PFC Donovan E. Walton

World War II
-
Fallen

Minot


County:
Ward

Date of Loss:

Recovered:
Remains recovered

Branch of Service:
Marines

Rank:
Private First Class

Battalion / Task Group / Squadron or equivalent:
Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 235

Regiment / Group / Brigade:
1st Marine Air Wing

Major Battle/Theatre:
Asiatic

Engagements/Battles:
Guadalcanal
Engagement:
Guadalcanal
Medals and Honors:

Circumstances:

From Death Certificate:

PFC Donovan Eugene Walton was on an authorized troop movement from Efate, New Hebrides to Munda, New Georgia. Enroute to Guadalcanal from Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides, the plane ran into bad weather and crashed into Marau Peak, Sandy Beach, Guadalcanal. The entire crew and eight passengers were instantly killed according to the testimony of the sole survivor: Martin S. Pelroy, Corporal of VMSB-241, FMAW, FMF. 

Buried at site of plane crash: Marau Peak, Sandy Beach, Guadalcanal, British Solomon Islands. 

Received Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and WWII Victory Medal.

He was survived by his father and 6 siblings.

 

Biography:

Born October 13, 1925, in Minot North Dakota (Ward County) to parent Ray H. Walton. Donovan Waltons mother passed away 4 years before Donovan's death. 

Donovan moved with his father to Seatle Washington where he enlisted in the US Marine Corps reserve (November 5, 1942). He was called to duty the following week. After completing his boot camp training at San Diego California, he was transferred to the Marine Air Corps where he received additional training. He was sent overseas shortly after completing his air training.