Please click here to view a student eulogy for Reginald Walker recorded at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in 2026: https://youtu.be/YI-5bE3TvKo

Biography

Early Life 
Reginald Guy Walker, Jr. was born on December 5, 1924, in Nashua, New Hampshire. Walker grew up in Milford, New Hampshire, on the Twin Elm Farm of his Aunt Louise and Uncle Claude Hammond. His parents were Reginald G. Walker, Sr., and Edrie Gouin Walker. His father was listed on the Census as a metalworker. His mother died at age thirty-six. He had three brothers and one sister.

Walker received a War Emergency Diploma from Milford High School and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in January 1943. His yearbook noted his nickname (Reggie) and his involvement in many clubs, including the House of Representatives, plays, the Glee Club, and the Photo Club. He was photographed in his dress blues. His quote was, “You can’t make time, you can only use what you have.” In his senior yearbook, there was a special section for other high school seniors who left school to join the war.

Homefront 
Milford, New Hampshire, deeply supported their fighters who went off to war. No one was more patriotic in town than a local teacher, Mrs. Wright. Mrs. Wright organized a letter-and-gift campaign to ensure each veteran received mail. She wrote thousands of letters herself. She is prominently featured in a book titled Milford, New Hampshire, about the war and its effects on town life. 

The book went over each aspect of life in the town. The introduction states:

"Men and women shuddered at what they were being called on to do, but they did not question the necessity for doing it. They entered the war with a variety of emotions. Some enjoyed military life; others hated it. The important fact is that they went into the war knowing it was horrible, but believing sincerely that it was necessary. While they prayed for the day it would be over, they did their jobs and did them well."

Pearl Harbor was the catalyst for the town's war spirit. Each local Veteran is featured in the book.

Other residents created a Red Cross program and distributed armbands and steel helmets. Locals also widely participated in civilian defense efforts. They wanted to send Christmas cards through the American Legion. Just about everything from oil to tires to paper was rationed. There were blood drives and scrap metal drives.

The local paper, The Milford Cabinet, posted much about World War II and supported the boys fighting. Many political cartoons featured caricatures of Nazi leaders like Joseph Goebbels. Newspapers advertised wartime rationing, the selling of war bonds, and how to support servicemen.

In New Hampshire, German POWs from sunken U-boats were brought to Portsmouth. A POW camp, Camp Stark, was created in Stark, New Hampshire, to provide housing and work for the prisoners. They worked in the lumber industry to make pulp paper. After the war, some POWs chose to live in New Hampshire rather than return to Germany.

Military Experience 
Reginald Guy Walker, Jr. completed basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, by March 1943. From April 19, 1943, to August 17, 1943, Walker attended 15 weeks of training at Radio School at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, earning a 76% average. Walker then attended Field Signal Battalion Training School at Camp Joseph H. Pendleton in Oceanside, California, from September 4 to 14, 1943. 

Walker left to serve overseas in early 1944. On May 21, 1944, he was aboard LST 447 that sailed from Guadalcanal to Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, arriving on June 9, 1944. From there, he arrived on Eniwetok Atoll on June 30, 1944. Then, he went back to fight in the initial landing campaigns in Guam, part of the Marianas Islands, around July 15, 1944. During this landing campaign, the 3rd Amphibious Tractor Battalion was acknowledged for its successful disembarkation, bringing supplies ashore, using LVTs (landing vehicles, tracked) under heavy mortar fire, and successfully defending the beach. 

After Guam, Walker was transferred to the 3rd Division, 21st Marines, Regimental Weapons Company. On February 12, 1945, Walker boarded USS President Jackson to sail from Guam to Iwo Jima. He served there from February 21, 1945, until the end of that battle on March 27, 1945. His unit was involved in the assault on Motyama Airfield No. 1 and Motoyama Airfield No. 2 and the storming of Mount Suribachi. His unit was cited for heroic efforts in hand-to-hand combat, blocking, and mortar fire. Then, he left Iwo Jima aboard USS Zaurak. He sailed back to Guam and disembarked on April 2, 1945. 

Finally, he returned to the United States. He departed Guam on November 6, 1945, aboard USS Proteus, arriving in Norfolk, Virginia, on December 11, 1945.

In 1944 and 1945, Walker fought in Guam, the Mariana Islands, and at Iwo Jima. These battles were integral in securing islands in the Pacific during World War II. After his service on Iwo Jima, he received his Asiatic-Pacific Theater medal with three bronze stars. 

His Report of Separation states that Walker was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps on December 17, 1945. He listed his new permanent address as Nashua, New Hampshire, but it was crossed off, and Watertown, Massachusetts, was written in. His military specialty was as a radio and telephone operator. His civilian plan was to receive additional training in commercial photography. 

