Walter C. Beckham

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Walter C. Beckham (0-430771), Captain (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 351st Fighter Squadron, 353d Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 10 October 1943, in the European Theater of Operations. On this date in aerial combat, Captain Beckham shot down three enemy aircraft during a single air mission. Captain Beckham’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.