New York J 2035: Commending United States Army Air Corps 2nd Lieutenant Joseph L. Burke posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as a recipient of the Liberty Medal

Bill Text

Bill Search and Legislative Information | New York State Assembly 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Skip to main content 

 New York State Assembly

 Speaker Carl E. Heastie

 --> 
 --> 

 --> 

• 
 Assembly Members 

• 
 Legislative Info 

• 
 Public Hearings 

• 
 Speaker's Press 

• 
 Assembly Reports 

• 
 Committees & More 

• Bill Search Home
• Laws
• Legislative Calendar
• Public Hearing Schedule
• Assembly Calendars
• Assembly Committee Agenda 

 Javascript must be enabled to properly view this page. 

 Bill No.: 

• Summary 
• Actions 
• Committee&nbspVotes 
• Floor&nbspVotes 
• Memo 
• Text 
• LFIN 
• Chamber&nbspVideo/Transcript 
J02035 Summary:

BILL NOJ02035 

&nbsp

SAME ASNo Same As

&nbsp

SPONSORASHBY

&nbsp

COSPNSR

&nbsp

MLTSPNSR

&nbsp

&nbsp

Go to top J02035 Actions:

BILL NOJ02035 

&nbsp

04/30/2026REFERRED TO FINANCE

05/05/2026REPORTED TO CALENDAR FOR CONSIDERATION

05/05/2026ADOPTED

Go to topJ02035 Committee&nbspVotes:

Go to topJ02035 Floor&nbspVotes:

There are no Assembly votes for this bill in this legislative session.

Go to topJ02035 Text:

Senate Resolution No. 2035

BY: Senator ASHBY

 COMMENDING United States Army Air Corps 2nd
 Lieutenant Joseph L. Burke posthumously upon the
 occasion of his designation as a recipient of the
 Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
 individual by the New York State Senate

 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished individuals whose service to this Nation and
the State of New York exemplifies the highest standards of courage,
sacrifice, and devotion to duty; and

 WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend United States Army Air Corps 2nd Lieutenant Joseph L. Burke
posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as a recipient of the
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate; and

 WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

 WHEREAS, Joseph Leroy Burke, affectionately known as "Roy," was born
in February 1914 and raised in Troy, New York, the beloved son of
William J. Burke and Kathryn Agnes Burke; and

 WHEREAS, A graduate of Catholic Central High School in 1932, Joseph
L. Burke furthered his education at Siena College and, through the
Civilian Pilot Training Program, demonstrated early his passion for
aviation and service to his country; and

 WHEREAS, In 1940, he answered the call to duty by entering the
United States Army Air Corps as a cadet pilot, completing rigorous
training at the Chicago School of Aeronautics and the U.S. Army Advanced
Flying School at Maxwell Field, Alabama, and earning his commission as a
Second Lieutenant and designation as a pursuit pilot in April 1941; and

 WHEREAS, Joseph L. Burke was assigned to the 3rd Pursuit Squadron,
24th Pursuit Group, in the Philippines, where he stood ready in defense
of freedom during a time of mounting global conflict; and

 WHEREAS, Following the outbreak of hostilities in the Pacific during
World War II, and after the destruction of his squadron's aircraft, he
continued to serve with valor, ultimately fighting as part of the
defense of Corregidor before its fall in May 1942; and

 WHEREAS, Captured by enemy forces, Joseph L. Burke endured the
brutal conditions of captivity as a Prisoner of War at Cabanatuan,
exemplifying extraordinary resilience and fortitude in the face of
hardship; and

 WHEREAS, In January 1945, while being transported with fellow
American prisoners aboard unmarked vessels, Lieutenant Burke was
tragically killed when the transport ship was attacked, an event which
claimed the lives of hundreds of American service members; and

 WHEREAS, For decades, his remains were listed among the unknown, and
he was memorialized on the Wall of the Missing at the Manila American
Cemetery; and

 WHEREAS, Through the dedicated efforts of the Defense POW/MIA
Accounting Agency and the advancement of DNA technology, his remains
were positively identified in 2025, bringing long-awaited closure to his
family and restoring his name to his sacrifice; and

 WHEREAS, On Friday, May 1, 2026, the New York Army National Guard
Honor Guard solemnly welcomes United States Army Air Corps 2nd
Lieutenant Joseph L. Burke home to the Capital Region, conducting a
dignified transfer of his remains at Albany International Airport,
thereby honoring his service with the respect and reverence he so richly
deserves; and

 WHEREAS, Joseph L. Burke's legacy is one of unwavering patriotism,
selfless service, and ultimate sacrifice, and his life stands as a
testament to the enduring spirit of those who have defended the freedoms
we cherish; and

 WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and ab