The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Francis David Walker, Jr. (NSN: 0-75075), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 1 August 1962 to 30 June 1965 while serving with the Weapons System Evaluation Group, Office of the Director of Defense Research and Engineering, Office of the Secretary of Defense. Exercising a high degree of professional and technical competence, sound leadership, and a thorough knowledge of naval operations, Captain Walker made several very significant contributions to studies vitally affecting the national security. In the absence of an officer of flag rank, he acted for several months as the Senior Navy Member of the Weapons Systems Evaluation Group and, in this capacity, skillfully supervised the other Navy members. His broad educational and military experience, coupled with his unusual perceptiveness and keen appreciation of operations research methodology, enabled him to contribute greatly to the effectiveness of the Group. Captain Walker’s distinctive accomplishments reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Navy Cross
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Crevalle (SS-291)Action Date:
April 4 – May 28, 1944
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 02079 (July 31, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Francis David Walker, Jr. (NSN: 0-75075), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. CREVALLE (SS-291), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 4 April 1944 to 28 May 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the South China Sea. Skillfully maneuvering his ship into a favorable position to strike at enemy shipping and in the face of heavy enemy countermeasures, Lieutenant Commander Walker launched attacks to sink two enemy ships totaling 26,414 tons and probably sank an additional vessel of 7,499 tons. Despite a severe enemy counter attack, he skillfully directed his ship in the successful completion of a special mission, bringing her to port without serious injury to the ship or crew. Commander Walker’s inspiring leadership and devotion to the fulfillment of his hazardous missions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Crevalle (SS-291)Action Date:
June 21 – August 9, 1944
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 02814 (November 7, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Francis David Walker, Jr. (NSN: 0-75075), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. CREVALLE (SS-291), on the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 21 June 1944 to 9 August 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the South China Sea and the waters west of Luzon. In conjunction with other United States submarines, his vessel participated in a concerted attack which virtually destroyed a large heavily escorted convoy of enemy ships. Under his determined and skillful command his vessel accomplished the sinking of three large freighters from this convoy, and a fourth freighter from another convoy, for a total of 28,000 tons. With great courage he delivered all attacks in the face of strong enemy anti-submarine measures, and successfully evaded persistent counterattacks, to bring his ship safely back to port. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Walker brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Crevalle (SS-291)Action Date:
October 27 – December 7, 1943
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 01912 (July 18, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Francis David Walker, Jr. (NSN: 0-75075), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry, intrepidity and coolness in action against the enemy while serving as Executive Officer and Navigator of the U.S.S. CREVALLE (SS-291), during the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 27 October 1943 to 7 December 1943. A skilled and inspiring leader, Lieutenant Commander Walker was instrumental in training the crew of his ship to a high state of combat efficiency, thereby assisting his Commanding Officer in the conduct of vigorous strikes against heavily escorted Japanese convoys which resulted in the sinking of four ships, including an auxiliary aircraft carrier, and the damaging of additional shipping. By his outstanding performance of duty in the face of persistent countermeasures by hostile escort craft, Lieutenant Commander Walker contributed materially to the safe return of his submarine to port after a highly effective patrol, and his gallant conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]Division:
U.S.S. Searaven (SS-196)Action Date:
April 18 – 19, 1942
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 01577 (August 3, 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Francis David Walker, Jr. (NSN: 0-75075), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving a as Navigator and Executive Officer of the U.S.S. SEARAVEN (SS-196), during the THIRD War Patrol of that vessel in enemy Japanese-controlled waters in April 1942. Lieutenant Commander Walker rendered inestimable assistance to his Commanding officer in evacuating a party of aviators from Timor, Netherlands East Indies, in the face of the enemy on 18 – 19 April 1942. Further, when a serious electrical fire occurred in the main power cubicle, and, due to a short circuit of the battery bus bars, it became necessary to disconnect the main storage battery, he entered the main battery tanks and broke the circuit. Later, wearing a submarine escape lung, he entered the main control cubicle, where the fire was still burning, and directed the electrician’s mate who accompanied him to place the main motor and generator in the neutral position in order to obtain auxiliary electrical power. His actions and conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.