World War II Honoree

Walter Yates

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Corpus Christi, Texas

Honored By

Tracy, Sharolyn, Susan, Jay and Greg

Relationship

Wife, daughters and sons

ENLISTED NOVEMBER 29, 1941 AT THE AGE OF 17, ONE WEEK BEFORE PEARL HARBOR. BOOT CAMP IN SAN DIEGO BUT SHIPPED OUT TO SAMOA AND FINISHED TRAINING FOR JUNGLE FIGHTING THERE. SERVED IN A COMPANY, 1ST BATTALION, 8TH MARINE REGIMENT ATTACHED TO THE 1ST MARINE DIVISION. WENT TO NEW HEBRIDES AND NEW CALEDONIA TO PREPARE FOR LANDING ON GUADALCANAL IN AUGUST 1942. WOUNDED AFTER 3 MONTHS ON GUADALCANAL BY SHELLFIRE AND SHIPPED TO NEW ZEALAND TO RECUPERATE. AWARDED THE PRESIDENTIAL CITATION FOR HELPING TO SECURE GUADALCANAL, PURPLE HEART, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN RIBBON, MEDAL FOR FIRST TROOPS TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY AFTER PEARL HARBOR. ATTAINED THE RANK OF CORPORAL.