Lieutenant Walt completed The Basic School at Philadelphia, and in April 1937 was assigned to the 6th Marine Regiment in San Diego, California, as a machine gun platoon leader.

Embarking for China in August 1937, he took part in the defense of the International Settlement of Shanghai until February 1938, at which time he returned to San Diego.

[2] Returning to the United States in June 1941, shortly before his country's entry into World War II, he was assigned as a company commander in the Officer Candidates' Class, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, Virginia.

[2] In December 1943, following hospitalization and training in Australia, Walt led the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, in the assault at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, and shortly thereafter was assigned as Regimental Executive Officer.

Departing Cape Gloucester in late February 1944, Walt was ordered to the Naval Hospital, Oakland, California, for treatment of wounds and malaria.

At great risk to himself, Walt ventured out into enemy-infested territory in the dark of night, accompanied by one Marine, and proceeded to locate the missing companies and direct them to their correct position along the divisional line.

In November 1947, he assumed duty as operations and training officer, 1st Provisional Marine Brigade on Guam, and later served as Chief of Staff of that organization from February to April 1949.

As Life noted, "His CAC units all had the same orders: help protect the villages, get to know the people, find the local Communist infrastructure and put it out of business."

[5] Upon his return to the United States, he saw duty from June 1967 until the following December as deputy chief of staff (manpower)/director of personnel, at Headquarters Marine Corps.

While visiting the Taiwan Defense Command in April 1970, Walt was presented the Order of the Cloud and Banner with Grand Cordon, by General Kao Kuei-yuan of the Republic of China.

Presented by the chief of the General Staff, the citation recognized the Assistant Commandant's "exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the Chinese Marine Corps."

The citation noted that Walt had "contributed immensely in the furtherance of military cooperation and traditional friendship between the United States of America and the Republic of China."

Walt retired from active duty on February 1, 1971, and subsequently served as director of the United States Marines Youth Foundation.

In the mid-1970s he served as the senior military member of President Gerald Ford's clemency board, and later advised the Department of Defense on weapons development and combat training.

Walt died on March 26, 1989, at a retirement home in Gulfport, Mississippi, after a long illness, and is buried in Quantico National Cemetery.

Inspired by his initiative and valor, several other men came to his assistance and laboriously worked their way up the slope in the face of terrific hostile fire until the gun was in position to enfilade the enemy lines.

By his brilliant leadership and expert tactical knowledge, Lieutenant Colonel Walt contributed materially to the success of our forces in this area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

[8]Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Lewis William Walt (MCSN: 0-5436), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while commanding an assault company of the First Marine Raider Battalion during action against enemy Japanese forces on Tulagi, Solomon Islands, 7 August 1942.

Exercising keen judgment and distinctive leadership, Captain Walt, with complete disregard for his own safety, directed the attack by his company on a strongly entrenched and cleverly concealed Japanese force, ultimately compelling the enemy to retire.