World War II Honoree

Wendell Maxwell Walters

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Oilton, Oklahoma

Honored By

U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc.

MOTOR MACHINIST MATE SECOND CLASS PETTY OFFICER. AT PEARL HARBOR ON DECEMBER 7, 1941. LIVED ONLY TO BE KILLED IN ACTION WITH ALL HANDS ONBOARD USS GRAMPUS (SS-207). DECORATIONS: PURPLE HEART WITH A GOLD STAR. USS GRAMPUS WAS MOST LIKELY SUNK IN ACTION ON MARCH 5, 1943 WHEN TWO JAPANESE DESTROYERS, THEMSELVES LOST 2 DAYS LATER, CONDUCTED AN ATTACK IN BLACKETT STRAIT, WHERE A HEAVY OIL SLICK WAS SIGHTED THE FOLLOWING DAY, INDICATING THAT GRAMPUS MAY HAVE BEEN LOST THERE IN A NIGHT ATTACK OR GUN BATTLE AGAINST THE DD. GRAMPUS WENT DOWN WITH 71 OFFICERS AND MEN.