John Bourke was appointed the the U.S. Military Academy at West Point following his war service, and graduated with the Class of 1869. While he earned the Medal of Honor in actions that occurred before attending the Academy, his award was not presented until nearly twenty years after he graduated. During service in the Indian Wars, he was serving with General Crook at the surrender of Geronimo and his band. He retired from military service as a U.S. Army Captain.