Walker reenlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves (inactive) on January 6, 1948. He was honorably discharged from the reserves on December 5, 1949, to enlist in the New Hampshire National Guard. 

In 1950, he was called up for active duty in the Marine Corps, but the New Hampshire National Guard requested that he be discharged from the Marine Corps to serve with the Guard. The request was approved and backdated to December 5, 1949. Walker continued his service with the Army National Guard.

Veteran Experience 
By 1950, Walker was married to his wife Norma, and they had their daughter, Constance. They were living in Amherst, New Hampshire, and he listed himself as a laborer on the 1950 census. After World War II, he worked as a lumber handler at the Tolles Bickford Lumber Company.

He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Northeastern University in 1972. Walker went on to work for Sanders Associates, Inc., which made electronic systems for aircraft and tactical surveillance. They developed microwaves, missiles, and space electronics, including imaging and automated planning systems for both the military and commercial sectors. 

Walker retired from Sanders Associates in 1987. In his retirement, he enjoyed traveling and was a member of the Holiday Rambler Club, an RV travel club.

Commemoration 
Reginald Guy Walker Jr.’s life can be summarized in one word: service. After bravely fighting in World War II, he joined the New Hampshire Army National Guard and retired as a colonel. 

His wife Norma died on November 6, 2016. Reginald Walker passed away on June 13, 2020, and is interred at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen. Within the cemetery is a beautiful memorial walkway with plaques, statues, and monuments to all American conflicts.

This profile was researched by Millie Newton and Acaydia Wright, mentored by Andover Elementary/Middle School teacher Mrs. Megan Philbrook, as part of a Veterans Legacy Grant Program led by National History Day in the 2025/2026 academic year.

This profile was funded by a grant from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.


Bibliography

Primary Sources
“Cancel Orders Calling Milford Man to Marines.” Nashua Telegraph. [Nashua, NH], September 13, 1950. 
Newspapers.com (74930375). 

“Cleveland Firm Acquires Sanders Data Systems Unit.” Nashua Telegraph. [Nashua, NH], December 14, 1976. https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2209&dat=19761214&id=VKYrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3_wFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6131,2621585.

Milford High School Yearbook. Milford Public Schools, 1942.

“My Boys and Girls.” Letters from Mrs. Wright. Milford Historical Society. 

New Hampshire. Hillsborough County. 1920 Census. Digital images. Ancestry Classroom.

New Hampshire. Hillsborough County. 1930 Census. Digital images. Ancestry Classroom.

New Hampshire. Hillsborough County. 1940 Census. Digital images. Ancestry Classroom.

New Hampshire. Hillsborough County. 1950 Census. Digital images. Ancestry Classroom.

On Dr. Goebbels’ Calendar There’s a Circle ‘round January 1. Political cartoon. The Milford Cabinet [Milford, NH], December 25, 1942.

“Red Cross Unit to Get Equipment.” The Portsmouth Herald [Portsmouth, NH], September 9, 1943. Newspapers.com (61063108).

Reginald Guy Walker, Jr. Korean War Era Draft Cards, 1948-1959. Digital images. Ancestry Classroom.

Reginald Guy Walker, Jr. New Hampshire, U.S., Marriage Records, 1700-1974. Digital images. Ancestry Classroom.

Reginald Guy Walker, Jr., Official Military Personnel File, Department of the Navy, National Archives and Records Administration - St. Louis.

Reginald Guy Walker, Jr., Report of Separation, Department of the Navy, National Archives and Records Administration - St. Louis.

Reginald Guy Walker, Jr. World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947. Digital images. Ancestry Classroom.

Save Fuel for VICTORY! Insulate NOW! Advertisement. The Portsmouth Herald [Portsmouth, NH], September 09, 1943. Newspapers.com (61063108).

“Send Yule Gifts to Servicemen Via Legionnaires.” The Portsmouth Herald [Portsmouth, NH], September 09, 1943. Newspapers.com (61063108).

War Memorial Book Committee. Milford in World War II: 1939-1945. The Cabinet Press, 1949. 

“WWII Poster Collection.” New Hampshire Historical Society. (Record Number S 1996.042.1058). 
https://www.nhhistory.org/object/424167/world-war-ii.

Secondary Sources
“22 Clinton Street - The Quaker Shoe Factory - Milford, New Hampshire.” Milford Historical Society. Accessed November 14, 2025. https://milfordmarketantiques.com/Clinton%20Manufacturing.pdf.

