Navy Federal Credit Union

Donald Walters was one captured by Iraqi forces near An Nasiriya, on March 23, 2003, held and tortured as Prisoner of War, and subsequently executed by his captors.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade

    Action Date:

    March 23, 2003

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Donald Ralph Walters, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Mechanic with the 507th Maintenance Company, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, near An Nasiriya, Iraq, on 23 March 2003. On that date a huge American convoy headed from Kuwait to Baghdad. A dozen heavy trucks and other maintenance vehicles fell behind the rest and got lost. At sunrise, Iraqi troops ambushed the lost soldiers, firing from both sides of the highway. The Americans sped up to escape the attack, but one Humvee smashed into the back of a jack-knifed American tractor-trailer. Sergeant Walter’s displayed a courage that reflected his gallantry to serve his country and fellow soldiers caught in the ambush. Sergeant Walters’ gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Iraq)

    Action Date:

    March 23 – April 13, 2003

    Sergeant Donald Ralph Walters, United States Army, was captured after his convoy of the 507th Maintenance Company was ambushed by Iraqi Forces on 23 March 2003, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his death in captivity later in that same day.