Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Walter
Frederick
Boone
1898-02-14

–

1995-03-19

Born:

Palo Alto

, 

California

Home:

Palo Alto

, 

California

Buried: 

Annapolis

, 

Maryland

Cemetery:

United States Naval Academy Cemetery

Walter Boone graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1921. During WWII he earned a Silver Star as Executive Officer of the U.S.S. Enterprise in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. From 1954 to 1956 he was the 38th Superintendent of the Naval Academy. After service as. U.S. Military Representative, NATO Military Committee from 1958 to 1960 he retired as a Full Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral [the Captain]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-10)

    Action Date:

    April 23, 1945 – August 15, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral [the Captain] Walter Frederick Boone (NSN: 0-27936), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-10) during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Western Pacific War Area from 23 April 1945 to the close of hostilities against the Japanese Empire on 15 August 1945. Participating in fast carrier air strikes against Kyushu, Shikoku, Honshu and Hokkaido during this period, Rear Admiral Boone maintained his ship and air group at a high state of combat readiness and fighting efficiency. While under attack, he coolly directed the maneuvering and defense of his ship from the exposed navigation bridge. Rear Admiral Boone’s courageous leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Boone is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Admiral

    Action Date:

    March 1956 – February 1960
    Board Serial 176 (February 23, 1960)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Walter Frederick Boone (NSN: 0-27936), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while serving as United States Representative on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Military Committee and Standing Group from April 1958 to February 1960, and previously as Commander in Chief, U.S. Naval Forces, Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, from Mary 1956 to February 1958. An excellent leader and a skilled diplomat, Admiral Boone, in his role as the Representative of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, exercised unusual professional acumen in upholding and advancing the interests of the United States in the NATO forum. Possessing an extensive background of politico-military knowledge, and utilizing his keen analytical ability, he earned the highest respect and trust of his colleagues and promoted confidence and stability within the military bodies of NATO, making a significant and lasting contribution to this vital organization. In his capacity as a Specified Commander, Commander in Chief, U.S. Naval Forces, Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, Admiral Boone displayed dynamic leadership and a comprehensive grasp of the vast number of complex and delicate problems confronting him, thereby contributing essentially to the stability of that area and to the continuing prestige of the United States. His inspiring and distinguished service reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [the Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

    Action Date:

    October 26, 1942
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 00732 (August 19, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [the Commander] Walter Frederick Boone (NSN: 0-27936), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Santa Cruz, on 26 October 9142. With his ship under vicious attack by an overwhelming force of Japanese aircraft, Captain Boone expertly maintained control of every department on board ship, rendering invaluable service to his Commanding Officer throughout the fierce action and contributing materially to the infliction of extensive damage and destruction on the enemy with minimum damage to the ENTERPRISE. By his cool and resourceful supervision of the internal organization of the ship, his outstanding ability and his valiant spirit maintained in the face of grave danger, Captain Boone served as an inspiration to all officers and men on board and his zealous devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.