This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Ken Burch-Family
to remember
Burch, Francis, CPO.
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Retired and living in Evart, MI. with wife Elsie. Dad would never talk about the war. CPO Burch is buried in the Sylvan Cemetery, Osceola County, MI.
Other Comments:
I asked Dad on occasion about the war. He couldn't bring himself to talk about it. He did mention one time about a Japanese medium bomber ("Betty") ramming into his ship. Dad fought in 7 major battles in the Pacific. Torpedo hit the ship at one time and was sailed backwards to Pearl Harbor and then, I think, to Bremerton WA for repairs. Dad was on the USS Maryland on December 7, 1941. Can't imagine what he was thinking besides the horror and the anger. Dads job during engaging the enemy on board ship was the first turret. I couldn't get him to talk about that either. When not in combat, Dad was an electrician. He did stay with the USS Maryland for the duration of the war. I think that may be a bit unusual. After the war, Dad went into electronics and made his living. He sure was a good guy.
Worst Moment 1.Pearl Harbor Attack. 2.Total WWII Casualties (Approx.) 47 - KIA 82 - WIA 06 - MIA
Other Memories Battle Station: Turret#1 (after Pearl Harbor) Battle Damage: 1. Pearl Harbor Attack (1941)-Ship hit by 2 aerial bombs. 4 KIA. 2. Saipan (1944)-Ship hit by aerial torpedo. 0 KIA. 3. Philippines (1944)-Ship hit by Kamikaze ("Betty" medium bomber). 31 KIA. 4. Okinawa (1945)-Ship hit by Kamikaze. 53 casualties.
