San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery

John was my best friend and bunk mate while serving in the Navy. We were stationed at Naval Security Group Activity Skaggs Island, Sonoma, California. We arrived at the same time, May, 1972. We were together until my discharge on July 14, 1975. John re-enlisted and was still state side until he was transferred to an ammunition ship on the Pacific Ocean and discharged from there. I wouldn't change a thing about our friendship. We remained friends, communicating with phone calls and letters. I drove to his home in Sonora, California and had the best time ever! I actually spoke with John the day before his untimely passing. He was coming to Ohio to visit and we were going to drive back to California and purchase a beach house in Santa Cruz. Sadly, that never happened. Rest In Peace, John.

Edward Charles McDevitt 

John and I shared a room in the barracks at Naval Security Group Activity, Skaggs Island and became the closest of friends. We shared intimate personal moments and came to loving each other I trusted him with my life. He was an amazing man and we remained close until his untimely passing on my parents anniversary of their marriage. I had lost my spouse in July of 2019. He was coming to Ohio and we were going to drive back to California and purchase a beach house in Santa Cruz. Sadly, that never came to pass. RIP my precious friend. 

With love,
Edward C McDevitt 

JOHN LEONARD WALSH

Service

VIETNAM

US NAVY,

SN

Resting Place

Mementos

Tributes

Word Cloud

undefined

Milestones

Mementos

Historical Documents

Veteran programs and services

More VA resources

Get VA updates

In crisis? Get help now

Contact us