The GURKE is named in honor of Pfc Henry Gurke of the United States Marine
Corps. Pfc Gurke was born 6 November 1922 in Neche, North Dakota. He attended
local schools and enlisted in the Marine Corps 15 April 1942. Joining the Second
Pack Howitzer Battalion of the Twenty-Second Marines, he shipped overseas on 10
July 1942 and landed at Apia, Opolu, British Samoa one month later. In September
he was transferred to "D" Company of the Third Raider Battalion, and in February
1943 he accompanied his unit to the Russell Islands, returning to Espiritu
Santos in March 1943. He was transferred to "M" Company, Third Raider Corps in
June. In November Private First Class Gurke came face to face with the enemy at
Empress Augusta Bay, Bougainville, Soloman Islands. On 9 November 1943, he
sacrificed his life in order that the BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle) man by his
side could continue to provide effective resistance to the enemy. For this
action he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. The citation was signed
by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and presented to his parents at ceremonies in
the Navy Department on 31 May 1944. USS Gurke (DD-783) is the first ship named
for Pfc Gurke.
