Walton Walker graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1912. He was a highly decorated veteran of World War I and World War II. In Korea he commanded 8th Army until his death in an automobile accident on December 23, 1950. He was posthumously promoted to General.
Sponsored by:
Walton
Harris
Walker
DNB (1950)
December 3, 1889
–
December 23, 1950
Cemetery:
Arlington National Cemetery
Awards Received
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Silver Star
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant GeneralDivision:
8th U.S. ArmyAction Date:
July 14 – September 28, 1950
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 33 (October 1, 1950)The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant General Walton Harris Walker (ASN: 0-3405), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding General of the 8th United States Army. Lieutenant General Walker distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea from 14 July to 28 September 1950. During this campaign General Walker personally, and at great risk to his own life from enemy ground fire, performed repeated aerial reconnaissance flights in unarmed plane deep into enemy territory. The knowledge gained by General Walker from these flights was of inestimable value to him in making tactical decisions, and contributed greatly to the accomplishment of his mission in spite of the preponderance of force possessed by the enemy. In addition to the above and with personal disregard not only of health of but life itself, he spent hour after hour and day after day on the battlefield, inspiring the United Nations forces with his own courage and his will to fight. Where acts of personal courage were common, General Walker’s fearlessness and courageous leadership were outstanding.
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
XX CorpsAction Date:
August 1 – October 20, 1944
War Department, General Orders No. 6 (January 24, 1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Walton Harris Walker (ASN: 0-3405), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, from 1 August to 20 October 1944. Major General Walker by his sterling qualities of leadership was responsible for the outstanding and exemplary success of the XX Corps in combat during this period. Under his command the Corps repeatedly spearheaded the rapid advance of Third Army across France, undeterred by adverse weather conditions, difficult terrain, and ever-lengthening supply lines. The brilliant manner in which river crossings were secured, pockets of resistance cleared, bridgeheads established, and large scale attacks successfully completed all attest to the outstanding quality of leadership of General Walker. His tireless energy, personal courage, and continuous presence with advance elements of his command were a constant inspiration to his troops.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
XX CorpsAction Date:
August 23, 1944
Headquarters, THIRD U.S. Army, General Orders No. 54 (September 9, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major General Walton Harris Walker (ASN: 0-3405), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States in France. On 23 August 1944, Major General Walker, Commanding General, XX United States Army Corps, with complete disregard for his own safety, personally directed the successful operation which established a bridgehead across the Seine River near Melun, France. By his continuous presence with the forward elements of his command, as well as exemplary judgment and leadership, he inspired his command in effecting an early crossing of the Seine River and the continuance of the attack eastward. General Walker’s contact with the forward combat troops was maintained in the face of heavy enemy fire. He repeatedly exposed himself to this enemy fire, encouraging the troops to move forward and by doing so gave them the required confidence to continue their advance. When certain elements were halted by intense enemy fire, he courageously assumed personal command and through his own supervision, force and persuasion, although he himself was in complete view of the enemy, caused the troops to effect the crossing of the river. By his intrepid direction, heroic leadership and superior tactical knowledge and ability, General Walker set an inspiring example for his command, reflecting the highest traditions of the armed forces.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major (Infantry)Batallion:
13th Machine-Gun BattalionDivision:
5th Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
World War I
Headquarters, 5th Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Walton Harris Walker (ASN: 0-3405), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 13th Machine Gun Battalion, 5th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in France during World War I. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Walker, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 2 (January 25, 1951)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal (Posthumously) to General Walton Harris Walker (ASN: 0-3405), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General United Nations Ground Forces in Korea, from 30 June to 23 December 1950.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major (Infantry)Batallion:
13th Machine-Gun BattalionDivision:
5th Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
World War I
Headquarters, 5th Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Walton Harris Walker (ASN: 0-3405), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 13th Machine Gun Battalion, 5th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in France during World War I. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Walker, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
XX CorpsAction Date:
July 7, 1944
Headquarters, XIX Corps, General Orders No. 21 (July 12, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star Medal to Major General Walton Harris Walker (ASN: 0-3405), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding General of the TWENTIETH U.S. Army Corps, in against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations. When Infantry troops of the TWENTIETH Corps launched an attack across the Vire River in the vicinity of Airel, 7 July 1944, and came under intensive enemy fire, General Walker made repeated visits to the disputed sector and exposed himself to mortar and artillery concentrations at the front in order to encourage the officers and men making the crossing. By his personal gallantry, he expedited the vital assault and contributed to the establishment of the bridgehead. General Walker’s conduct reflects credit upon himself and the military service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
XX CorpsAction Date:
1944 – 1945
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Walton Harris Walker (ASN: 0-3405), United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding GENERAL XX Corps from 1944 to 1945.