Walter William Scott was born on 18 Aug 1920 in Jackson, MS to Frank Tomkeyes Scott, attorney and Effie Galloway, homemaker. both from MS. Walter had two brothers, Charles who served in the Army Air Corp and spent time as a POW, and Bert who served with the Navy in the Southwest Pacific.

In 1940 Walter was attending college at the University of Mississippi, and would graduate in 1943. His father, Frank, was the sheriff of Hinds County, MS

Walter enlisted 11 November 1943 at the age of 23 at Camp Shelby, MS and was assigned to Co. "A" 350th Infantry, 88th Division known as the Blue Devil Division. While still a 1st Lieutenant Walter received the Distinguished Service Cross for extra ordinary heroism in action on Mt. Battaglia in Italy.

The 88th Division known as the Blue Devils won the following awards: Medals of Honor - 2 Distinguished Service Cross - 40 Distinguished Service Medal - 2 Silver Star - 522 Legion of Merit - 66 Soldiers Medal -19 Bronze Star - 3,784

Capt. Walter Scott wins DSC for action on Mt. Battaglia

Captain Walter W. Scott, of 913 North Street, Jackson, Mississippi was recently awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation's second highest military award for extra ordinary heroism in action on Mt. Battaglia, Italy as a member of the 350th Infantry Regiment. The presentation ceremonies were held at te 37t6h General Hospital, one of the many units of the Peninsular Base Headquarters, Italy, the important supply and services organization for the Fifth Army and for the Air Force ground crews and the Naval elements in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations.

The citation accompanying Capt. then first lieutenant, Scott's medal vividly describes the action in which he earned his decoration. After Lt. Scott's company had relieved two companies on Mt. Battaglia, the enemy launched a vicious counterattack to regain this strategic height. In the face of intense artillery, mortar, and small arms fire, Lt. Scott circulated among his men, shouting words of encouragement, issuing orders and pointing out targets. He killed four of the enemy with his pistol. Observing that the advancing enemy threatened to overrun his positions, Lt. Scott picked up a rifle from a dead soldier, called for his men to follow him and advanced toward the enemy. In the fierce battle that ensued Lt. Scott killed two more enemy soldiers, while his men killed and wounded many others. The enemy troops were so severely mauled that they turned and fled to their own lines.

The determined courage, calmness under fire and intrepid leadership displayed by 1st Lt. Scott were an inspiration to all who witnessed his heroic performance.

Captain Scott is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank T. Scott of Jackson, Mississippi. He was graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1943. He has been in the Army for 20 months and overseas for 16 months, serving in North Africa and Italy.

- courtesy The Clarion Ledger News

Captain Walter Scott "Killed In Action" Parents Here Notified

Captain Walter Scott, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank T. Scott, 918 North Street, was killed in action in the Mediterranean theatre, his parents were notified yesterday in a telegram from the War Department.

Fighting through the North African and Italian campaigns, young Scott had received two battlefield promotions and his family had hoped that he would be coming home now with the end of the war in Europe.

Captain Scott had two brothers in the war, Charles Scott, a prisoner of war believed liberated in Germany, and Bert Scott in the Southwest Pacific.

Their father was the former sheriff of Hinds County, Mississippi and now a chancery clerk.

- courtesy The Clarion Ledger News

Capt. Walter William Scott is interred at Lakewood Memorial Cemetery in Jackson, Mississippi along with his father, Frank Scott, his mother Effie Galloway Scott, brothers Frank Scott, Jr., Charles Scott, and Bert Scott.

Sources:

The 88th Infantry Division in Italy - Army History.org - https://armyhistory.org/the-88th-infantry-division-in-italy/

We Were There - http://www.lonesentry.com/unithistory/88thinfantry/index.html

350th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division Blue Devils - http://www.mtmestas.com/350th-infantryregiment.htm

City of Grove, OK - Home of the United States Army 88th Infantry Division Blue Devils https://www.cityofgroveok.gov/building/page/united-states-army-88th-infantry-division-blue-devils

The Clarion Ledger News - https://www.clarionledger.com/

This story is part of the Stories Behind the Stars project (see http://www.storiesbehindthestars.org). This is a national effort of volunteers to write the stories of all 421,000+ of the US WWII fallen saved on Together We Served and Fold3. Can you help write these stories? These stories will be accessible via smartphone app at any war memorial or cemetery.

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