Richard P. Walker
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army

On 9 October 1944, then-First Lieutenant Richard P. Walker was serving with the 349th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division, Fifth U.S. Army.

On that day, 1LT Walker’s unit was in action in heavy fighting against German forces on the line toward the Po Valley in Northern Italy. 1LT Walker’s courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

On 16 October 1944, 1LT Walker was Killed in Action in the same area he was fighting when awarded the DSC.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Richard P. Walker (ASN: 0-338170), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 349th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 9 October 1944. First Lieutenant Walker's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 88th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 175 (1944)

Burial

First Lieutenant Richard P. Walker is buried at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial in Florence, Città Metropolitana di Firenze, Toscana, Italy, in Plot D, Row 4, Grave 3.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56367223/richard-p-walker