Hometown War Hero to be Presented Medal 42 Years Late

At its June 13 meeting, the Marin chapter of the Military Officers Association of America will present a long-overdue medal to a former U.S. Marine corporal from Novato.

Darren L. Walton, a graduate, was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with V for Valor as a result of his heroic action on June 19, 1970, while serving with the First Marine Division Force Recon.

The citation reads in part:

“While walking in the dangerous point position during a seven-man reconnaissance patrol, he came into point-to-point contact with an enemy patrol. Reacting instantly, Corporal Walton opened fire at the enemy point man and killed him, and then as he attempted to fire at another hostile soldier, his rifle malfunctioned.

Maintaining his composure, Corporal Walton immediately corrected the malfunction and killed the approaching enemy soldier. As a result of his heroic and timely actions, his team was extracted with out further incident.”

During his tour of duty in Viet Nam Corporal Walton participated in 21 long-range reconnaissance patrols deep into enemy controlled territory.

Some of his other awards are the Combat Action Ribbon (same award as the Army Combat Infantry Badge), the National Defense Service Medal, the Viet Nam Service Medal, the Viet Nam Campaign Medal, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and numerous Vietnamese Medals.  

The medal will be presented by Major Christopher Esrey, USMC, who will be accompanied by a Marine Corps sergeant major, gunnery sergeant, staff sergeant, corporal and private first class.

Corporal Walton has a long family history with the Marine Corps. His father received the Purple Heart while serving with the Fourth Marine Division on Okinawa during World War II.

His uncle was a member of the USMC’s Carlson Raiders and was killed during the invasion of Tarawa Atoll in November 1943. His body was never recovered.

The Marine Raiders were elite units established by the United States Marine Corps during World War II to conduct amphibious light infantry warfare, particularly in landing in rubber boats and operating behind the lines.  "Carlson's" Raiders of 2nd Marine Raiders Battalion are said to be the first United States special operations forces to form and see combat in World War II.

The Marin County Chapter of the Military Officers Association’s membership consists of active serving officers, retired officers, former officers and the widows of members. MOAA has more than 50,000 members in California and is the largest organization of its kind in the country.

For information on the chapter, visit www.marinmoaa.org.   .