Laura Margaret Walker
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
Operation Enduring Freedom - Afghanistan

Laura Margaret Walker was born on 16 June 1981. Her education included attending ten different schools, living in 18 different cities and three countries, and culminating with her graduation in 1999 from SHAPE American High School in Belgium.

Laura then attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point where she was elected Secretary of the Class of 2003. She served as Captain of the West Point Women's Handball Team; leading it to a national collegiate championship. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Systems Engineering on 31 May 2003 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers.

Walker arrived at Fort Lewis in January 2004 and was assigned to the 555th Engineer Brigade. She was deployed to Iraq in support of the 4th Infantry Division until April 2004. Laura was reassigned as a Vertical Construction Platoon Leader in the 864th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy) upon returning to Fort Lewis.

She re-deployed with 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 864th ECB (H) to Afghanistan in March of 2005. Laura was killed in action on 18 August 2005 in Delak, Afghanistan. She proudly wore the 4th Infantry Division combat patch on her right shoulder, a distinction she shared with both of her grandfathers from their service with the Division in both World War II and Vietnam.

Laura was the first female graduate of the USMA to die in combat.

Medals and Awards

Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
Army Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster (2 Awards)
Army Achievement Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Army Service Ribbon

Badges

Combat Action Badge
Air Assault Badge

Personal Life

Laura was an exemplary Army officer and loved West Point and the soldiers she led. Yet these were but a part of her huge capacity for life. She was a strong person, spiritually, physically and mentally. These qualities inspired others to "play up" in all areas. Laura valued family and friends, and fostered a sense of community wherever she found herself.

Loyalty -- Laura was all about loyalty and traditions. She loved music and had a gifted voice. She was an accomplished and prolific writer. She treasured time spent with her sister and brothers. She loved learning to cook with her mother, and shared her skill with others. She enjoyed talking to her father on long, slow runs. She was a certified aerobics and yoga instructor and an avid soccer player. She shared a deep love for all the holidays, especially Christmas with her family.

Passion -- Laura was all about passion and dedication. She and Ed Peskie were to be engaged this summer after three years together. She loved God and was growing in Christ daily. 1LT Laura Walker was a good friend and inspiration to all who knew her; we miss her terribly.

Death and Burial

First Lieutenant Laura Margaret Walker was killed in action on 18 August 2005 in Delak, Afghanistan. She is buried at the United States Military Academy Post Cemetery in West Point, Orange County, NY, in Section XXXVI, Site B-064C.

Laura is survived by her mother, Valerie Walker, her father, Colonel Keith Walker, her sister, Audrey, and her brothers, Duncan and Brian Walker. She is the granddaughter of Volney Frank Warner, General, U.S. Army, Retired [Honoree Record ID 354].