Arleigh Albert Burke, a famous World War II Navy commander, left his mark on his hometown of Boulder, and now his stamp will go on America’s mail.
Burke is among four Navy heroes depicted on the stamps that went on sale today. His family attended the unveiling Thursday morning at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., according to the Postal Service.
Burke was known as “31-Knot,” and his crews raced to engage in combat in the Pacific. In 22 battles under his command, Squadron 23 took out one cruiser, nine destroyers, one submarine and 30 aircraft, according to the Navy.
In his Colorado hometown, Burke Park at Thunderbird Lake is named after him.
Others featured on the stamps are:
• Petty Officer Doris “Dorie” Miller, 1919-43, was a cook who manned an anti-aircraft gun he had never been trained to use and fought off Japanese planes at Pearl Harbor. He was portrayed by Cuba Gooding Jr. in the 2001 movie “Pearl Harbor.”
• William S. Sims, 1858-1936, was commander of U.S. naval forces in Europe during World War I.
• John C. McCloy, 1876-1945, won two Medals of Honor and the Navy Cross for heroism.
Joey Bunch, The Denver Post
