World War II veteran Edward Burke dies at the age of 104
Edward Burke, a World War II veteran and longtime resident of Green Township, born August 9, 1920, died Saturday, June 22, at the age of 104.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Betty Lou Hudepohl. The couple had four daughters – Pat, Pam, Jennifer and Jayne – and one son – James Edward Burke.
While attending Xavier University, Burke joined the artillery group of the ROTC and began active military service the day after his graduation in 1942.
With his unit, the anti-tank battalion A-821, he took part in several military missions. His deployment took him to Normandy, the Breton peninsula, northern France, the Rhineland and Central Europe.
Eventually, he was appointed by General George Patton to command the A-821st Anti-Tank Battalion of the 29th Infantry Division during the Battle of the Bulge.
For his service in the Battle of the Bulge, he received the Silver Star for Gallantry in Action, the third highest personal award for bravery in U.S. combat operations.
He was also awarded the Bronze Star for his services in Saint-Lo, Villebaudon, Vire and Brest, and the French Croix de Guerre, the French Legion of Honor and the Medal of Honor of Luxembourg for the Battle of Vire.
“The term ‘great American’ is used a lot. I’ll tell you what, he was a great American,” said Tony Rosiello, Green Township trustee and longtime friend of Burke. “His flag is still flying proudly at his house this morning.”
Burke was a great asset to the West Side community, Rosiello said. He was proud to call West Side Cincinnati home and continued to give back to his community after the war through his work with the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
But Rosiello believes sharing his story was the greatest gift Burke gave to the community. He regularly spoke about his years of service at events and gatherings in Green Township, he added.
“As you go through life, through the neighborhood, you see people, say ‘hi,’ be friendly and stuff. You don’t know the background of some people who have done something really special in their lives because most people don’t talk about it. And I think it was important for Ed to get the story out there,” Rosiello said.
A funeral service will be held Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Meyer Funeral Home.
Mass will take place on Friday from 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes.
Following the mass, a burial with full military honors will take place at St. Joseph New Cemetery.
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