The 2026 Rev. William Corby, C.S.C., Award: Brig. Gen. Edward G. Burley, USA (Ret.) '83

Published on October 12, 2026

Brig. Gen. Edward G. Burley, USA (Ret.) ’83 exemplifies the true citizen-soldier, having built parallel careers as an Army officer and a federal prosecutor with the US Department of Justice. After graduating from Notre Dame in 1983, Burley served as a paratrooper in the 82d Airborne Division before transitioning to the National Guard and Army Reserve to earn his law degree, balancing family life, a civilian legal career, and military service for over three decades.

In the military, Burley deployed to Panama, Korea, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, commanding Infantry, PSYOP, and Civil Affairs units. Highlights of his service include peace enforcement operations in Srebrenica, Bosnia; human rights missions recovering mass graves in Iraq; rebuilding the 25,000-person Iraqi Border Police; and supporting democratic elections in Iraq and Afghanistan. Wounded several times in combat, he remained overseas with his troops each time to complete their mission.

As an Assistant US Attorney for the District of Columbia for 35 years—including more than 18 years as a homicide prosecutor—Burley spearheaded community prosecution initiatives in Washington, DC. He also deployed with the Department of Justice to Iraq to help prepare the tribunal prosecution of Saddam Hussein and key regime members.

Burley has served as a Girl Scout leader, church lay minister, and non-profit board member. He regularly hosts reunions for Iraq veterans to foster ongoing healing and camaraderie among members of his units.

“Notre Dame instills vital lessons of teamwork and ethical selfless service in Her students, values that have shaped my military experience and my life. My personal Team of family, Notre Dame classmates, and fellow service-members have always stood alongside me through peacetime and combat, and I humbly accept the Corby award on behalf of all those who have put Country and Comrades first in service to America. I’m proud to have served in the company of such men and women.”

 

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