Commending United States Army Air Corps 2nd Lieutenant Joseph L. Burke posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as a recipient of the Liberty Medal

Senate Resolution No. 2035

BY: Senator ASHBY

        COMMENDING   United  States  Army  Air  Corps  2nd
        Lieutenant Joseph L.  Burke  posthumously  upon  the
        occasion  of  his  designation as a recipient of the
        Liberty Medal, the highest honor  bestowed  upon  an
        individual by the New York State Senate

  WHEREAS,  It  is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished individuals whose service to this  Nation  and
the  State  of  New  York  exemplifies the highest standards of courage,
sacrifice, and devotion to duty; and

  WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and  in  full  accord  with  its
long-standing  traditions,  this  Legislative  Body  is  justly proud to
commend United States Army Air Corps  2nd  Lieutenant  Joseph  L.  Burke
posthumously  upon the occasion of his designation as a recipient of the
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the  New
York State Senate; and

  WHEREAS,  The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is  awarded  to  individuals  who  have  merited  special
commendation  for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

  WHEREAS, Joseph Leroy Burke, affectionately known as "Roy," was born
in February 1914 and raised in  Troy,  New  York,  the  beloved  son  of
William J.  Burke and Kathryn Agnes Burke; and

  WHEREAS,  A graduate of Catholic Central High School in 1932, Joseph
L. Burke furthered his education  at  Siena  College  and,  through  the
Civilian  Pilot  Training  Program,  demonstrated  early his passion for
aviation and service to his country; and

  WHEREAS, In 1940, he answered the  call  to  duty  by  entering  the
United  States  Army  Air  Corps  as  a cadet pilot, completing rigorous
training at the Chicago School of Aeronautics and the U.S. Army Advanced
Flying School at Maxwell Field, Alabama, and earning his commission as a
Second Lieutenant and designation as a pursuit pilot in April 1941; and

  WHEREAS, Joseph L. Burke was assigned to the 3rd  Pursuit  Squadron,
24th  Pursuit Group, in the Philippines, where he stood ready in defense
of freedom during a time of mounting global conflict; and

  WHEREAS, Following the outbreak of hostilities in the Pacific during
World War II, and after the destruction of his squadron's  aircraft,  he
continued  to  serve  with  valor,  ultimately  fighting  as part of the
defense of Corregidor before its fall in May 1942; and

  WHEREAS, Captured by enemy  forces,  Joseph  L.  Burke  endured  the
brutal  conditions  of  captivity  as  a  Prisoner of War at Cabanatuan,
exemplifying extraordinary resilience  and  fortitude  in  the  face  of
hardship; and

  WHEREAS,  In  January  1945,  while  being  transported  with fellow
American  prisoners  aboard  unmarked  vessels,  Lieutenant  Burke   was
tragically  killed  when the transport ship was attacked, an event which
claimed the lives of hundreds of American service members; and

  WHEREAS, For decades, his remains were listed among the unknown, and
he  was  memorialized  on the Wall of the Missing at the Manila American
Cemetery; and

  WHEREAS, Through  the  dedicated  efforts  of  the  Defense  POW/MIA
Accounting  Agency  and  the  advancement of DNA technology, his remains
were positively identified in 2025, bringing long-awaited closure to his
family and restoring his name to his sacrifice; and

  WHEREAS, On Friday, May 1, 2026, the New York  Army  National  Guard
Honor   Guard  solemnly  welcomes  United  States  Army  Air  Corps  2nd
Lieutenant Joseph L. Burke home to  the  Capital  Region,  conducting  a
dignified  transfer  of  his  remains  at  Albany International Airport,
thereby honoring his service with the respect and reverence he so richly
deserves; and

  WHEREAS, Joseph L. Burke's legacy is one of  unwavering  patriotism,
selfless  service,  and  ultimate  sacrifice,  and  his life stands as a
testament to the enduring spirit of those who have defended the freedoms
we cherish; and

  WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at  home  and  abroad,
Joseph  L.  Burke  demonstrated  his  love  for  his  country and merits
forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and

  WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be  recognized,  commended
and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and
for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend United States Army Air Corps  2nd  Lieutenant  Joseph  L.  Burke
posthumously  upon the occasion of his designation as a recipient of the
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the New York State  Senate;
and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of United States Army Air Corps 2nd Lieutenant
Joseph L. Burke.