Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Second Lieutenant

Unit:

Marine Fighting Squadron 124 (VMF-124), Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12), U.S. Marine Corps Aviation, U.S. Marine Corps

"For heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area on 3 March and 1 April 1943. During a vigorous raid against a 15-ton schooner at Vella Lavella on 3 March, Second Lieutenant Walsh boldly led two other planes in the skillful strafing and subsequent destruction of the hostile ship. Again on 1 April, he directed a striking force of fighters against an overwhelming number of enemy planes and, pressing home daring attacks, personally shot down three Japanese fighter planes. His skill as an airman and leader and his courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

First Lieutenant (Lieutenant)

Unit:

Marine Fighting Squadron 124 (VMF-124), Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12), U.S. Marine Corps Aviation, U.S. Marine Corps

"For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area from 29 May to 10 June 1943. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, First Lieutenant Walsh contributed materially to the success of his squadron in the infliction of extensive damage on enemy gun emplacements, supply dumps and barges. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of hostile anti-aircraft fire and aerial opposition were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Gold Star in lieu

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

First Lieutenant (Lieutenant)

Unit:

Marine Fighting Squadron 124 (VMF-124), Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12), U.S. Marine Corps Aviation, U.S. Marine Corps

"For heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area on 12 August 1943. Skillfully and aggressively fighting his plane while escorting bombers in a strike against Kahili Airdrome on Bougainville, First Lieutenant Walsh succeeded in destroying two enemy aircraft thereby aiding in the success of the strike. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of hostile anti-aircraft fire and aerial opposition were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Second Gold Star in lieu

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

First Lieutenant (Lieutenant)

Unit:

Marine Fighting Squadron 124 (VMF-124), Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12), U.S. Marine Corps Aviation, U.S. Marine Corps

"For extraordinary heroism and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty as a pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron 124 in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands area. Determined to thwart the enemy's attempt to bomb Allied ground forces and shipping at Vella Lavella on 15 August 1943, 1st Lt. Walsh repeatedly dived his plane into an enemy formation outnumbering his own division 6 to 1 and, although his plane was hit numerous times, shot down 2 Japanese dive bombers and 1 fighter. After developing engine trouble on 30 August during a vital escort mission, 1st Lt. Walsh landed his mechanically disabled plane at Munda, quickly replaced it with another, and proceeded to rejoin his flight over Kahili. Separated from his escort group when he encountered approximately 50 Japanese Zeros, he unhesitatingly attacked, striking with relentless fury in his lone battle against a powerful force. He destroyed 4 hostile fighters before cannon shellfire forced him to make a dead-stick landing off Vella Lavella where he was later picked up. His valiant leadership and his daring skill as a flier served as a source of confidence and inspiration to his fellow pilots and reflect the highest credit upon the U.S. Naval Service."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

First Lieutenant (Lieutenant)

Unit:

Marine Fighting Squadron 124 (VMF-124), Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12), U.S. Marine Corps Aviation, U.S. Marine Corps

"For heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area from 17 to 19 August 1943. Completing his fortieth mission during this period, First Lieutenant Walsh contributed materially to the success of his squadron in the infliction of extensive damage on enemy gun emplacements, supply dumps and barges. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of hostile anti-aircraft fire and aerial opposition were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Third Gold Star in lieu

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

First Lieutenant (Lieutenant)

Unit:

Marine Fighting Squadron 124 (VMF-124), Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12), U.S. Marine Corps Aviation, U.S. Marine Corps

"For heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area on 23 August 1943. Skillfully and aggressively fighting his plane while on a combat air patrol over Vella Lavella, First Lieutenant Walsh succeeded in destroying two enemy aircraft. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of hostile anti-aircraft fire and aerial opposition were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Fourth Gold Star in lieu

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Marine Fighting Squadron 122 (VMF-122), Marine Aircraft Group 13 (MAG-13), U.S. Marine Corps Aviation, U.S. Marine Corps

"For heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands Area from 28 April to 12 May 1945. Completing his sixtieth mission during this period, Captain Walsh contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of enemy fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Silver Star in lieu for a fifth additional DFC

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

15 x

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Gold Star in lieu

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)