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From Navy Wire Service, 2 January 1996

NWSA1404.  ADM Arleigh "31-knot" Burke dies
     BETHESDA, Md. (NWSA) -- Retired Navy ADM Arleigh Burke, the
U.S. Navy's most famous destroyer squadron combat commander and 
chief of naval operations from 1955 to 1961, passed away 
yesterday, Jan. 1, 1996, at National Naval Medical Center in 
Bethesda, Md.  He was 94 years old.
     The 42-year Navy veteran retired from active duty in 1961
after an unprecedented three terms as chief of naval operations. 
A 1923 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he was best remembered 
for his World War II command of Destroyer Squadron 23, who came 
to be known as the "Little Beavers" after their insignia based on 
the comic strip character.
     In the battle of Empress Augusta Bay, Bougainville, in
November 1943, Burke brilliantly distinguished himself in leading 
several torpedo attacks which sank a number of Japanese warships. 
At the end of the month he repeated his performance at the battle 
of Cape St. George, New Ireland.  The final score of Little 
Beavers' sinkings was one enemy cruiser, nine destroyers, one 
submarine and several small vessels, plus some 30 planes shot 
down.
     Burke's ability to lead his squadron in spectacular dashes
at high speeds earned him the nickname "31-Knot Burke."
     "The nation has lost a true hero," said Secretary of the
Navy John H. Dalton.  "Arleigh Burke was a patriot in the most 
classic tradition," said Dalton.  "He will be remembered as the 
very embodiment of honor, courage and commitment.  Our thoughts 
and prayers are with his family and friends."
     The Chief of Naval Operations ADM Mike Boorda said, "ADM
Arleigh Burke defined what it means to be a naval officer; 
relentless in combat, resourceful in command and revered by his 
crews.  He was a Sailor's Sailor.  The entire Navy grieves as it 
remembers '31-knot' Burke."
     The Navy recently named an entire class of destroyers, the
most modern and capable destroyers ever built, the "Arleigh Burke 
Class" after the World War II hero.  During the commissioning of 
USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) in 1991, Burke issued a characteristic 
challenge to the ship's crew.  "This ship is built to fight," he 
said.  "You'd better know how."
     Burke once described his approach to life as "... an old-
time philosophy -- a philosophy of realism.  You must always ask 
yourself the question, 'What is important in life?' ... I think I 
did my best and even tried to do a little more.  But I don't 
think it's very important that I be remembered ... the ideas I 
stood for should be remembered."
     He is survived by the former Roberta "Bobbie" Gorsuch, his
wife of more than 72 years.
                              -USN-