Lloyd Leslie Scooter Burke

U.S. Army
Medal Of Honor, Korea

 Photo Courtesy of HomeOfHeroes.com

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When enemy fire pinned down leading elements of his company, First Lieutenant Burke left the command post to rally and urge the men to follow him toward three bunkers impeding the advance. Dashing to an exposed vantage point he threw several grenades at the bunkers, then, returning for an M1 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 three of its occupants attempting to surround him. Ordering his men forward he charged the third emplacement while 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 machinegun and three boxes of ammunition, 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 two mortar emplacements and a machinegun 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.

Scooter Burke served as an Army Engineer in Europe in World War II, then earned both the Medal of Honor and Distinguished Service Cross in Korea. His third war was far more brief. Burke was in Vietnam only eight days when the helicopter he was in was shot down and he was evacuated home for nine months of treatment for his wounds.

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