On March 26, 1945, the USS Halligan (DD-584) provided fire support to troops on Okinawa, Japan, and covered minesweepers off the island's southwest coast. In the late afternoon, the destroyer detonated a mine that ignited the destroyer's forward magazines and caused a secondary explosion, which blew off the forward section of the ship, including its bridge. The Halligan remained afloat but was critically damaged and adrift. Two nearby U.S. Navy vessels rescued the Halligan’s surviving crew members before the ship grounded on a reef off Tokashiki island. Approximately half of the Halligan’s crew were killed in the incident with many of their remains not recovered.

Seaman First Class George J. Burch entered the U.S. Navy from Kentucky and was serving aboard the Halligan when it struck a mine off the south coast of Okinawa. He was among those lost in the incident and his remains were not recovered. Today, Seaman First Class Burch is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

Based on all information available, DPAA assessed the individual's case to be in the analytical category of Active Pursuit.

If you are a family member of this service member, DPAA can provide you with additional information and analysis of your case. Please contact your casualty office representative.