World War II Honoree

Walter L. Epling

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Topeka, Kansas

Honored By

Mrs. Dorothy J. Epling

Relationship

Wife

A RECONNAISSANCE FORWARD OBSERVER SERGEANT, SERVED WITH THE 99TH FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION, 1ST CALVARY DIVISION IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS. LATER ASSIGNED TO HEADQUARTERS BATTERY AS THE UNIT’S 1ST SERGEANT. PARTICIPATED IN THE INITIAL ASSAULT ON THE ADMIRALTIES ISLANDS (LOS NEGROS – MANUS), INVASIONS OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS (LEYTE, LUZON AND SAMAR) AND NEW GUINEA. AWARDED THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL FOR COMBAT HEROISM, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICA DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH ARROWHEAD AND 4 BRONZE SERVICE STARS, WORLD WAR II VICTORY MEDAL, PHILIPPINE DEFENSE RIBBON, PHILIPPINE LIBERATION RIBBON WITH 2 BRONZE SERVICE STARS AND THE PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE RIBBON.