Career
Born in Binghamton, New York, Burnes joined the Marine Corps in 1904. Shortly before World War I, he was appointed machine gunner, and commissioned June 1917. He was sent to France, where his gallant service in battle was recognized by the Distinguished Service Cross.
"In the attack on the Bois de Belleau June 12, 1918 he was badly wounded but completed disposition of his platoon under violent fire.
The injuries which he sustained in the performance of this self-sacrificing duty later caused his death."
The destroyer United States Ship John Francis Burnes (Doctor of Divinity-299) was named for him.
