b. 29/09/1924 Tichnor, Arkansas. d. 01/06/1999 Hot Springs, Arkansas.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 28/10/1951 Chong-dong, Korea.
Lloyd L “Scooter” Burke MOH
In 1943, Burke was eighteen years old when he dropped out of Henderson State College (now Henderson State University) in Arkansas. He joined the United States Army and served two years during World War II with combat engineers in Italy. After being discharged, he joined the ROTC when he returned to Henderson State College, where the ROTC program today is nicknamed “Burke’s Raiders.” There he became a member of Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity. In 1950, he graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate.
After accepting his commission, he was dispatched to Korea five months later. At the time, he was the leader of Company G, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment. When Chinese forces crossed the Yalu River, Burke managed to lead his platoon to safety. As a result of his action, he was awarded the Silver Star, which was later upgraded to the Distinguished Service Cross, and two Purple Hearts.
Burke’s tour of duty was almost over in October 1951. The company was hindered by a large and well-entrenched Chinese force on Hill 200. The battle raged for days, with the 2nd Battalion’s attacks being constantly repulsed. Burke dragged up a 57 mm recoilless rifle and shot three rounds at the closest enemy bunker. The bunker itself was a wooden-fronted structure covering a cave, which was dug into the overall hillside. The Chinese attacked American troops by hurling grenades from their trenches. Burke aimed his M1 rifle at the trench line and shot at every Chinese soldier who rose to throw a grenade. Unfortunately, the grenades were still being thrown. After firing an eight-round clip, Burke decided to take more drastic measures. As he recalled, “I considered myself a pretty fair shot, but this was getting ridiculous. I had to do something.”
After laying down his rifle, he took grenades and charged at the Chinese trench line. He jumped into the trench and shot six Chinese soldiers with a pistol and threw his grenade. The Chinese, now aware of his presence, began to target him with grenades of their own. He dodged several grenades and caught three, which he tossed back at the enemy. He then crawled up the hill and saw the main Chinese trench position. He then went down to collect the last functioning Browning 1919 machine gun and three cans of ammunition, and took it back up the hillside and mounted the gun. He then opened fire on the Chinese trench causing alot of confusion. He managed to cause enough disruption to make the Chinese feel they were under attack from a much larger force. They began to retreat. At the end of the engagement it was believed Burke had killed over 100 men. For his actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor at a White House ceremony on April 11, 1952, presented by President Harry S Truman.
Burke later served in Vietnam. He was the commanding officer of the 2nd Brigade, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, at Bien Hoa on 1965. On 22 July 1965, while commanding combat operations from a helicopter, Burke was shot down by small arms fire. He had to return to the United States and was hospitalized for an extended period of time. Once out of the hospital, he was assigned to Germany. Overall, he spent 35 years in the US Armed Forces, served as the Army’s liaison officer to the United States Congress, and retired with the rank of full colonel in 1978.
MOH CITATION:
1st Lt. Burke, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Intense enemy fire had pinned down leading elements of his company committed to secure commanding ground when 1st Lt. Burke left the command post to rally and urge the men to follow him toward 3 bunkers impeding the advance. Dashing to an exposed vantage point he threw several grenades at the bunkers, then, returning for an Ml rifle and adapter, he made a lone assault, wiping out the position and killing the crew. Closing on the center bunker he lobbed grenades through the opening and, with his pistol, killed 3 of its occupants attempting to surround him. Ordering his men forward he charged the third emplacement, catching several grenades in midair and hurling them back at the enemy. Inspired by his display of valor his men stormed forward, overran the hostile position, but were again pinned down by increased fire. Securing a light machine gun and 3 boxes of ammunition, 1st Lt. Burke dashed through the impact area to an open knoll, set up his gun and poured a crippling fire into the ranks of the enemy, killing approximately 75. Although wounded, he ordered more ammunition, reloading and destroying 2 mortar emplacements and a machine gun position with his accurate fire. Cradling the weapon in his arms he then led his men forward, killing some 25 more of the retreating enemy and securing the objective. 1st Lt. Burke’s heroic action and daring exploits inspired his small force of 35 troops. His unflinching courage and outstanding leadership reflect the highest credit upon himself, the infantry, and the U.S. Army.
BURIAL LOCATION: ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA.
SECTION 7A, GRAVE 155
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
