Walter S. King

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Walter S. King, United States Air Force, for exceptional gallantry in action on 15 October 1950 while piloting a B-26 attack bomber on a night intruder mission over enemy-held territory in Korea. On that night, Major King exhibited superb courage in demolishing a convoy which was heavily defended by small arms, automatic weapons and anti-aircraft fire. In his initial attack, Major King destroyed five vehicles, despite the fact that the tail section of his plane was severely damaged by enemy action. In the face of continued intense enemy fire, Major King again attacked the convoy, destroying two more vehicles. As a result of damage sustained to his plane on this second attack, gasoline was sprayed over Major King’s aircraft, and a serious fire hazard was created. Regardless of the dangers involved, Major King attacked the convoy a third time, demolishing the remaining vehicles. As he was leaving this scene of destruction, Major King observed a locomotive on a railroad track. Although his seriously damaged bomber was difficult to control, and the fuel supply was dangerously low, Major King destroyed the train was a direct bomb hit before proceeding to an air base for an emergency landing. The magnificent courage, relentless determination, and unswerving devotion to duty displayed by Major King on this occasion were in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.