THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

BURKE Morris David

W81049, Sergeant, Royal New Zealand Air Force

CITATION

Air Force Medal

Gazetted 9 November 1973, Issue 46123, p13351

Sergeant Burke joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a Boy Entrant in January 1963 and has served subsequently as an airframe mechanic and fitter at R.N.Z.A.F. Bases, Ohakea, Woodbourne and Auckland.  In February 1968 he trained as a helicopter crewman and is currently serving a second tour on No. 3 Squadron in that capacity.

He has flown as a 'crew member in Iroquois aircraft on 29 search and rescue and medical evacuation missions.  On 16th May 1972 Sergeant Burke was the crewman on an Iroquois, helicopter called in to rescue a party of rock hunters who had previously been lost in the Kaimai Ranges near Te Aroha. The party which included elderly persons had to be lifted 120, feet from a narrow stream bed. Heavy driving rain with reduced visibility and severe turbulence creating pronounced cable oscillation made conditions for the rescue hazardous. In these difficult circumstances Sergeant Burke completed seven double winch ascents, and displayed great skill and complete disregard for his personal safety in succesfully and speedily accomplishing the rescue.  It is considered fitting that Sergeant Burke's performance merits this well earned award.

KNOWN AWARDS

Air Force Medal

New Zealand Operational Service Medal

New Zealand General Service Medal 1992 - Warlike

Vietnam

Queen's Vietnam Medal

Royal New Zealand Air Force Long Service & Good Conduct Medal

New Zealand Defence Service Medal

Regular

NOTES

Born 19 June 1946 Whangarei, New Zealand

Died