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Walker, Walton Harris

Date of birth:
December 3rd, 1889 (Belton/Texas, United States)
Date of death:
December 23rd, 1950 (near Seoul/South Korea)
Buried on:
Arlington National Cemetery
Plot: Sect. 34. Grave: 86-A.
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

General Walton H. Walker was killed in a jeep accident on 23 December 1950, north of Seoul, South Korea.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major General
Unit:
XX Corps, Third Army, U.S. Army
Awarded on:
July 12th, 1944
Under the provisions of Army Regulations 600-45, as amended, and under authority contained in Circular Number 66, Headquarters First United States Army, 18 May, 1944, as amended, in addition to the Silver Star and oak-leaf cluster awarded by the War Department, a second bronze oak-leaf cluster is awarded to the following named officer:
Major General Walton H. Walker (03405), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy. When Infantry troops of the XIX Corps launched an attack across the Vire River in the vicinity of Airel, 7 July 1944, and came under intensive enemy fire, General Walker made repeated visits to the disputed sector and exposed himself to mortar and artillery concentrations at the front in order to encourage the officers and men making the crossing. By his personal gallantry, he expedited the vital assault and contributed to the establishment of the bridgehead. General Walker's conduct reflects credit upon himself and the military service. Entered United States Military Academy from Texas.

Headquarters XIX Corps, General Orders No. 21. This award was obtained in the form of an second Oak Leave to be attached to the ribbon of the first award.
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major General
Unit:
XX Corps, Third Army, U.S. Army
Awarded on:
September 22nd, 1944
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)
Major General Walton H. Walker, 03405, Commanding General, XX Corps, United States Army. For meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in France. Major General Walker, as Commanding General of the XX Corps, so distinguished himself and his command as to merit the highest commendation. The enviable accomplishments of the XX Corps in combat may in great measure be attributed to his inspiring devotion to duty, his intense energy, and zealous determination which have been exemplary of the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.

Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 62
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major General
Unit:
XX Corps, Third Army, U.S. Army
Awarded on:
September 9th, 1944
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major General Walton H. Walker (03405), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States. On 23 August 1944, Maj General Walton H. Walker, Commanding General, XX United States Army Corps, with complete disregard for his own safety, personally directed the successful operation which established a bridgehead across the Seine River near Mélun, France. By his continuous presence with the forward elements of his command, as well as exemplary judgment and leadership, he inspired his command in effecting an early crossing of the Seine River and the continuance of the attack eastward. General Walker's contact with the forward combat troops was maintained in the face of heavy enemy fire. He repeatedly exposed himself to this enemy fire, encouraging the troops to move forward and by doing so gave them the required confidence to continue their advance. When certain elements were halted by intense enemy fire, he courageously assumed personal command and through his own supervision, force and persuasion, although he himself was in complete view of the enemy, caused the troops to effect the crossing of the river. By his intrepid direction, heroic leadership and superior tactical knowledge and ability, General Walker set an inspiring example for his command, reflecting the highest traditions of the armed forces.
Entered the United States Military Academy from Texas.

Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 54

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major General
Unit:
XX Corps, Third Army, U.S. Army
Awarded on:
January 24th, 1945
Distinguished Service Medal - Army (DSM)
Major General Walton H. Walker (03405), United States Army. For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service to the Government in a position of great responsibility from 1 August to 20 October 1944. major General Walker by his sterling qualities of leadership was responsible for the outstanding and exemplary success of the XX Corps in combat during this period. Under his command the Corps repeatedly spearheaded the rapid advance of Third Army across France, undeterred by adverse weather conditions, difficult terrain, and ever-lengthening supply lines. The brilliant manner in which river crossings were secured, pockets of resistance cleared, bridgeheads established, and large scale attacks successfully completed all attest to the outstanding quality of leadership of General Walker. His tireless energy, personal courage, and continuous presence with advance elements of his command were a constant inspiration to his troops.

War Department, Washington, D.C., General Orders No. 6
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major General
Unit:
XX Corps, Third Army, U.S. Army
Awarded on:
July 1945
Legion of Merit - US Military
Lieutenant General (then Major General) Walton H. Walker (03405), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services, as a Commanding General, XX Corps, from 8 November 1944 to 22 November 1944. Following weeks of detailed planning, Lieutenant General Walker launched a brilliant attack against the fort-ringed city of Metz on 8 November 1944, across the Moselle River swollen to record heights. Sending a feint north of the city, he moved his southern bridgehead division east, coordinating this attack with an epic might assault crossing at Koenigsmacher. Turning his southern division north, sending the armor across the flooded river in an outstanding mechanized feat to thwart attempts to reinforce the garrison, he joined his forces to completely encircle the bastion, throwing open the gates to the Saar Valley and Germany. Lieutenant General Walker's services reflect the highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States. Entered military service from Texas.

Headquarters European Theater of Operations, United States Army, General Orders No. 145
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant General
Unit:
XX Corps, Third Army, U.S. Army

Commanding general
Orden Otechestvennoi voiny 1

Sources

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