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Walter Gurley
First Name:
Walter
Middle Name:
Edward
Last Name:
Gurley
Date of Birth:
4/15/1920
Death Details/Burial/Memorial Services: He was killed in action at the Battle of Midway when his bomber, which carried Major General Clarence Tinker, crashed into the sea. Gilmer Holton, his roommate from Davidson College and Hickam Air Field, Oahu, was also killed. His memorial service held at Belmont Park Methodist Church on March 17, 1946.His memorial marker is at the Punchbowl National Cemetery in Honolulu, HI. He has a tombstone in the Mimosa Cemetery in Davidson, NC.
Age at Death: 22
Image Source: Carolina Room photo
Personal Details
Education Details:
Davidson College class of 42, Technical High School, Charlotte graduate
Biographical Notes:
member, Belmont Park Methodist Church, attended Hopewell Baptist Church since age 14.
Family Details:
Walter A. and Inez R. Gurley - 1208 N. Harrill St., Charlotte, NC Mrs. Jimmy Hall - Kannapolis, NC
Military Details
Military Rank:
2nd Lieutenant
Military Unit:
31st Bomber Sq., 5th Bomb Group Aerial Navigator on a Flying Fortress
KIA Date:
6/7/1942
MIA Date:
NA
KIA / MIA Place:
Midway Island
Military Details:
Hickman Field, Honolula [Hickam Field, Honolulu], Midway Island
Awards:
Purple Heart, Silver Star
Source:
Newsprint, death index, Davidson College Bulletin and family information; Ken Kumpe