PFC Robert C. Burke will be honored at a dedication ceremony in Quantico, Virginia on May 16, 2008. 

Robert C. Burke, a Monticello native, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on April 20, 1070 for his gallantry and bravery on May 17, 1968 at Go Noi Island, Vietnam.  PFC Robert C. Burke's parents received the Medal of Honor at a ceremony at the White House.

The Medal of Honor marks Robert Burke's sacrifice for his country and his brothers.  In addition, the honors to his memory are numerous.  In his hometown of Monticello, Illinois, a wall at the Piatt County Courthouse displays photos and awards, including the actual Medal of Honor he earned on Go Noi Island.  A City Park in Monticello was renamed in his honor.  His name graces buildings and halls in USMC bases at the USMC Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, the Marine Base in Quantico, Virginia, and a street at the Camp Miramar Training Facility in California.

Recently Burke Hall and Anderson Hall in Quantico, Virginia, were town down and one much larger barracks was built in their place.  It houses 800 marines who are going through officers training. This new barracks will be named Anderson-Burke Hall.  The dedication ceremony will be held May 16, 2008 in Quantico, Virginia.

To learn more about the details of Mr. Burke's heroic actions on May 17, 1968, go to www.three27.com and go to the history page, scroll down to the article about Go Noi Island.

Contact person for the Burke family: 
  Marilyn Burke Barnett
  305 W. Commercial
  Box 104
  White Heath, IL 61884
  Home:  217.762.9502
  Office:  217.359.1514
  Cell:  217.722.4562