Frank Cecil Walker

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Frank Cecil Walker, Gunner’s Mate First Class, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving as Gunner on Motor Torpedo Boat THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE (PT-363). On the night of 7 January 1944, off the north coast of New Guinea, Gunner’s Mate First Class Walker’s boat engaged and, against bitter resistance, sank five enemy barges. Although mortally wounded in the opening moments of the engagement he remained at his station and continued to fire his machine gun with great effectiveness into the enemy barges throughout the greater part of the engagement until he collapsed to the deck. After the action, Gunner’s Mate First Class Walker, although suffering great pain, asked, “Did we get them? How did my guns fire?” His last words before losing consciousness were to his immediate subordinate, “Get those guns cleaned up, Son.” So long as consciousness remained his only thoughts were of his duty in the service of his country, for which he gave his life. The exceptional heroism, intrepidity, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Gunner’s Mate First Class Walker were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 329 (August 1944)