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Walker, Kenneth Newton "Ken"

Date of birth:
July 17th, 1898 (Cerrillos/New Mexico, United States)
Date of death:
January 5th, 1943 (Rabaul, New Britain)
Mentioned on:
American Cemetery and Memorial Manila
Nationality:
American

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Brigadier General
Unit:
U.S. Department of War, U.S. Government
Awarded on:
1942
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Operations Division of the War Department in 1942."
Legion of Merit - US Military
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Brigadier General
Unit:
V Bomber Command, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:
1942
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
"For gallantry in action while serving with the 5th Bombard Command, FIFTH Air Force, in action over Port Moresby, New Guinea, during July 1942. General Walker took part in four different missions over enemy territory, each time being subjected to heavy enemy fire from anti-aircraft and fighter planes. The large amount of first-hand information gained by General Walker has proved of inestimable value in the performance of his duties. His complete disregard for personal safety, above and beyond the call of duty, has proved highly stimulating to the morale of all Air Force personnel with whom he has come in contact. Such courage and gallantry are in keeping with the finest American traditions and are worthy of the highest commendation."

Headquarters, Allied Air Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area, General Orders No. 39
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Brigadier General
Unit:
V Bomber Command, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:
January 9th, 1943
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Brigadier General
Unit:
V Bomber Command, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:
March 11th, 1943
"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 9 enemy vessels. During this action his airplane was disabled and forced down by the attack of an overwhelming number of enemy fighters."

Awarded posthumously
Medal of Honor - Army (MoH)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Brigadier General
Unit:
V Bomber Command, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:
1943
Purple Heart
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With 3 service stars
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal

Sources

Photo