UNSUNG HERO

REMEMBERING ONE OF OUR UNSUNG HEROES!

NAVY STEWARD MATE 2ND CLASS (StM2c) MILES S. BURKE!

StM2c Burke reported aboard the destroyer, USS Bush DD-528 on May 26, 1944.

In the segregated US Navy of World War II, Black-American men like StM2c Burke all had general duties as Steward’s Mates or Officers Cooks when serving aboard ship.

They were part of the Supply Division, reporting through the ship’s Supply Officer. Their job was to attend to the officer’s quarters and in the wardroom.

StM2c Burke was a big, strong man with a lot of heart. His battle station was below deck, as part of the number 5 5-inch gun handling room team.

StM2c Burke hoisted the heavy projectiles from one of the ship’s 5-inch magazines to those in the handling room.

Many of StM2c shipmates believed he had all the physical attributes to make him the perfect Sailor for the job…