At the time of his retirement from the army on 21 October 1899 he was a brigadier general.
MOH CITATION:
Voluntarily attempted to spike a gun in the face of the enemy.
BURIAL LOCATION: ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA.
SECTION 2, GRAVE 3739
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
