# 126623 - 1982 PRA John Burke
Birth Of Arleigh Burke
Burke received his education in Boulder, but a 1918 influenza outbreak closed down the schools and he never graduated from high school. He then received an appointment to the US Naval Academy, from which he graduated in 1923.
In 1944, Burke was promoted to Chief of Staff to the Commander of Task Force 58, a position he held until the end of the war. After the war, he took command of the USS Huntington, was promoted to rear admiral, and served as Navy Secretary on the Defense Research and Development Board.
When the Korean War broke out, Burke was made Deputy Chief of Staff to Commander Naval Forces, Far East. He was then given command of Cruiser Division Five. In July 1951, Burke was made a part of the UN Truce Delegation, helping to negotiate an armistice. After that, he served as Director of Strategic Plans Division until 1954. Burke then commanded Cruiser Division Six and Destroyer Force Atlantic Fleet before being made Chief of Naval Operations.
As Chief of Naval Operations, Burke worked 15-hour days, six days a week. He supported the creation of a nuclear-powered submarine force and submarine-launched ballistic missiles, which led to the Polaris missile program.
During his career, Burke received some of the highest medals and citations the Navy offered. These included the Navy Cross (three times), the Navy Distinguished Service Medal (twice), the Legion of Merit (four times), and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Birth Of Arleigh Burke
Burke received his education in Boulder, but a 1918 influenza outbreak closed down the schools and he never graduated from high school. He then received an appointment to the US Naval Academy, from which he graduated in 1923.
In 1944, Burke was promoted to Chief of Staff to the Commander of Task Force 58, a position he held until the end of the war. After the war, he took command of the USS Huntington, was promoted to rear admiral, and served as Navy Secretary on the Defense Research and Development Board.
When the Korean War broke out, Burke was made Deputy Chief of Staff to Commander Naval Forces, Far East. He was then given command of Cruiser Division Five. In July 1951, Burke was made a part of the UN Truce Delegation, helping to negotiate an armistice. After that, he served as Director of Strategic Plans Division until 1954. Burke then commanded Cruiser Division Six and Destroyer Force Atlantic Fleet before being made Chief of Naval Operations.
As Chief of Naval Operations, Burke worked 15-hour days, six days a week. He supported the creation of a nuclear-powered submarine force and submarine-launched ballistic missiles, which led to the Polaris missile program.
During his career, Burke received some of the highest medals and citations the Navy offered. These included the Navy Cross (three times), the Navy Distinguished Service Medal (twice), the Legion of Merit (four times), and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.