Posted by XXXXXX on May 1, 2008:

Walter Vernon Waller NO. 16746 CLASS OF 1948 Died January 20, 1957 in an automobile accident near Dayton, Ohio AGED 33 years . "WALT" was born in Cumberland, Ohio, December 11, 1923. There he received his early education and graduated from High School in 1941. He then entered the College of Engineering at Ohio State University and spent one and one-half years there. He entered the Army March 17, 1943, and was sent to the Signal Corps at Fort Lewis. He had a great desire to enter the Military Academy, and it was while serving at Fort Lewis that he received his appointment to West Point. He was transferred to the Army Specialized Training Program at Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania, November 3, 1943, where he was discharged June 15, 1944. In July, 1944 Walton joined the Class of 1948 at West Point. His work came hard but he loved it. He was always proud of West Point and the Service and expected it to be his career. At graduation he was commissioned in the Air Force and sent to Lackland Air Force Base. He graduated from Air Tactical School in 1950. In 1951 he went overseas with the Third Avn. Field Depot Squadron. Upon his return to the States he was stationed with Hdqrs. A.M.C. Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, where he remained until his death. His hobbies were photography and boating. He owned a sail boat of which he was very proud, and spent as much time sailing as his duties would permit. It was while returning from a meeting of his Boat Club at Sidney, Ohio that he was killed. While he was a Cadet he joined the Masonic Lodge in his home town of Cumberland, Ohio. He always had a great interest in Masonry. Captain Waller's military record was excellent. He was held in esteem by all who knew him for his loyalty and attention to duty. His fine qualities were disclosed by his conscientiousness, willingness to assume responsibility, and his consideration for others. His likable personality, compounded with intelligence, common sense, ability, and a sense of humor endeared him to all who worked with him. Each task which was his to perform was accomplished with eagerness and enthusiasm which truly denoted his sincere love of country and devotion to duty. He was a man of highest integrity, always kept his word, and was punctual in keeping his promises. He was quiet, generous, unselfish, and always a loyal friend. He held high his standards of duty and conduct. His genial disposition, natural courtesy, and friendly unassuming manner made it normal for people to like him. He took a keen interest in current affairs and was a student of the best books and periodicals. He lived and served well and for this we say "Well Done." Although he has joined the Long Gray Line earlier than most, during the space of his short career he lived up to the highest tradition of West Point. —Oscar E. Waller, his father

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