KENNETH A. WALSH
First Lieutenant
United States Marine Corps

Kenneth Walsh

Citation

First Lieutenant Kenneth A. Walsh
United States Marine Corps

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE TWENTY-FOUR in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area. Determined to thwart the enemy's attempt to bomb Allied ground forces and shipping at Vella LaVella on August 15, 1943, First Lieutenant Walsh repeatedly dived his plane into an enemy formation outnumbering his own division six-to-one and, although his plane was hit numerous times, shot down two Japanese dive bombers and one fighter. After developing engine trouble on August 30 during a vital escort mission, First Lieutenant Walsh landed his mechanically disabled plane at Munda, quickly replaced it with another and proceeded to rejoin his flight over Kahili. Separated from his escort group when he encountered approximately fifty Japanese Zeros, he unhesitatingly attacked, striking with relentless fury in his lone battle against a powerful force. He destroyed four hostile fighters before cannon shellfire forced him to make a deadstick landing off Vella LaVella where he was later picked up. His valiant leadership and his daring skill as a flier have been a source of confidence and  inspiration to his fellow pilots and reflect the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service.

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT
President of the United States