Walter Lee Terrell

1931 - 2016

Marine Corps.
Korean War

Their Story

Walter Lee Terrell was born on August 29, 1931, in Bedford, Indiana, to Frank and Helen (Bales) Terrell.1 He attended Technical High School and later worked as a clerk at a grocery store. In September of 1948, Terrell enlisted in the Marine Corps.2 For the month of October, he was assigned to the 4th Recruit Training Battalion at Parris Island, South Carolina.3 By mid-1949, Terrell was assigned to the 2nd Ordnance Maintenance Company at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, as a tank mechanic.4 In July of 1952, Terrell was transferred to the 1st Marine Division, and was sent to Korea.5 While stationed in Korea, he continued to work in tank maintenance. On November 18, 1952, Terrell was injured while attempting to transport a damaged tank back to base. He was shot in the hip after enemy units opened fire on his position.6 During his service in Korea from 1952 to 1953, Terrell was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze star.7

On October 2, 1953, Terrell married Monica Patterson. In 1968, Terrell was honorably discharged at the rank of master sergeant. He then began working at the Rock Island Arsenal, where he remained for 22 years. At the Arsenal, he worked at the Small Arms Facility and the Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Department.8

Terrell loved traveling in his motor home with his wife and the Moline Family Campers. He was a member of the Moline American Legion Post 246, Fleet Reserve, Quad City British Auto Club, and NRA.9

On January 27, 2016, Terrell passed away at Heartland Health Care Center in Moline, Illinois. His memorial service was held at Bethel Wesley United Methodist Church where he had been a member. He was interred at the Rock Island National Cemetery with full military honors performed by the Green Rock/Colona American Legion Post 1233. Terrell was survived by sons, Ron and Mark, daughters, Tammy and Laura, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Helen, his wife, Monica, and their son Donnie.10

References

1“Walter Terrell,” QC Online (Moline Dispatch & Rock Island Argus). Walter Terrell (qconline.com)

2“Marine Dead; Followed 2 Brothers Into Service,” The Indianapolis News, Indianapolis, Indiana, 8 December 1952, p.13, 08 Dec 1952, 13 – The Indianapolis News at Newspapers.com

3“Muster Roll of Officers and Enlisted Men of the U.S. Marine Corps,” ancestry, n.d., p. 397 and 398, U.S., Marine Corps Muster Rolls, 1798-1958 – Ancestry.com accessed 23 October 2022.

4“Muster Roll of Officers and Enlisted Men of the U.S. Marine Corps,” ancestry, n.d., p.121, U.S., Marine Corps Muster Rolls, 1798-1958 – Ancestry.com accessed 23 October 2022.

5“Marine Dead; Followed 2 Brothers Into Service,” The Indianapolis News, Indianapolis, Indiana.

6“2 Marines, One From Indianapolis Are Killed, 10 Hoosiers Wounded,” The Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis, Indiana, 9 December 1952, p.12, 09 Dec 1952, Page 12 – The Indianapolis Star at Newspapers.com

7“Walter Terrell,” QC Online (Moline Dispatch & Rock Island Argus). Walter Terrell (qconline.com)

8“Walter Terrell,” QC Online (Moline Dispatch & Rock Island Argus). Walter Terrell (qconline.com)

9“Walter Terrell,” QC Online (Moline Dispatch & Rock Island Argus). Walter Terrell (qconline.com)

10“Walter Terrell,” QC Online (Moline Dispatch & Rock Island Argus). Walter Terrell (qconline.com)