John Springer Walmsley, Jr.
Captain, U.S. Air Force
Medal of Honor Recipient
Korean War

John Springer Walmsley, Jr. was born on 7 January 1920, at Baltimore, MD. He was a Captain and pilot in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on 14 September 1951.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Air Force, 8th Bombardment Squadron, 3rd Bomb Group

Place and date: Near Yangdok, Korea, 14 September 1951

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.

Medals, Awards & Badges

Medal of Honor
Distinguished Flying Cross
Purple Heart
Air Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal

Death

Captain John Springer Walmsley, Jr. was killed in action on 14 September 1951. His remains were never recovered. He is listed on the Tablets of the Missing at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Honolulu County, HI.