Mass Militaria & Antiques

S1/c, SV-6 William J Burke

US Navy – Seaman 2nd class – LST 351

    William J. Burke was born on March 23, 1907, in Providence, Rhode Island, to John and Sarah (Hanley) Burke. Prior to his military service, he worked as a self-employed tile setter. He later married Helene Degnan Burke, and together they raised a family in Rhode Island.

    Enlistment and Naval Training

    William enlisted in the United States Navy on November 1, 1943, in Providence, Rhode Island. In early January 1944, he arrived at the U.S. Naval Training Station, Sampson, New York, where he completed his initial recruit training.

    By January 27, 1944, he was transferred to the Receiving Station, Naval Operating Base Norfolk, Virginia, where he began the next phase of preparation for assignment to fleet duty.

    Service Aboard LST-351

    On March 11, 1944, William reported aboard LST-351 as a Seaman Second Class (S2/c). Landing Ship, Tank (LST) vessels were designed to carry troops, vehicles, and heavy equipment directly onto enemy-held shores, placing their crews in close proximity to combat conditions.

    From March through December 1944, William remained aboard LST-351 as the ship took part in sustained operations supporting Allied amphibious landings and logistics efforts in the European Theater. Life aboard an LST involved long hours, confined spaces, and constant exposure to the dangers of naval warfare.

    D-Day and the Normandy Landings

    On June 6, 1944, LST-351 participated in the D-Day landings at Normandy. During the assault, the ship delivered troops, vehicles, and supplies directly onto the beaches while operating under enemy fire. The landings were marked by confusion, heavy losses, and the relentless movement of men and equipment ashore.

    As part of the crew, William supported shipboard operations during one of the largest amphibious assaults in history. In the days and weeks that followed, LST-351 continued ferrying critical supplies and reinforcements across the English Channel as Allied forces expanded their foothold in France.

    Stateside Duty and Specialized Training

    In January 1945, William returned to the United States and arrived again at the Receiving Station, Naval Operating Base Norfolk, Virginia. By March 1945, he entered specialized training at Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS), Jacksonville, Florida.

    While stationed at NAAS Jacksonville, William qualified in a specialized shipboard role and received the SV-6designation, indicating training for a specific operational specialty aboard naval vessels. Muster rolls from July 1945 still list him assigned to NAAS Jacksonville, suggesting he did not redeploy overseas before the war ended.

    Later Life and Passing

    William J. Burke passed away at the Veterans Administration Hospital at Davis Park following a short illness. He was survived by his wife Helene, two sons, a daughter, and extended family.