Navy Federal Credit Union

During World War II Walter Koraleski became an ACE credited with shooting down 5.53 enemy aircraft in aerial combat, in addition to destroying 2 aircraft on the ground, 1 balloon and 2 locomotives. He was shot down on April 15, 1944 and held as a Prisoner of War until the war ended the following year. He subsequently shortened his last name and legally changed it to “Koral.” He returned to combat, flying missions in the Korean War, and retired in 1968 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    354th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    355th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Walter Joseph Koraleski (AKA: Koral), Jr. (ASN: 0-660162), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot of the 354th Fighter Squadron, 355th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    354th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    355th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Walter Joseph Koraleski (AKA: Koral), Jr. (ASN: 0-660162), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot of the 354th Fighter Squadron, 355th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    354th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    355th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Walter Joseph Koraleski (AKA: Koral), Jr. (ASN: 0-660162), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot of the 354th Fighter Squadron, 355th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    354th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    355th Fighter Group

    Division:

    Prisoner of War

    Action Date:

    April 15, 1944 – May 1945

    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 10056

    Captain (Air Corps) Walter Joseph Koraleski (AKA: Koral), Jr. (ASN: 0-660162), United States Army Air Forces, was returning home from a mission on 15 April 1944 when his fighter airplane lost oil pressure, and he was forced to bail out over enemy territory. Captured by German forces, he was held as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military Control at the end of hostilities in May 1945.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    354th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    355th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    March 6, 1944

    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 337 (May 3, 1944)

    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 Joseph Koraleski (AKA: Koral), Jr. (ASN: 0-660162), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as Pilot of a P-51 Mustang Fighter Aircraft of the 354th Fighter Squadron, 355th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy while leading a Squadron of P-51 fighter aircraft furnishing support for bombers withdrawing from a mission over Germany, 6 March 1944. When nine (9) ME-109 planes attacked two straggling bombers, Captain Koraleski led a flight down and pressed his assault with such ferocity that the enemy were dispersed, allowing the two crippled bombers to escape. During this encounter, he personally destroyed one enemy fighter. Immediately thereafter, Captain Koraleski, with his wingman, dove his plane to tree top level in a vicious attack on two more ME-109’s. Exhibiting superior combat skill, he attacked the rear aircraft, causing it to hit the trees and cartwheel into the ground. He then pursued the remaining fighter and destroyed it. The gallantry, disregard for personal safety and skill in combat displayed by Captain Koraleski contributed in a large measure to the safe return of the bomber formation.