#VeteranOfTheDay Walter Bruce Henry

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Walter Bruce Henry. Walter enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1941.

Walter was born in Shelby County, Texas. He graduated from Center High School in 1936 and the University of Texas in 1941 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. A year later, , he joined the Naval Reserve following his graduation from pilot training at Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi, Texas. He was then assigned to U.S. Navy Patrol Squadron VP-103.

On Aug. 7, 1943, while Walter was piloting the PB4Y aircraft near the Buris Peninsula of Newfoundland, fisherman witnessed his plane take a slow right turn, then a violent left spiral before hitting the sea and exploding. Walter and his crew of 11 were lost and have never been recovered. He has been listed as missing in action by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency ever since.

Although his remains were never recovered, his family has since placed a memorial stone in his honor by his parents’ resting place in the Newburn Cemetery, Center, Texas. Walter’s name is also listed on the Tablets of the Missing, East Coast Memorial in New York City.

Walter’s honorable service has been recognized through his many awards that include an American Campaign Medal, a Purple Heart, an Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and a World War II Victory Medal.

We honor your service, Walter.

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much of the information as you can put together with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating for how to create the best submission.

Graphic By Kierra Willis: Kierra Willis is a Graphic Communication Major at the University of Maryland University College. She currently has an AAS in Graphic Design and Visual Communications.