Navy Federal Credit Union

Walter Bishop became a World War II Navy ACE, credited with shooting down 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. He was involved in a mid-air collision over Luzon, Philippine Islands, on December 14, 1944. He reportedly bailed out of his aircraft, but was never recovered.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 29 (VF-29)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Cabot (CVL-28)

    Action Date:

    October 16, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Walter Douglas Bishop (NSN: 0-263685), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy forces as the pilot of a single-seater carrier-based Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TWENTY-NINE (VF-29), embarked in U.S.S. CABOT (CVL-28). On 16 October 1944, in the vicinity of Formosa he was a section leader of an eight plane flight on Combat Air Patrol. In the face of a vastly superior number of enemy aircraft he fearlessly attacked the enemy bomber formation and destroyed three planes. His aggressive and skillful action materially aided in the success of this engagement and was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.