AMERICAN AWARD

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 94, 21 April 1944, Page 2

AMERICAN AWARD

N.Z. WING-COMMANDER PRESENTATION AT OHAKEA. (P.A.) Wellington, April 19. Before a parade of some 200 airmen, most of whom he had commanded in the Pacific, Wing-Com-mander Henry Campbell Walker. A..FC, was awarded the United States Legion of Merit, Degree of Officer, at the R.N.Z.A.F. station, Ohakea, yesterday afternoon. The award, which is in recognition of his outstanding services as commanding officer of a R.N.Z.A.F. reconnaissance squadron in the Pacific, was presented by Lieut. G. B. Lane, U.S.N.R., Assistant United States Naval Attache, Wellington. Also with the official paHty' facing the parade, which was drawn up in the form of a three-sided square, were Mr. Prescott Childs, American Charge d’Affaires, Air-Commodore Neville, vice-chief the Air Staff, Group Captain C. E. Kay, commanding officer of the station, and Wing-Com-mander I. G. Morrison, the present officer commanding the squadron which Wing-Commander Walker led overseas. At the conclusion of a short, but. impressive -.ceremony, Wing-Com-mander Walker joined the official party at the saluting base and the parade marched past. The citation says that Wing-Com-mander Walker displayed exception-ally-meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as commanding officer of a reconnaissance squadron, R.N.Z.A.F., from January 20 to April 3, 1943. “In the face of adverse weather, terrific anti-aircraft fire, and fierce lighter opposition, Wing-Commander Walker conducted numerous searen fights over hostile territory, nightraids, and special photographing, illuminating and observation missions. Personally carrying out many of the assignments of his unit, he established a brilliant record of successes for his reconnaissance squadron, earning the respect and admiration of every officer and man in the armed forces in this area. His accurate conception of the broad scope and intricate detail of his activities, and the results achieved by his determined efforts, were a major factor in the weakening of Japanese resistance in the Solomon Islands,” the citation concluded. Formerly aviation officer for the New Zealand Vacuum Oil Company Pty., Ltd., and later a member of the staff of Union Airways, Ltd., WingCommander Walker’s name became known in aviation when, in partnership with the late Sauadron-Leader McGregor, he competed in the Melbourne Centennial air race between England and Australia in 1934. Born in Edinburgh in 1908. Wing-Com-mander Walker came to New Zealand at an early age and completed his education at Dunedin and Palmerston North. He entered the R.N.Z.A.F. in 1940. Toward the end of 1941 he was posted overseas, and saw considerable service before returning recently for medical reasons. In January, 1943, Wing-Commander Walker was awarded the A.F.C., and a further tribute to his distinguished service was made last month when he was mentioned in despatches. His wife, Mrs. O. Walker, live£ in Auckland.