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 |