In Memory of Marine Private
Walter West
Pollock, South Dakota
Campbell County
November 26, 1920 -- January 24, 1943
Killed in action on Guadalcanal, British Solomon Island
Walter West was born in Wishek, North Dakota, on November 26, 1920. His parents were Joseph E. and Emma A. West. In 1921, Walter and his family moved from Wishek, ND, to Pollock, SD. Before he entered the service, Walter was employed by Vega Air Craft Company in Burbank, California, but returned to South Dakota, just prior to entry.
Walter enlisted in the Marine Corps on May 21, 1942, at the age of twenty-two. Trained in the Marine Corps, Pvt. West was shipped overseas to the Pacific Theater on October 19, 1942. On January 24, 1943, he was killed in action on Guadalcanal, British Solomon Island. Private West was buried that same day at Henderson Field, Guadalcanal. Private West was then reburied at Pollock, SD, on March 5, 1948. Private West was awarded the Expert Rifle Badge, Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and Purple Heart.
The American Legion Post in Pollock, South Dakota, is named the Walter West Post #272 in honor of Marine Corps Private Walter West. At the time of his death, Walter was survived by four brothers and his parents.
This entry was respectfully submitted by Sarah Bendickson, 8th Grade West, Spearfish, South Dakota, March 2, 2000. Information for this entry was provided by Northwest Blade of Eureka, South Dakota, and Mr. Vern L. Borr, Adjutant of Walter West Post #272 in Pollock.
