Kenneth Walsh, World War II Hero, Dies

Medal of Honor winner and World War II hero Marine Col. Kenneth Walsh of Santa Ana died Thursday. He was 81.

During World War II, fighter pilot Walsh became a flying legend. Considered by airmen to be one of the toughest and most aggressive Marine combat pilots, he was credited with shooting down 21 Japanese aircraft.

In April 1943, Walsh was the leader of an eight-plane division launched from New Georgia Island to provide support for naval and ground forces around Vella Lavella, 180 miles from Guadalcanal.

The squadron met 30 Japanese fighter planes and dive bombers head-on and, although outgunned, they averted an attack on U.S. ships and beachheads.

Two weeks later, Walsh was alone when he encountered 50 Japanese fighter planes and attacked them. Walsh downed four planes before he was brought down by cannon fire. He was later rescued at sea.

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Walsh was decorated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as one of the true aces in the history of Marine aviation.

His citation for bravery reads: “Determined to thwart the enemy’s attempt to bomb Allied ground forces and shipping at Vella Lavella on 15 August 1943, 1st Lt. Walsh repeatedly dived his plane into the enemy formation that outnumbered his own division six-to-one, and, although his plane was hit numerous times, shot down two Japanese dive bombers and one fighter.”

Walsh retired from the Marines in 1963 after his last duty assignment at El Toro.

He is remembered by his friends and peers as a man of character.

“He was a fine father, fine husband and a man of impeccable integrity,” said retired Col. William Barber, an Irvine resident and also a Medal of Honor winner.

“I think it’s accurate to say that he was interested to do anything to help his community or his country.” A memorial service will be held for Walsh at the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station chapel at 1 p.m. Tuesday. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on Aug. 13 with an honor guard, 21-gun salute and full military honors.

Walsh is survived by his wife, Beulah, and son, Thomas Walsh.