Ethridge, Walker

Date of birth:: February 1st, 1913 (Meridian/Mississippi, United States)
Date of death:: March 20th, 1945
Mentioned on:: United States Memorial for the Missing Honolulu
Nationality:: American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Promotions:
19034: Ensign;
?: Commander.

Car?: Meridian Highschool;
?: Mississippi State College;
June 17th, 1930: U.S. Naval Academy (class of 1934);
1934: USS Mississippi;
1937: Flight Training Pensacola;
February 1938: Bombing Squadron 6 (VB-6);
August 1940: Instructor/Chief Flight Instructor/Executive Officer, VN 1D8-B, Pensacola;
August 1942: Assistant Air Officer, USS Core;
1943: Assistant Operations Officer, Staff, Commander Task Force 22;
May 14th, 1944: Commanding Officer, Fighting Squadron 47 (VF-47).

Walker Etheridge was killed in action when his plane was shot down near Okinawa on March 20th, 1945. He at that moment served as Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron (VF) 47, flyingn from the USS Bataan (CVL 29):

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Navy Cross

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Commander
Unit:: Fighting Squadron 47 (VF-47), U.S.S. Bataan (CVL-29), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:: October 31st, 1945

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron FORTY-SEVEN (VF-47), attached to the U.S.S. BATAAN (CVL-29), in action against the enemy Japanese forces off Kyushu, Japan, on 20 March 1945. Launched from his carrier to lead a flight on combat air patrol when he observed a hostile plane diving over the ships of his Task Force, Commander Ethridge unhesitatingly pursued the threatening enemy to blast him from the sky and prevent a damaging blow to our surface vessels, pressing home his attack against the Japanese aircraft in the face of intense, deadly fire and resolutely continuing his valiant efforts until his own plane burst into flames and glided into the sea. His great personal valor, indomitable fighting spirit, courageous determination and heroic defense of his Task Force were inspiring to those with whom he served and reflected the highest credit upon Commander Ethridge and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

General Orders: Board Awards Serial 0247 (October 31, 1945) Action Date: 20-Mar-45