US Coast Guard CAPT Quentin Walsh: Navy Cross Recipient WWII

Just weeks after D-Day, Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Quentin Walsh led a daring naval reconnaissance team into the war-torn city of Cherbourg, France. Battling through pockets of enemy resistance, Walsh personally led street-to-street combat, secured the Naval Arsenal, and accepted the surrender of over 750 German troops. Along the way, he freed 52 captured U.S. paratroopers and cleared the way for Allied forces. For his extraordinary leadership and heroism, Walsh was awarded the Navy Cross.

Navy Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Quentin R. Walsh, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of a specially trained U.S. Naval Reconnaissance Party assigned the mission of reconnoitering the Naval Facilities and Arsenal at Cherbourg, France, on 26 and 27 June 1944. A gallant and aggressive leader, Commander Walsh courageously engaged in active street fighting with the enemy as he led his party in the skillful penetration of the eastern half of the city and, while advancing through scattered pockets of resistance and extremely hazardous areas which were still subjected to hostile fire, accepted the surrender of approximately four hundred enemy forces at the Naval Arsenal and disarmed them. Subsequently receiving the unconditional surrender of three hundred and fifty other officers and men, he released fifty-two United States Army Paratroopers who were prisoners in the fort. Commander Walsh's brilliant initiative, inspiring leadership and successful accomplishment of a difficult mission reflect great credit upon himself, his command and the United States Naval Service.

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Photos Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

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