The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*WALMSLEY, JOHN S., JR.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Air
Force, 8th Bombardment Squadron, 3d Bomb Group. Place and date: Near Yangdok,
Korea, 14 September 1951. Entered service at: Baltimore, Md. Born. 7
January 1920, Baltimore, Md.
Citation:
Capt. Walmsley, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk
of his life above and beyond the call of duty. While flying a B-26 aircraft on a night
combat mission with the objective of developing new tactics, Capt. Walmsley sighted an
enemy supply train which had been assigned top priority as a target of opportunity. He
immediately attacked, producing a strike which disabled the train, and, when his
ammunition was expended, radioed for friendly aircraft in the area to complete destruction
of the target. Employing the searchlight mounted on his aircraft, he guided another B-26
aircraft to the target area, meanwhile constantly exposing himself to enemy fire.
Directing an incoming B-26 pilot, he twice boldly aligned himself with the target, his
searchlight illuminating the area, in a determined effort to give the attacking aircraft
full visibility. As the friendly aircraft prepared for the attack, Capt. Walmsley
descended into the valley in a low level run over the target with searchlight blazing,
selflessly exposing himself to vicious enemy antiaircraft fire. In his determination to
inflict maximum damage on the enemy, he refused to employ evasive tactics and valiantly
pressed forward straight through an intense barrage, thus insuring complete destruction of
the enemy's vitally needed war cargo. While he courageously pressed his attack Capt.
Walmsley's plane was hit and crashed into the surrounding mountains, exploding upon
impact. His heroic initiative and daring aggressiveness in completing this important
mission in the face of overwhelming opposition and at the risk of his life, reflects the
highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Air Force.
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