| Graduation Year | Class of 1968 |
| Date of Passing | Dec 21, 1969 |
| About | Army SP4 Jeff Burke died at age 19 as a result of enemy fire in Vietnam. His helicopter was shot down and all but one of his team was killed. He was with the 75th Infantry Rangers of the U.S. Army, Ranger Team 1-6. His parents, Mary and Roy Burke were notified of his death on Dec. 23, the same day they received his last letter. Mr. Burke had been a POW in WWII. Jeff was part of Dowd's Dirty Half Dozen and you can find a lot of information and photos on the internet about his team, even a song tribute on youtube. On the Vietnam Veterans Memorial you can find Jeff's name on Panel 15W, Row 75. He was also the beloved brother of Carole Wilson and Michael Burke. Jeff is buried in Chartiers Cemetery. Jeff lost 2 brothers-in-law in the Vietnam War before he joined the Army. Fred Langer died in 1966 and Robert Wilson died in 1968. Then Jeff in 1969. ALL GAVE SOME, THE BURKE FAMILY GAVE ALL. Job well done. Rest in Peace, Nam brother. We miss you. "Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul...and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother." |
