Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Walter
Bennett
Putnam
1916

–

October 12,2010

Born:

Fort Smith

, 

Arkansas

Home:

Fort Smith

, 

Arkansas

Buried: 

Fort Walton Beach

, 

Florida

Cemetery:

Beal Memorial Cemetery

Walter Putnam was credited with shooting down one enemy aircraft in aerial combat, in the mission that earned him the Distinguished Service Cross. After World War II, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1969 and a U.S. Air Force Major General.

Awards Received

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    November 1966 – September 1968

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Walter Bennett Putnam (ASN: 0-22508), United States Air Force, was awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, culminating as Commander, Southern North American Air Defense Command/Continental Air Defense Command Region and the FOURTEENTH Air Force with headquarters at Gunter Air Force Base, Alabama, from November 1966 to September 1968. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Putnam culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force..

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Walter Bennett Putnam (ASN: 0-22508), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Putnam and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    24th Pursuit Group

    Division:

    Far East Air Force

    Action Date:

    April 10, 1942
    Headquarters, South West Pacific Area, General Orders No. 26 (August 28, 1942)

    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 Captain (Air Corps) Walter Bennett Putnam (ASN: 0-22508), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Fighter Airplane in the 24th Pursuit Group, FAR EAST Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 10 April 1942, over Cebu, Philippine Islands. On a reconnaissance flight, Captain Putnam sighted a Japanese convoy about to land troops. Although he had no support, and no chance of calling for any, he attacked and strafed troops and barges. During these attacks two fighters jumped him, but his accurate fire destroyed one and forced the other to retire. After beating this fighter, he returned tor gas and ammunition to make more passes. He reloaded and inflicted serious damage in this one-man battle. Captain Putnam’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    24th Pursuit Group

    Division:

    Far East Air Force

    Action Date:

    August 1942
    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 26 (October 31, 1942)

    (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 Captain (Air Corps) Walter Bennett Putnam (ASN: 0-22508), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Warhawk Fighter Airplane in the 24th Pursuit Group, Far East Air Force, in aerial operations over the Buna Area in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in August 1942. Captain Putnam flew many dangerous missions and is credited with aiding in the destruction of 8 to 10 Japanese planes on the ground. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Putnam, 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 Air Forces.