TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Walker, Fred Livingwood

Date of birth:
June 11th, 1887 (Fairfield County/Ohio, United States)
Date of death:
October 6th, 1969 (Washington D.C., United States)
Nationality:
American

Biography

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
3rd Division, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), U.S. Army
Awarded on:
1919
For extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, A.E.F., near the Marne River, France, 15 July 1918. Holding a front of more than 4 1/2 kilometers along the Marne River, Major Walker commanded a front-line battalion, which received the principal shock of the German attack on the French Army Corps front, but inflicted great losses on the enemy as the latter crossed the river. Those who succeeded in crossing were thrown into such confusion that they were unable to follow the barrage; and, through the effective leadership of this officer, no Germans remained in his sector south of the river at the end of the day's action. When one platoon had been cut off by an entire enemy battalion near the river, he sent other units to its relief and captured the entire German battalion, numbering 200 soldiers and 5 officers, including the battalion commander."

War Department, General Orders 89
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major General
Unit:
Commanding General, HQ, 36th Infantry Division "Arrowhead", U.S. Army
Awarded on:
September 27th, 1944
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while Commanding the 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 30 May 30 1944 to 5 June 1944. Major General Walker's inspiring leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army."

Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 83

Fred Walker had already received a DSC during the First World War and received this second decoration as his first Oak Leaf Cluster to be worn on the ribbon of the first DSC.

Sources

Photo