This Memorial Day, I want to honor Kenneth Wiley Walker. Kenneth was born December 2, 1922, the 6th child and second son to my great grandparents Joe Carlie and Mary Elizabeth Walker. That would make him my great uncle.
The Man
He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939 and served in Oregon until 1941. Then in October of 1942 he volunteered to serve in the United States Navy. The ship on which he served, the USS Thuban, deployed in the Pacific during WWII.
The Mission
In order to take Midway Island, the US Navy needed to take out a Japanese stronghold in The Gilbert Islands. The specific Island was Betio, located in what was known as the Tarawa Atoll. The goal was to destroy the stronghold there, establish a base in the Marianna Islands, then take Midway. From there, the USN could launch offensives into the Philippines and eventually Japan. The US deemed this mission vital to the success of our effort in WWII.
USN planners had not taken into account a Neap Tide that would keep the tide too low for successful amphibious landings. At the first day of the offensive – Saturday, November 20, 1943 – the amphibious vehicles could not overcome the lower than expected tides and fell harm to the Japanese guns on shore. On that day aboard one of those vehicles, Kenneth Wiley Walker gave his life for his country. He died 12 days shy of his 21st birthday, and he was buried at sea.
Though costly for both sides, the US Navy finally won the battle November 23, 1943.
The Memorial
My great-grandparents gave birth to nine children – four daughters and five sons. I had the blessing of knowing all of my great-uncles and aunts for at least the first few years of my life – with the exception of my Uncle Kenneth. I loved my grandmother dearly and all of her siblings hold places in my heart, especially the two that remain.
While I have no memory of my Uncle Kenneth, I have the example of a man who was a servant, first through the CCC then the USN. He gave the ultimate service by laying down his life in defense of his country. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13). Uncle Kenneth demonstrated his love for his country and his family in the ultimate way. He is a worthy remembrance on Memorial Day.
Kenneth Wiley Walker, December 2, 1922 – November 20, 1943