General Kenneth Newton Walker

Kenneth Walker was the 2d Cousin of Civil War Medal of Honor recipient Jacob N. Overturf. General Walker remains the highest-ranking American Soldier still Missing in Action of World War II.

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Brigadier General (Air Corps) Kenneth Newton Walker (ASN: 0-12510), United States Army Air Forces, 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 Fifth Bomber Command, Fifth Air Force, during the period from 5 September 1942, to 5 January 1943, Brigadier General 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 anti-aircraft fire. On 5 January 1943, in the face of extremely heavy anti-aircraft 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 nine enemy vessels. During this action his airplane was disabled and forced down by the attack of an overwhelming number of enemy fighters.

General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 13, March 11, 1943

Action Date: 5-Jan-43

Service: Army Air Forces

Rank: Brigadier General

Company: 5th Bomber Command

Regiment: 43d Bombardment Group (H)

Division: 5th Air Force

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