World War II Honoree

Carroll Walker

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Herrin, Illinois

Honored By

Nancy Walker Bassing

Relationship

Daughter

HE WAS WITH THE 19TH PURSUIT SQUADRON GUARDING AN UNDERGROUND AVIATION GAS SUPPLY TANK AT 7:53 AM ON DECEMBER 7, 1941. HE WAS PROBABLY THE FIRST PERSON TO SEE THE JAPANESE PLANES WHEN THEY ARRIVED ON OAHU. THE FIRST 260 POUND BOMB OF THE WAR FELL INTO THE BASE ENGINEERING HANGER APPROXIMATELY 50 FEET FROM WHERE HE WAS STANDING. HE WAS ON DUTY THAT MORNING BECAUSE HE HAD JUST COMPLETED A TRAINING COURSE WITH THE 27TH 'WOLFHOUND' DIVISION AT SCHOFIELD BARRACKS AT NOON ON DECEMBER 6, 1941. HE RECEIVED RADAR TRAINING AT THE FIRST AMERICAN RADAR SCHOOL SHORTLY AFTER THE PEARL HARBOR ATTACK. HE SERVED ON OTHER PACIFIC BASES INCLUDING GUAM AND SAIPAN. HE WAS DISCHARGED ON SEPTEMBER 4, 1945 AFTER SERVING 47 MONTHS IN THE PACIFIC.