Kevin Gail Burke

Kevin Gail Burke grew up in the small town of Anita in Cass County. He was the kid who could do everything, excelling at sports, debate, band, school paper editor while still finding time to learn to fly. He went to Notre Dame University where he received his commission through the ROTC program. His tour in Vietnam began July 7, 1968. He served with 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment of the Americal Division. While on patrol near Da Nang, his unit encountered a large force of NVA. During the intense fighting, 1st Lieutenant Burke volunteered to lead a rescue of men in another platoon. He personally carried two wounded men to safety but was killed while trying to save a third lying next to an enemy bunker. When his body was returned to Anita, townspeople spontaneously formed a day and night vigil. As one person stepped down, another moved in to fill the solemn rank that sometimes reached a dozen persons. Burke received the Distinguished Service Cross and Bronze Star for his heroism. He was buried in the Atlantic Memorial Cemetery.