Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Walter
Atlee
Edwards
November 8, 1886

–

January 15, 1928

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Walter Edwards graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1910.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    Naval Forces (Europe)

    Action Date:

    World War I

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Walter Atlee Edwards, United States Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving on the staff of the Commander of the United States Naval forces operating in European waters.

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bainbridge

    Action Date:

    December 16, 1922
    War Department, General Orders No. 123, February 4, 1924

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Lieutenant Commander Walter Atlee Edwards, United States Navy, for heroism in rescuing 482 men, women and children from the French military transport Vinh-Long, destroyed by fire in the Sea of Marmora, Turkey, on 16 December 1922. Lieutenant Commander Edwards, commanding the U.S.S. BAINBRIDGE, placed his vessel alongside the bow of the transport and, in spite of several violent explosions which occurred on the burning vessel, maintained his ship in that position until all who were alive were taken on board. Of a total of 495 on board, 482 were rescued by his coolness, judgment and professional skill, which were combined with a degree of heroism that must reflect new glory on the U.S. Navy.