WALSH, KENNETH AMBROSE
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant,
pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron 124, U.S. Marine Corps. Place and date: Solomon
Islands area, 15 and 30 August 1943. Entered service at: New York. Born:
24 November 1916, Brooklyn, N.Y. Other Navy awards: Distinguished Flying Cross
with 5 Gold Stars.
Citation:
For extraordinary heroism and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty as a pilot in
Marine Fighting Squadron 124 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 15 August 1943, 1st Lt. Walsh repeatedly dived his plane into
an enemy formation outnumbering his own division 6 to 1 and, although his plane was hit
numerous times, shot down 2 Japanese dive bombers and 1 fighter. After developing engine
trouble on 30 August during a vital escort mission, 1st Lt. 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 50
Japanese Zeros, he unhesitatingly attacked, striking with relentless fury in his lone
battle against a powerful force. He destroyed 4 hostile fighters before cannon shellfire
forced him to make a dead-stick landing off Vella Lavella where he was later picked up.
His valiant leadership and his daring skill as a flier served as a source of confidence
and inspiration to his fellow pilots and reflect the highest credit upon the U.S. Naval
Service.
