Lewis William Walt
| Lewis William Walt | |
|---|---|
General Lew Walt, U.S. Marine Corps
|
|
| Nickname(s) | Lew Silent Lew Uncle Lew |
| Born |
February 16, 1913 Wabaunsee County, Kansas |
| Died | March 26, 1989 (aged 76) Gulfport, Mississippi |
| Place of burial | Quantico National Cemetery |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Marine Corps
|
| Years of service | 1930–1936 (Colorado National Guard) 1936–1971 (USMC) |
| Rank |
 General
|
| Commands held |
2nd Battalion 5th Marines 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines 5th Marine Regiment The Basic School 3rd Marine Division Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps (1968–1971) |
| Battles/wars |
World War II *Tulagi *Battle of Guadalcanal *Battle of Cape Gloucester Korean War Vietnam War |
| Awards |
Navy Cross (2) Distinguished Service Medal (2) Silver Star Medal Legion of Merit with Combat "V" Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" Purple Heart Medal (2) Combat Action Ribbon (3) |
Lewis William Walt (February 16, 1913 – March 26, 1989), also known as Lew Walt, was a retired United States Marine Corps four-star general who had served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Walt was decorated several times, he was awarded two Navy Crosses for extraordinary heroism during World War II, one for leading the attack on "Aogiri Ridge" during the Battle of Cape Gloucester (New Britain); the ridge was renamed "Walt's Ridge" in his honor.
Lewis William Walt was born on February 16, 1913, in Wabaunsee County, Kansas. He graduated from high school in Fort Collins, Colorado. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry at Colorado State University in 1936. Highlights of his student activities include: honor graduate, President of Student Body and Student Council, Captain of football team and wrestling team, Cadet Colonel of the ROTC, President of chemistry club and Captain of Scabbard and Blade.
Walt enlisted in the Colorado National Guard at the age of 17. Upon graduation he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army Field Artillery Reserve, but resigned that commission to accept an appointment as a Marine second lieutenant on July 6, 1936.
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