Walter O. Olson
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Air Force
Walter O. Olson entered the Army Air Corps on June 5, 1942. Home at entry: Duluth, Minnesota.
He served as a Technical Sergeant, radio operator with the 558th Bomb Squadron, 387th Bomb Group in North Africa and England.
Awarded: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and Purple Heart.
Mr. Olson was killed in action on May 29, 1944.
"Walter was sent to radio schools prior to assignment to a B-26 medium bomber crew. He flew about 60 or more missions. Just prior to D-Day, he was made chief radioman in his squadron. While on a bombing mission over Paris, Walter was struck by a piece of 'flack' and immediately killed. The plane and the rest of the crew returned safely to England."
Citation of Honor: "United States Army Air Forces. Technical Sergeant Walter O. Olson. Who Gave His Life In The Performance Of His Duty. May 29, 1944. He lived to bear his country's arms. He died to save its honor. He was a soldier...and he knew a soldiers's duty. His sacrifice will help to keep aglow the flaming torch that lights our lives...That millions yet unborn may know the priceless joy of liberty. And we who pay him homage, and revere his memory, in solemn pride rededicate ourselves to a complete fulfillment of the task for which he so gallantly has placed his life upon the alter of man's freedom." H.H. Arnold, General, U.S. Army, Commanding General Army Air Forces.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The Saint Louis County World War II Project, page 362.
Mr. Olson served in World War II in the European Theater. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces and in March 1944 was stationed in England. At the time, he was a Radio Operator. By March 1944, he had been decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Purple Heart, and two oak leaf clusters.
Walter Olson was the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Olson of Duluth, Minnesota. Source: “Service Stripes,” Duluth News-Tribune, March 5, 1944 (see below) “The Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and two oak leaf clusters have been awarded to T-Sgt. Walter O. Olson, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Olson, 431 East Second street, for his work as radio operator on 25 bombing missions in England.”
