World War II Honoree

Donald H. Walton

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

El Paso, Texas

Honored By

1st Cavalry Division Association

ASSIGNED TO 12TH CAVALRY REGIMENT, 1ST CAVALRY DIVISION (HORSE) AT FORT BLISS AND LATER AS A PLATOON LEADER IN THE 1ST CAVALRY BRIGADE RECONNAISSANCE TROOP. SERVED WITH THE DIVISION IN AUSTRALIA, NEW GUINEA, THE ADMIRALTY ISLANDS, AND ON LEYTE AND LUZON IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. WHILE IN NEW GUINEA, HE TOOK COMMAND OF THE 302ND CAVALRY RECONNAISSANCE TROOP. THE TROOP WAS ONE OF THE LEAD ELEMENTS IN THE DIVISION DASH TO MANILA TO LIBERATE THE INTERNEES HELD BY THE JAPANESE IN THE SANTO TOMAS UNIVERSITY. HE RECEIVED SILVER STAR AND PURPLE HEART MEDAL FOR PARTICIPATION IN THAT ACTION. AT THE END OF WWII, LED THE 1ST CAVALRY DIVISION ENTRY INTO TOKYO.