WALSH, Philip

WALSH

Posted By: Nancy (email)
Date: 2/13/2003 at 22:06:52

April 5, 1945 Morning Sun News-Herald. I am not related and have no further informoation.

Philip M. Walsh Dies in Action
Word Received Thursday of Young Man's Death

Phillip Walsh, S 1-c, was killed in action presumably in the Pacific theater of operations, according to word received here Thursday by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Walsh.

The war department telegram stated that he was killed in action and the body had been buried at sea.

Philip enlisted in the navy three years ago and had seen extensive service in Atlantic waters during the early stages of the war and later he had been transferred to the Pacific area. Once before he had escaped injury when his ship was torpedoed and sank off the African coast.

Besides his parents, Philip is survived by three brothers, Robert, of Burlington, Sg. John Walsh, with the army in Germany, Pfc Edward Walsh, on duty in the Pacific area; four sisters, Mrs. Dale Douglas of Daytona Beach, Florida, Mrs. Harvey Jennings of Winfield, Regina and Patricia at home.

He was born in Morning Sun, September 1, 1921, and graduated from the local high school with the class if 1939. Until the time of his enlistment he had spent his entire life in this community.

April 12, 1945 on the front page, with the following information: (accompanied by a photo).

Philip M. Walsh, S 1-c, son of Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Walsh, was killed in action while on duty with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific. He visited in Morning Sun last December, at which time he was recovering from wounds received in a late engagement. Previously he survived the sinking of his ship in the Atlantic.

May 24, 1945. Headline reads "Program Honors War Dead"
Pictures of four local men who died in the war are featured. Phillip M. Walsh S 1-c, Corporal Dean Bisher, Corporal Joe Harris, and Lt. Maurice J. Kerr.
Dedication by Graduating Class (of Morning Sun High School).

August 9, 1945 Morning Sun News Herald is a picture of Philip M. Walsh, Seaman First Class and an article about Posthumous Award to Philip Walsh

Silver Star Given for Gallantry in Action

The Silver Star Medal has been awarded posthumously to Phillip M. Walsh S 1-c USNR for gallantry displayed in action while on duty aboard an aircraft carrier in the central Pacific last October.

Philip lost his life in action on the carrier Franklin when the great ship was so severely damaged by enemy action last spring. The medal has been presented to Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Walsh, parents of the young hero. The full text of the citation is as follows:

In the name of the President of the United States, the Commander, First Carrier Task Force, United States Pacific Fleet, presents the Silver Star Medal to

PHILIP MICHAEL WALSH S 1-c
United States Naval Reserve
for service as set forth in the following:

Citation:
"For distinguishing himself conspiicuously by gallantry while serving aboard an aircraft carrier on 30 October 1944 in central Pacific waters. His professional skill in initiating the necessary emergency measures as a result of enemy action, and his utter disregard of his own safety, were thoroughly in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
M.A.Mitscher,
Vice Admiral, U.S.Navy

Philip was wounded by shrapnel in the action which led to the above citation but made no mention of the fact at the time he visited his home here last December. At an earlier date he had survived the sinking of his ship by a submarine off the coast of North Africa.

Mr. and Mrs. Walsh have one other son remaining in service, Corp Edward Walsh, now in the Philippines. Another son, Sgt. John Walsh, has just been discharged on points after a long period of overseas service.