Gordon K. Walker

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Gordon K. Walker (353675), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), in combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Koromokina River Area, Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands, on 7 November 1943. During an attack against strong enemy positions entrenched in heavily overgrown jungle terrain, Private Walker voluntarily, and in the face of almost certain death, entered hostile lines to determine the location of concealed machine-gun emplacements. Killing a Japanese soldier who attacked and seriously wounded him on his way back to his own lines, he successfully returned and reported the location of an emplacement. Realizing the importance of a speedy attack, Private Walker refused medical attention and, although suffering severe pain, made two further reconnaissances, locating gun positions on each occasion before he collapsed from his wounds. Private Walker’s valiant conduct and self-sacrificing efforts undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Board Serial: 00315 (March 27, 1944)