Kenneth Ambrose Walsh-Arlington VA
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 38° 52.422 W 077° 03.798
18S E 321009 N 4304784
World War II Medal of Honor Recipients for action as a pilot over the Solomon Islands area on August 15 and 30, 1943. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Section 65, Site 2996.
Waymark Code: WMXAYK
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 12/19/2017
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He was born on November 24, 1916 in Brooklyn NY and died on July 30, 1998 in Santa Ana, CA. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the US Marine Corps. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: WALSH, KENNETH AMBROSE
• Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron 124, U.S. Marine Corps
• Place and date: Solomon Islands area, 15 and 30 August 1943
• Entered service at: New York
• Other Navy awards: Distinguished Flying Cross with 5 Gold Stars
Citation: 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.
Armed Service: Marines
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