Walsh Leo Cavanaugh

Name:

Leo Cavanaugh Walsh

Rank:

First Lieutenant

Serial Number:

O-743919

Unit:

600th Bomber Squadron, 398th Bomber Group, Heavy

Date of Death:

1944-08-12

State:

District of Columbia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia, USA

Plot:

Section 15A

Row:

Grave:

Site 76-NH

Decoration:

Air Medal, Purple Heart

Comments:

Leo Cavanaugh Walsh was born in 1920, in District of Columbia. He served in the 600th Bomber Squadron, 398th Bomb Group, Heavy, as a First Lieutenant and Bombardier of B-17 #42-107191 nicknamed ''Tomahawk Warrior'' during World War II.

On August 12, 1944, Tomahawk Warrior embarked on its 25th combat mission, targeting sites in France. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced mechanical issues, with two of its four engines catching fire. Despite the dire situation, the pilot managed to steer the failing bomber away from populated areas, ultimately crashing into a field at Lude Farm near Penn, Buckinghamshire. All nine crew members aboard perished in the crash.

1Lt Walsh is now buried in the Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia, USA. Leo C. Walsh's name is inscribed on the Anstey Window Memorial in Panel 2 (center), on Butterfly 13, in the bottom left wing (section C).

Source of information: www.americanairmuseum.com, www.398th.org