During Operation Torch, the Allied amphibious landings in North Africa, Gorka was a bombardier and gunner on a Grumman TBF Avenger torpedo bomber of Escort Scouting Squadron 27 (VGS-27) embarked on auxiliary aircraft carrier . On 10 November 1942, Gorka went on an attack mission against a Vichy French submarine. French antiaircraft shot down Gorka's aircraft and he was killed. He was posthumously awarded the Air Medal.
