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MEMORIAL ARTICLE
Published Assembly Jan 2003
Robert O. Burke '46
No. 15898 * 7 Jan 1922 - 26 Dec 2001
Died in Redlands CA * Interred in Dearborne Mortuary, Poway,
CA
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Robert Oscar Burke was born in Tucson, AZ. When
he was six months old, his family migrated to Mexico City, Mexico
for a short time before moving on the San Diego, CA. Bob graduated
from George Washington High in Los Angeles, CA in 1939 where
he competed in track and gymnastics as well as being captain
of the football team. He went on to earn a BS in Civil Engineering
at the University of Southern California before gaining his appointment
to West Point. Bob joined the Class of 1946 on 1 July 1943.
His time at Southern Cal and his relaxed outlook on life helped
him take the rigors of cadet life in stride, even in B2 Company.
Classmate, John Molchan recalled: "He was much more mature
than the rest of us. I don't ever remember him being chewed out
by an upperclassman. Probably because he was so calm, cool and
collected." Bob was on the water polo team and lettered
on the swim team. At graduation, Bob pinned on the wings and
bars of a second lieutenant in the Army Air Corps. Bob married
his childhood sweetheart, Jennie Martin in the Cadet Chapel on
5 June 1946, the day after graduation.
After twin engine training at Enid AFB, OK, Bob was assigned
to the 43rd Bomb Wing, SAC in Tucson, AZ. In December 1946, Bob
attended the first class of Weaponeers at Albuquerque, NM thus
becoming a dual pilot/weaponeer on B-29 and B-50 crews. In 1951,
Bob was assigned to 15th AF Hqs, March AFB, CA. His next assignment
was to 12 AF Hqs in Europe. Back to the States, Bob was selected
to attend the U of Wyoming where he earned his masters in Industrial
Engineering. The Burkes then went to Elmendorf, AK where Bob
was involved in the design and construction of AF facilities.
In 1961, he was selected for the Air Command and Staff College,
Maxwell AFB, AL. Next he was assigned to HQ USAF Regional Civil
engineering Office, Dallas, TX. In 1966, Bob was selected to
attend the Army War College. While there he suffered a heart
attack and was removed from flying status. He next went to PACAFF,
Hawaii where he was in charge of all AF construction in the Pacific.
In 1970, Bob was assigned to MACV in Vietnam and then took command
of the 554th Red Horse Squadron in Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam. Back
to the States, bob commanded the 63rd Engineering Squadron at
Norton AFB, CA. He retired from the AF in 1973 as a Colonel.
Bob and Jennie bought two travel agencies in the Los Angeles
area and ran them until 1985 when they moved to the San Diego
area. Bob retired again in 1989 when he required open-heart surgery.
However, the Burkes continued to traverse the globe as much as
possible.
The Burkes travel days ended when Jennie developed kidney failure.
Her condition deteriorated and Bob moved to Redlands, CA for
her health. He devoted most of his time to taking care of Jennie
after the move. Bob died 27 December 2001 from complications
of his heart condition. Survivors include his wife, Jennie and
son Ronald and two grandsons.
As Bob Burke made his passage through life, he gained many friends.
The thoughts and remembrances of those who knew and loved him
say much about a very fine man, a true son of West Point.
Roommate, Don Hackney, just three months before his death, wrote:
"I will greatly miss Bob, my roommate for three years and
one of my very best friends. He and Jennie and I always got together
at al the '46 reunions. He had a wonderful wit and a keen sense
of humor. He was guided by loyalty, honest, love of family and
respect for others and 'Duty, Honor, Country.'"
John Molchan remembered: "Bob was one of the kindest, most
soft spoken men I have ever known. He was always upbeat in his
demeanor and exhibited the highest standards of Duty, Honor,
Country. He was a true friend and always had a smile on his face.
He will be missed by all of us."
Long time friend and flying companion, Bill Underwood, provided
remarks at the graveside service. He concentrated on Bob's flying
career, much of which Bill shared: "We did much flying together,
both in our careers and in our spare time. In Alaska, Bob bought
his own airplane and enjoyed flying all around Alaska in his
off duty time." To illustrate Bob's love of flying, Bill
recited a poem, "High Flight." Here are excerpts:
"Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced
on laughter - silvered wings…
I've topped the wind swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark or even eagle flew
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God."
Son, Ron, recalled his father: "Although a career US Air
Force officer, my dad's heart and loyalty always remained with
West Point. His cadet years gifted him with lifetime memories.
He cherished the people, events and experiences that enriched
his life while there. He lived his life with the spirit and tradition
of his West Point years. He was devoted to West Point, his classmates,
the Armed Forces and his country. He was proud to be a member
of the Long Gray Line."
When asked how he wanted to be remembered, Bob wrote: "As
one of the Long Gray Line who was dedicated to and remembered,
Duty, Honor, Country!"
The Class of 1946 is proud to add those words that would mean
so much to our classmate: "Well Done, Bob; Be Thou At Peace!"
'46 Memorial Article Project and his son, Ronald
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