Walter Atlee Edwards – Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy

Born at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 8, 1888, he was a 1910 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He earned the Medal of Honor on December 16,1922 at the Sea of Marmora, Turkey. The Medal was presented to him by President Calvin Coolidge at the White House on February 2, 1924.

United States Naval Academy Photo

He died on January 15, 1928 and was buried in Section 4 of Arlington National Cemetery.

EDWARDS, WALTER ATLEE

Rank and organization: Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy. Place and date: Sea of Marmora, Turkey, 16 December 1922. Born: 8 November 1886, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 123, 4 February 1924. (Medal presented by President Coolidge at the White House on 2 February 1924.) Other Navy award: Navy Cross.

Citation:

For heroism in rescuing 482 men, women and children from the French military transport Vinh-Long, destroyed by fire in the Sea of Marmora, Turkey, on 16 December 1922. Lt. Comdr. Edwards, commanding the U.S.S. Bainbridge, placed his vessel alongside the bow of the transport and, in spite of several violent explosions which occurred on the burning vessel, maintained his ship in that position until all who were alive were taken on board. Of a total of 495 on board, 482 were rescued by his coolness, judgment and professional skill, which were combined with a degree of heroism that must reflect new glory on the U.S. Navy.

EDWARDS, WALTER ATLEE
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy
Staff Officer, U.S. Naval Forces (Europe)
Date of Action: World War I

Citation:

The Navy Cross is presented to Walter Atlee Edwards, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving on the staff of the commander of the United States Naval forces operating in European waters.
Other Award: Medal of Honor (Peace Time Award)

EDWARDS, WALTER ATLEE
LT COMM USN
DATE OF DEATH: 01/15/1928
BURIED AT: SECTION 4-W  SITE LOT 3183
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

Michael Robert Patterson

Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.

Reviewed by: Michael Howard