Alonzo J. Walter

General Walter was born 25 November 1928, in Morgan City, LA to Alonzo Walter and Gertrude (Norman) Walter. He was raised in Erath and New Iberia, LA. Following graduation from Castle Heights Military Academy, he attended Virginia Military Institute, graduating in the class of 1949B, as a Second Lieutenant in the US Air Force. General Walter won his pilot wings at Randolph AFB, TX. He was an F-86 fighter pilot in the Korean War, flying 48 combat missions, and from there was stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, obtaining his masters degree in electrical engineering. It was at this assignment that he met and married his wife, Second Lieutenant Doris Snyder.

General Walter’s career spanned 30 years and included flying fighter aircraft, graduating from USAF Test Pilot School. Among his proudest career accomplishments were testing the precursor to the SR-71, and commanding the 31st TFW at Homestead AFB FL flying the F-4 Phantom II. Upon his selection to promotion to Brigadier General on 1 July 1974, he became the first graduate of the VMI Air Force ROTC program to be so honored. He served two overseas staff tours at PACAF headquarters and Headquarters US European Command, and served a tour in Viet Nam as a Forward Air Controller.

General Walter is survived by his wife of 70 years Doris; his daughters, Terry Gabreski (Don) and Beverly Myers (Gary); grandchildren, Kimberly Yandell, Larry Myers, Matthew Gabreski and Mark Gabreski; and great grandchildren, Everett and Violet Yandell, Olivia Myers; as well as sisters Gwenn Bent and Myrna Stone. Interment will be at Ft. Sam Houston cemetery in San Antonio.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colonialuniversal.com for the Walter family.