alter M. Cushing; Major, U.S. Army
On 19-20 September 1942, then-Captain Walter M. Cushing was serving with the 121st Infantry Regiment, Philippine Army.
During that time, CPT Cushing's unit was in action against Japanese forces while working among the Philippine Guerilla Forces at Ilocos, in the Philippine Islands. CPT Cushing was leading a patrol to a hidden radio station in the mountains when it was attacked by a strong enemy unit. Knowing that his patrol could not otherwise escape, he held the trail alone against the Japanese until the rest of the patrol could withdraw. Captain Cushing's inspiring leadership, courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day, at the cost of becoming a Prisoner of War, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.
CPT Cushing was captured by the Japanese and was subsequently executed in captivity.
Medals, Awards and Badges:
Distinguished Service Cross Purple Heart Prisoner of War Medal
Distinguished Service Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Walter M. Cushing (ASN: 0-890361), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 121st Infantry Regiment, Philippine Army, in action against enemy forces on 20 September 1942, while working among the Philippine Guerilla Forces at Ilocos, in the Philippine Islands. While leading a patrol to a hidden radio station in the mountains, Captain Cushing was attacked by a strong enemy unit. Realizing that his force could not otherwise escape, he voluntarily held the trail alone against the Japanese until the rest of the patrol could withdraw. Captain Cushing's inspiring leadership and indomitable courage, reflected in his supreme sacrifice, were in accord with the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 106 (September 20, 1946)
Burial:
Major Walter M. Cushing is buried at the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, San Diego County, CA, in Section H, Site 418.
Walter Cushing and his brother James M. Cushing were born in Mexico before moving to California. Each received the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism in the Philippine Islands during World War II. Walter Cushing was captured by the Japanese and was subsequently executed in captivity. They were one of only three sets of brothers to each earn the Distinguished Service Cross during World War II.
Source: Military Hall of Honor