Thomas Burke

One captured battle flag made Thomas M. Burke's name part of the history of the American Civil War. An Irish-born Union cavalryman, Burke demonstrated extraordinary courage during the fighting at Hanover, Pennsylvania, on 30 June 1863, earning recognition as a Medal of Honor recipient.

Burke was born in Ireland in 1842 and served as a Private in Company A, 5th New York Cavalry, also known as the Ira Harris Cavalry. During the Gettysburg Campaign, his regiment became heavily engaged in the cavalry fighting at Hanover. Amid the intense action, Burke captured an enemy battle flag, an achievement that became the defining moment of his military service. His official Medal of Honor citation records the deed in four words: "Capture of battle flag."

The New York State Military Museum's regimental history also recognises Burke among three members of the 5th New York Cavalry who received the Medal of Honor for distinguished gallantry. While the official award record identifies him as a Private at the time of his action, the later regimental history refers to him as Sergeant. His Medal of Honor was formally presented on 11 February 1878, nearly fifteen years after the battle.

Thomas M. Burke died on 15 March 1902 and was laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Woodside, New York. His story remains a testament to the courage of the ordinary soldiers who performed extraordinary acts during America's defining conflict. Through his capture of a battle flag at Hanover, Burke secured his place among the United States Army's Civil War Medal of Honor recipients.