"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."
From 1st Lt. Walsh's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on 8 February 1944.
May you be at peace,
Brian & Melonie
No comments:
Post a Comment