World War II Honoree

William Spurgeon Walters, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Tucumcari, New Mexico

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Relationship

Friend

Rank: Fire Controlman Third Class. He was inducted into the United States Navy August 3, 1940, at Denver, Colorado with Basic Military Training at the U.S. Naval Training Station San Diego, California. Upon his graduation from Boot Camp and with additional training; he was transferred to the USS Arizona II Battleship (BB-39) for duty. He was based at Pearl Harbor Territory of Hawaii. December 7, 1941 “Battle-of-Pearl Harbor” the Commencement of WWII, when the Emperor of Japan’s Naval Aviators launched a devastating, surprise attack on Oahu U.S. Naval Base, and other Military Installations. The USS Arizona with her Shipmate’s, lay moored on Ford Island came under attack, and was mortally wounded by an armor piercing bomb. The bomb ordnances ignited the ship’s forward ammunition magazines. He was fatally wounded during, this “Historical Battle” and interred in the Oahu Nuuanu Cemetery, Territory of Hawaii. In the post-war era, this Seaman’s family requested that he be buried with Military Honors at the Honolulu National Memorial Cemetery, with interment January 26, 1949, located in Honolulu, Hawaii. In his Memory, this American Patriot was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously for his Heroism, and ultimate sacrifice. He served his Country with Pride and Honor.