Two added to Wall of Valor at John J. Pershing VA Medical Center

Staff Sgt. Walter Crafton was part of the second wave of soldiers to land on Utah Beach during the Normandy invasion in June 1944.

He also served in the Sicilian, Rhineland, central Europe and northern Europe campaigns.

It was when his regiment was trying to secure a bridge across the Egrenne River in Normandy when they started taking fire. Crafton provided suppressive fire that allowed wounded soldiers to be evacuated.

He was one of two men honored Monday morning and inducted onto the Wall of Valor at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center.

John J. Pershing VAMC Director Dr. Patricia Hall (second from left) stands with family members of the late Staff Sgt. Walter Crafton and other VA staff members during a Wall of Valor ceremony Monday morning. Photo provided

The ceremony at the VA helped kick off activities for National Salute to Veteran Patients Week, which includes the annual VAlentines for Veterans concert to be held Friday with performer Rodney Atkins.

Other events this week will be visits to the medical center by retired Cardinals baseball player Mark Littell and John Wayne’s grandson, John T. Wayne. A ceremony is planned Thursday with Gov. Mike Parsons.

The late Staff Sgt. Crafton, who was represented at the ceremony by family members, was from the Wardell and Gideon areas. He received a Bronze Star for his actions.

Vietnam veteran Sgt. Garland Needham is also a recipient of a Bronze Star, as well as a Purple Heart and a Silver Star.

The Army veteran exposed himself to intense hostile fire in an attempt to divert enemy attention from other members of his platoon as they completed a mission Aug. 25, 1968. Needham acted with complete disregard for his own safety, according to his citation.

“The assault, led by Sgt. Needham and the platoon leader, was successful in routing the enemy and causing them to break contact as they fled from their entrenched position,” the citation continues. “Sgt. Needham’s professional competence, personal heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping the highest traditions of the military services and reflect great credit on himself, … and the United States Army.”

Garland is from Blytheville, Arkansas.

John J. Pershing VAMC Director Dr. Patricia Hall, Voluntary Service Chief Dale Garrett and other VA staff members recognize Vietnam veteran Sgt. Garland Needham (center) Monday morning during a Wall of Valor ceremony.Photo provided

More than 200 veterans have been honored since the Wall of Valor was started in 2008 at the Poplar Bluff VA.