In 2373, he fought on Ajilon Prime when it was attacked by Klingons during the Federation-Klingon War that year. His platoon was forced to withdraw in a hopper due to the Klingons' use of transport inhibitors. Chief Burke stayed behind to cover the hopper and eventually died due to injuries that he sustained during the battle. Jake Sisko was with Burke before his death. (DS9: "Nor the Battle to the Strong")