Medal of Honor: Lloyd L. Burke, Korean War, October 28,1951

Name: Lloyd L. Burke
Rank: First Lieutenant
War: Korean War
Date of Action: October 28, 1951
Unit: Company G, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division
Born: September 29, 1924 – Tichnor, Arkansas
Entered Service At: Stuttgart, Arkansas

Summary of Action

Near Chong-dong, Korea, First Lieutenant Lloyd “Scooter” Burke faced a desperate situation. His company had been shattered by withering fire from three enemy bunkers on a steep ridge—men were pinned down, and the attack had stalled. Refusing to let fear or fatigue stop him, Burke grabbed grenades, an M1 rifle, and charged the enemy positions alone.

He hurled grenades into one bunker, then engaged a second with his pistol and rifle, killing its crew. When a third bunker opened fire, Burke caught enemy grenades midair and threw them back before seizing a light machine gun and sprinting across open ground to a knoll overlooking the enemy. There, he poured devastating fire into the enemy ranks, killing dozens and breaking their counterattack.

Wounded but undeterred, Burke continued firing until his ammunition was spent, then led his men in a final assault that captured the objective. His fearless example transformed panic into victory and became one of the defining acts of heroism in Korea.

Medal of Honor Citation

BURKE, LLOYD L.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company G, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. Place and date: Near Chong-dong, Korea, 28 October 1951. Entered service at: Stuttgart, Ark. Born: 29 September 1924, Tichnor, Ark. G.O. No.: 43.
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 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, 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 three 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 seventy-five. Although wounded, he ordered more ammunition, reloading and destroying two 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 twenty-five more of the retreating enemy and securing the objective. 1st Lt. Burke’s heroic action and daring exploits inspired his small force of thirty-five troops. His unflinching courage and outstanding leadership reflect the highest credit upon himself, the infantry, and the U.S. Army.