Roll of Honor

Burkheart, George W.

George William Burkheart was born on 13 November 1940 and raised by his mother, Louise Arnette. A native of Murfreesboro, Burkheart studied at Middle Tennessee State College, where he met his wife Sharon Smoyer. Burkheart commissioned from the university’s Reserve Officers Training Corps in January 1964 as an infantry officer and was sent to serve in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division. He earned his Airborne qualification and was awarded several medals during his short service. First Lieutenant Burkheart was killed in action while leading a recon patrol of the 101st Airborne on 03 September 1965 in the Quang Tri province and was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for his sacrifice. He had previously been awarded the Silver Star. He now rests peacefully at Evergreen Cemetery in Murfreesboro.

George is honored on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington DC. Name inscribed at VVM Wall, Panel 02e, Line 74.