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Former VFW Post 914 Life Member Joseph J. Walters has been submitted for induction into the Joseph A. Dugan Jr. Hall of Valor at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Oakland.

Joseph J. Walters

A winner of the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions as a ball turret gunner on a B-17 bomber during World War II, Walters’ submission packet was hand-delivered for consideration by the post’s service officer Oct. 17.

According to West Mifflin’s VFW Post 914 commander Jake Bradich, the honor should have arrived sooner. The veterans’ service unit only learned the extent of Walters’ heroism during his funeral in September.

“The Walters family had Joe’s medals displayed,” said Bradich. “Several of the post’s officers saw that he had won the Distinguished Flying Cross.”

Awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, the DFC is one of the top valor medals conferred by the United States. Walters received his decoration for actions during 15 bombing missions where he shot down enemy fighter aircraft and warded off attacks by several others.  In all, he was personally credited with destroying three hostile fighter planes.

“Sergeant Walters displayed courage and presence of mind when he encountered experiences involving great personnel danger and vital decisions under hazardous conditions,” reads Walters’ DFC citation. “The courage, coolness and skill displayed by Sergeant Walters on all these occasions reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.”

Walters’ other awards and decorations include four awards of the Air Medal, a Purple Heart Medal, the European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Word War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal and the Army Good Conduct Medal. All of his valor and combat medals were awarded during a six month span in 1943.

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