After World War II, William Burke transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1966 as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General.
Sponsored by:
William
Burke
POW (WWII)
1917
–
January 4, 2003
Born:
Wilkes-Barre
,
Pennsylvania
Awards Received
-
Prisoner of War Medal
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Division:
Prisoner of War (GermanyAction Date:
July 27, 1944 – May 1945
NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 3489Major (Air Corps) William Burke (ASN: 0-409947), United States Army Air Forces, was captured by German forces after he was shot down on 27 July 1944, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military Control at the end of hostilities in May 1945.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
766th Bombardment SquadronRegiment:
461st Bombardment GroupAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) William Burke (ASN: 0-409947), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Medium Bomber of the 766th Bombardment Squadron, 461st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.