Walter Joseph Koraleski shortened his surname and legally changed it to “Koral.” He was born on April 30, 1920, in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan. He was the husband of Amanda Moore Koral. He served in the 354th Fighter Squadron, 355th Fighter Group, as a Captain and Fighter Pilot of P-51 #43-6968 nicknamed ''Miss Thunder'' during World War II.

On April 15, 1944, ''Miss Thunder'' was flying a combat mission over the Netherlands when it encountered serious engine trouble after escorting Allied bombers. The aircraft he piloted had just passed the southern shoreline of Lake IJsselmeer when mechanical failure forced him to break away from formation. Realizing the Mustang could not make the return flight to England, Koraleski attempted to turn back toward the coast. However, the engine continued to lose power, leaving him with little choice but to bring the aircraft down. The P-51 ultimately crashed into the water, likely in or near Lake IJsselmeer. Reports indicate that local Dutch fishermen recovered the pilot from the water, and he was later taken into custody, becoming a prisoner of war.

Cpt Koral held at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria. After the war, he returned to combat, flying missions in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and retired in 1968 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel. He died on November 23, 1992, and is now buried in the Bay Pines National Cemetery, Bay Pines, Pinellas County, Florida, USA.

Silver Star Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Walter Joseph Koraleski (AKA: Koral), Jr. (ASN: 0-660162), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as Pilot of a P-51 Mustang Fighter Aircraft of the 354th Fighter Squadron, 355th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy while leading a Squadron of P-51 fighter aircraft furnishing support for bombers withdrawing from a mission over Germany, 6 March 1944. When nine (9) ME-109 planes attacked two straggling bombers, Captain Koraleski led a flight down and pressed his assault with such ferocity that the enemy were dispersed, allowing the two crippled bombers to escape. During this encounter, he personally destroyed one enemy fighter. Immediately thereafter, Captain Koraleski, with his wingman, dove his plane to tree top level in a vicious attack on two more ME-109’s. Exhibiting superior combat skill, he attacked the rear aircraft, causing it to hit the trees and cartwheel into the ground. He then pursued the remaining fighter and destroyed it. The gallantry, disregard for personal safety and skill in combat displayed by Captain Koraleski contributed in a large measure to the safe return of the bomber formation.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, https://www.zzairwar.nl, valor.militarytimes.com