E. Michael Burk Explained

E. Michael Burk
Birth Date:1847
Death Date:February 3, 1878
Birth Place:Ireland
Death Place:New York City
Placeofburial:St. Mary's Cemetery
Serviceyears:1862 - 1865
Rank:Private
Unit: 125th Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry
Battles:Battle of Spotsylvania Court House
Awards: Medal of Honor

Private E. Michael Burk (1847 – February 3, 1878) was an Irish soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Burk received the United States' highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in Virginia on 12 May 1864. He was honored with the award on 1 December 1864.[1] [2] [3]

Biography

Burk was born in Ireland in 1847. He joined the 125th New York Infantry in August 1862, claiming to be 18 years old. He was captured following the Battle of Harpers Ferry, but was paroled the next day. After his Medal of Honor action, he remained in the hospital until his regiment was mustered out.[4] Burk died on 3 February 1878[2] and his remains are interred at the St. Mary's Cemetery.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Civil War (A-L) Medal of Honor Recipients . 22 October 2013 . 3 March 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160303175923/http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/civwaral.html . dead .
  2. Web site: E. Michael Burk . 22 October 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131029192444/http://projects.militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=685 . 29 October 2013 . live .
  3. Web site: Burk, E. Michael . 22 October 2013.
  4. http://dmna.ny.gov/historic/reghist/civil/rosters/Infantry/125th_Infantry_CW_Roster.pdf Regimental Roster