|
Van R. Walker earned:
·
Bronze
Star Medal
·
Purple
Heart Medal
·
Invasion
Arrowhead
·
Three battle
stars
·
Parachute
Badge with star for combat jump (Holland)
·
Combat
Infantry Badge
·
Belgium
Fourragere
·
Orange
Lanyard of the Royal Netherlands Army.
·
Numerous
defense medals including the National Defense Medal and the WW II Victory
Medal.
The U.S. Army refused to let Van reenlist because
of his foot problems incurred in the Belgium cold winter. The Army lost a
good man and the U.S. Air Force gained one. In 1947, Van enlisted in
the Air Force and served as a fuel specialist. Van served in Okinawa, Hawaii,
Greenland and England; no walking, always warm barracks, lots of good food
and no one shooting at you. In February 1966, Van retired from the Air Force,
as a Master Sergeant with
23 years
cumulative service. Van keeps busy when not on the golf course.
Van married Allean
Delancey August 11, 1948. They have three sons and five grandchildren.
Van and Allean have consistently supported the 508th Parachute
Infantry Regiment Association, WW II, and Hq1 activities. In February 2000,
Van and Allean sponsored the Hq1 reunion in San Antonio, Texas. They
provided a fine hotel with clean rooms, a user friendly Hospitality Suite
(with plenty of refreshments) and delightful meals. In March 2004, Van and
Allean again entertained the Hq1 members and guests in San Antonio, and replicated
their outstanding 2000 performance.
Van and Allean Walker
Van
and Allean Walker reside at 8800 Starcrest Drive, Apt. 5, San Antonio, TX
78217- 4716
|
