Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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World War II - U.S. Army Air Corps

Kenneth Newton Walker

Details
  • Rank: Brigadier General
  • Conflict/Era: World War II
  • Unit/Command:
    5th Bomber Command,
    5th Air Force
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army Air Corps
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: January 5, 1943
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: over Rabaul, New Britain, New Britain
Citation
For conspicuous leadership above and beyond the call of duty involving personal valor and intrepidity at an extreme hazard to life. As commander of the 5th Bomber Command during the period from 5 September 1942 to 5 January 1943, Brig. Gen. Walker repeatedly accompanied his units on bombing missions deep into enemy-held territory. From the lessons personally gained under combat conditions, he developed a highly efficient technique for bombing when opposed by enemy fighter airplanes and by antiaircraft fire. On 5 January 1943, in the face of extremely heavy antiaircraft fire and determined opposition by enemy fighters, he led an effective daylight bombing attack against shipping in the harbor at Rabaul, New Britain, which resulted in direct hits on nine enemy vessels. During this action his airplane was disabled and forced down by the attack of an overwhelming number of enemy fighters.
Medal of Honor Recipient Kenneth N. Walker
Medal of Honor Recipient Kenneth N. Walker
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Denver, Denver County, Colorado
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: March 25, 1943
    The White House, presented by Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt to his family
  • Born: July 17, 1898, Cerrillos, Santa Fe County, NM, United States
  • Died: January 5, 1943, Near Rabaul, New Britain
  • Buried: A.B.M.C. Manila Cemetery (Wall of the Missing) Manila, Philippine Islands Arlington National Cemetery (MH) (MC-36M), Arlington, VA, United States
 

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