Patrick was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1835. Little is recorded about his life, but it is known that he was a farrier with the US Army’s 8th Cavalry and his actions from the 13th of August to the 31st of October 1868, earned him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:

Bravery in scouts and actions against Indians.

Records show Patrick began a second enlistment in the US Army on the 29th of January 1872, at Santa Fe, New Mexico, but was discharged due to disability on the 15th of November 1872. There is no recorded death date or place of burial for Patrick J Burke.