John T. Walker

John Thaddeus Walker (September 15, 1893 – February 22, 1955) was a highly decorated officer of the United States Marine Corps, who reached the rank of lieutenant general. He is most noted as commanding officer of the 22nd Marine Regiment during Battle of Eniwetok. He later served as director of personnel or commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. He attended the Texas A&M University and graduated in 1917 with Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. Young Walker was eager to see combat during World War I, he almost immediately entered the United States Marine Corps and was commissioned second lieutenant on May 23, 1917. Upon the completing of the Officer's Basic training, he was assigned as platoon leader to the 51st Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment in Philadelphia.

World War II Lemuel C. Shepherd (left) speaks with members of his staff during a planning meeting prior to the Guam operation. Next to him is 1st Brigade Chief of Staff John T. Walker, Alan Shapley (4th Marines) and Merlin F. Schneider (22nd Marines) He left Quantico in May 1940 and subsequently was transferred to the Marine Corps Base San Diego as Chief of Planning Section under Major General William P. Upshur. Walker was transferred to Egypt in July 1941, where he served as a Naval observer in Cairo. Following the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, he returned to the United States and reported for duty at San Diego with 2nd Marine Division as operations officer. Walker has been promoted to the rank of colonel on 1 January 1942 and after five months with 2nd Division, he was appointed commanding officer of the newly activated 22nd Marine Regiment at Camp Elliott, California. Walker was subsequently decorated with the military's second-highest decoration awarded for valor in combat, Navy Cross.

When the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade under Brigadier General Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr. was reactivated at the beginning of April 1944, Walker had been appointed its chief of staff. Walker participated with his new command in the Recapture of Guam at the end of July 1944 and was decorated with the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" and second Navy Unit Commendation.

Following his retirement, Walker resided in La Jolla, California, and died on February 22, 1955, at Naval Hospital, San Diego. He is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Decorations

Here is the ribbon bar of Lieutenant General John T. Walker: