Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth A. Walsh
F4U Corsair pilot and ace earned Medal of Honor
U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), Marine Fighting Squadron 124 (VMF-124)
Background
Kenneth Ambrose Walsh was born November 24, 1916 in Brooklyn, NY. He attended Dickinson High School class of 1933 in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Wartime History
On December 15, 1933 at age 17 enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) and after recruit training at Parris Island became an aircraft mechanic and radioman based at Quantico. During March 1936 began flight training at NAS Pensacola and still had the rank of private when he earned his wings and was promoted to corporal. For the next four years, served aboard aircraft carriers flying floatplanes. Afterward, assigned to Marine Fighting Squadron 121 (VMF-121) as a fighter pilot.
 In December 1941 at the start of the Pacific War held the rank of master technical sergeant. On May 11, 1942 promoted to the rank of Marine Gunner serving with Marine Air Group 12 (MAG-12). During September 1942, assigned to Marine Fighting Squadron 124 (VMF-124) as a fighter pilot. In October 1942 commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. During June 1943 promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant. In February 1943 arrived Guadalcanal.
On August 12, 1943 flew an escort mission for B-24s bombing Kahili Airfield on Bougainville and over the target claimed two enemy planes shot down.
On August 15, 1943 took off on a mission to intercept Japanese planes over Vella Lavella and despite being hit by gunfire, claimed two shot down, a dive bomber and a Zero.
On August 30, 1943 took off piloting an F4U-1 Corsair on an escort mission bound for Kahili Airfield on Bougainville but developed engine trouble and landed at Munda Airfield and quickly changed planes then took off in a different F4U-1 Corsair and alone flew northward to rejoin the mission. Encountering roughly fifty enemy planes, he engaged and claimed two Zeros shot down over the Shortland Islands and two Zeros over Ranongga Island. During the dogfight,, his Corsair was hit by gunfire. Damaged, Walsh successfully ditched off Vella Lavella and was later rescued. Some sources list his plane on the mission as F4U-1 Corsair 02486. According to Walsh, the Corsair he used was a pool aircraft not assigned to his squadron and his log book and mission reports do not list the bureau numbers.
For his actions on August 15, 1943 and August 30, 1943, Walsh later earned the Medal of Honor.
Aerial Victory Claims
Walsh claimed 21 aerial victories, 2 probables and 1 damaged.
 Medal of Honor
On February 8, 1944 at 11:30am Walsh was bestowed the
Medal of Honor by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in a ceremony at the White Hose. That same day, promoted to the rank of Captain. Walsh also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) with one silver star and gold star, Air Medal with two silver stars and two gold stars and Air Medal with a gold star. For his service in the Korean War, he earned the Air Medal.
Medal of Honor (August 15, 1943 and August 30, 1943)
 "15 August 1943: "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 two Japanese dive bombers and one 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 four 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." |
Postwar
During the Korean War, Walsh was assigned to VMR-152 and flew combat missions between October 8, 1950 until July 23, 1951. In April 1952 promoted to the rank of Major. In October 1958 promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. On February 1, 1962 retired from the Marine Corps and was active in the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
Memorials
On
July 30, 1998 passed away at age 81 in Santa Ana, CA. On August 13, 1998 he was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery at section 65 site 2996. He donated a portion of his photographic collection to the USMC Marine Corps Archives.
References
Franklin D. Roosevelt Day by Day: President’s Appointment Index / White House Stenographer’s Diary / White House Usher’s Diary, February 8, 1944
"11:30am Congressional Medal of Honor: 2nd Lt. Gerry H. Kisters, USA; 1st Lt. Kenneth A. Walsh, USMC; Gen. George C. Marshall, USA; Adm. Ernest J. King. USN; Robert P. Patterson, Ralph Bard, Artemis Gates, Lt. Gen. Alexander A. Vandergrift, USMC; Brig. Gen. L. E. Woods, USMC; Lt. Gen. Leslie J. McNair; Maj. Warwick Davenport; Mrs. Nola J. Kisters; Mrs. Mary C. Kisters; Richard G. Kisters; Mrs. K. A. Walsh; Miss Jean Baronette."
USMC Marine Corps Archives - Kenneth A. Walsh Collection (COLL/3580), Marine Corps Archives & Special Collections
Congressional Medal of Honor Society - Kenneth Ambrose Walsh
Arlington National Cemetery (ANC Explorer) - Kenneth A. Walsh (grave photos)
FindAGrave - LTC Kenneth Ambrose Walsh (photos, grave photo)
Stars & Bars (1995) pages 70-71 (VMF-124), 617 (Walsh, Kenneth A.)
|
