 |
World War IIUS Army Air Force348th Bomb Sqdrn, 99th Bomber Group (Heavy), 15th Air Force Service Number: 37328651 Born: July 25, 1915 - Cumberland, Iowa Inducted: May 25, 1942 Killed in action July 5, 1943 Serbini, Sicily Buried: Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, plot J row 2 grave 63, Nettuno, Italy Air Medal w/4 Oak Leaf Clusters |
Foster son of Mr. and Mrs. G.O. Wilkins of Yuma. Husband of Rosa E. Brown Edwards of Beecher Island.
ABMC Photograph 
Wray Gazette, January 27, 1944
WAR DEPT. CONFIRMS DEATH OF STAFF SGT WALTER EDWARDS
Mrs. Walter E. Edwards received the following telegram on January 20th confirming the death of her husband, Staff Sgt. Edwards. The telegram read: "The Secretary of War desires that I tender his deep sympathy to you in the loss of your husband Staff Sgt. Walter E. Edwards who was previously reported missing in action. Report now received states that he was killed in action on Five July in North Africa Area. Letter follows." Signed J.A. Ulio, Major General, Office of Adjutant General.
Staff Sgt. Walter Edwards was reported missing in action in August 1943. Mrs. Edwards also received a letter from Major General Ulio confirming the telegram and stating that her husband gave the supreme sacrifice of his life July 5th in Sicily. Mrs. Edwards has also received the personal property of Staff Sergeant Edwards.
Staff Sgt. Edwards went overseas in January 1943 and was serving as the rear gunner on a B-24 Liberator when he gave his life for his country. He is survived by his wife Rosa Edwards, a baby daughter whom he had never seen, and many other less near relatives. The heartfelt sympathy of the entire community goes out to Mrs. Edwards and the sorrowing relatives.
Extract of B-17 42-29492 "Ramblin' Wreck" crew members interview, 2 August 1945, after release from POW camp.
"Plane was hit by fighters and set afire 5 July 1943, over Garbini Airdrome, Sicily. Four of crew were able to bail out. SSgt Edwards was slightly wounded and unable to jump. The Italians later told me that he was dead." - T/Sgt Albert Shafron, Radio Operator.
Go to previous page | next page.
Return to Gold Star Veterans Listing.