Walter D. Robinson
F.2c

USN
USS West Virginia
1940-1941

Walter D. Robinson, Lieutenant 03, born Aug. 8, 1921, Cottage Grove, OR. He graduated high school and joined the USN Oct. 9, 1939. He participated in many operations and engagements.

From February 1940-Dec. 7, 1941, he served aboard the USS West Virginia, both during and after the attack. Seeing many dead and dying shipmates on deck after he was finally able to escape from the sinking ship was a traumatic experience and one that has had a lasting effect on him.

December 1941-December 1944, he was assigned to USS MacDonough and saw action all the way from Guadalcanal to and including the re-occupation of the Philippines. He was in 17 different battles including the Coral Sea and Midway; the invasion of Attu in Alaskan waters; was caught in a typhoon south of the Philippines and thought they were going down, but made it (several other ships in the task force did not). He was assigned to several ships and stations following WWII, then sent to USS Neches (TAO-47) during the Korean War. Served at several other ships and stations then again saw action during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Kawishiwi (AO-146).

Discharged June 1, 1967. His awards include the Good Conduct Medal w/3 stars, American Defense Service Medal w/Fleet Clasp, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal w/12 stars, China Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and Vietnam Service Medal.

Married and has two children and two grandchildren. Employed as facilities engineer, COMSAT Earth Station, 16 years. Hobbies are golfing and horseshoe pitching.

Reprinted with permission from Turner Publishing


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