Burgan, Major Jason R. “10 Armored Amphibians of WWII: Versatility and Innovation from Beach
Assault to Indirect Fire Support.” Marine Corps Gazette, November 2017. https://www.mca-marines.org/wp-content/uploads/10-Armored-Amphibians-of-WWII.pdf.  

“Christmas in the War Years.” Milford History Online. Accessed March 8, 2026. https://milfordhistory.online/christmas-milford-nh.

“Reginald G ‘Reg’ Walker Jr.” Find a Grave. Updated July 11, 2020. Accessed December 5, 2025. 
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/212196551/reginald-g-walker. 

“Historic Resources in Milford.” Milford Conservation Commission. Accessed November 14, 2025. 
https://milfordnh.info/conservation/historic_frame.html.

“Holiday Ramblers Owners’ Club.” Holiday Ramblers. Last modified September 7, 2025. Accessed March 8, 2026. https://www.holidayrambler.com/owners-club/.

“Milford Population.” Granite States. Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau. Updated 2025. Accessed on November 14, 2025. https://www2.nhes.nh.gov/GraniteStats/SessionServlet?page😛opulation.jsp&SID=18&city=000620&cityName=Milford.

“Reginald G. Walker, Jr.” Smith & Heald Funeral Home. Accessed October 8, 2025. https://www.smith-heald.com/obituaries/reginald-g-walker-jr.

“Reginald G. Walker, Jr.” Veterans Legacy Memorial, National Cemetery Administration. Accessed March 8, 2026. https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/REGINALDGWALKERJR/a3a9cb. 

“The Essentials: A Look Inside 3rd AABn.” United States Marine Corps. Accessed March 8, 2026. https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/541971/the-essentials-a-look-inside-3rd-aabn/.

“Unveiling a Hidden Piece of World War II History: The POW Camp in New Hampshire.” Home Front Blog.  Wright Museum of World War II. https://wrightmuseum.org/unveiling-a-hidden-piece-of-world-war-ii-history-the-pow-camp-in-
new-hampshire/.


Reginald and Norma Walker’s marker at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, March 10, 2026. Courtesy of Megan Philbrook.

Reginald and Norma Walker's plaque includes the quote, Time passes - love remains.

Reginald Guy Walker, Jr.’s obituary photograph, June 2020. Courtesy of Smith & Heald Funeral Home.

Reginald Walker in his retirement years. Find a Grave.

Reginald Walker as a Veteran in an outdoor setting.

The 1950 Census shows Reginald and Norma Walker living in Amherst, New Hampshire, with their infant daughter, Constance. National Archives and Records Administration.

The Nashua Telegraph reported that Walker’s orders to return to active duty were cancelled on September 13, 1950.

A newspaper article, Cancel Orders Calling Milford Man to Marines.

The request from the New Hampshire National Guard to release Walker from Marine Reserve duty was granted. The request was backdated to December 5, 1949, coinciding with the date Walker joined the Guard. Portions have been redacted for privacy reasons. Official Military Personnel File, National Archives and Records Administration - St. Louis.

Reginald Walker's Record of Discharge from the Marine Corps Reserves.

Reginald Walker was recalled to active duty in the Marine Corps in 1950, prompting the New Hampshire National Guard to request that he be discharged from the Marine Reserve to serve in the National Guard. Portions have been redacted for privacy reasons. Official Military Personnel File, National Archives and Records Administration - St. Louis.

A letter from the New Hampshire National Guard about Walker's orders to report for active duty.

Reginald Guy Walker Jr.’s featured page in a Milford in World War II book published by the town of Milford, New Hampshire. Courtesy of the Milford Historical Society.

A profile of Walker's World War II service in a local publication.

Reginald Walker’s report of separation from the U.S. Marine Corps, December 17, 1945. Portions have been redacted for privacy reasons. National Archives and Records Administration - St. Louis.

Reginald Walker's Report of Separation from the Marine Corps.

Reginald Walker’s unit received a presidential citation for their action at the Battle of Iwo Jima. Official Military Personnel File, National Archives and Records Administration - St. Louis.

A presidential unit citation recognizing Walker's unit for their actions on Iwo Jima.

Walker’s unit was recognized for their shore party defense as part of the liberation of Guam by the Commanding General of the 3rd Amphibious Battalion, September 11, 1944. Official Military Personnel File, National Archives and Records Administration - St. Louis.

A report recognizing Walker's unit for their actions on Guam.

Reginald “Reggie” Walker in his Milford High School yearbook, wearing his Marine Corps uniform, 1942. Courtesy of the Milford Historical Society.

A yearbook entry of a young man in a Marine Corps dress uniform.

REGINALD G WALKER JR

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