what are the call of duty world war ii bronze star for

In late 1942, at age 17, Walden enlisted in the Navy because he 'felt the need,' and at the time, 'that’s what everybody did.'īy the time D-Day approached, he was a hospital apprentice first class and was pegged for the initial wave of the invasion. Walden’s story is like many others who lived out history on Omaha Beach, but it is no less remarkable.

None of those injuries had lingering effects, however, and he eventually came home to have a successful career as a firefighter.

Walden, who was born in Oakland and now lives in Walnut Creek, was injured that day, suffering shrapnel wounds and a broken shoulder. (Awards) were the last thing we thought about. 'They gave us a job to do, and we did it. Armed Forces’ fourth-highest combat award. 'It makes me feel that I was worth it,' Walden said, as he gazed over the special case containing the U.S. Army’s Combat Medical Badge, described it as 'awesome.' Afterward the octogenarian from Northern California, who also received the U.S.

Walden, 86, received the award Wednesday afternoon during a change-of-command ceremony for Beachmaster Unit One at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. On the 68th anniversary of one of the most memorable days of his life, Walden became the first of his battalion to receive the Bronze Star, after the Navy recognized his medical unit’s exemplary record during World War II. Walden was among the first wave of military personnel to storm the beaches of Normandy, France, on D-Day almost seven decades ago. Photo by John GastaldoĬorpsman was among first wave on the beaches of NormandyĬORONADO - Frank H. Nilsson, left, Beachmaster Unit ONE commanding officer, salutes Frank Walden after pinning the Bronze Star onto his jacket at a ceremony in Coronado Wednesday afternoon. Bronze Star Army Combat Medical Badge and Bronze Star Medal

What are the call of duty world war ii bronze star for