Walter Atlee Edwards (November 8, 1886 – January 15, 1928) was a Lieutenant-Commander in the United States Navy and a recipient of America's highest military decoration – the Medal of Honor.

Naval Forces Operating in European Waters, holding that position for the rest of World War I and into the first months of peace.

Between June 1922 and September 1923, Edwards commanded the destroyer USS Bainbridge (DD-246), a tour marked by the December 16, 1922 rescue of nearly 500 survivors from the burning French transport Vinh-Long.

Lieutenant Commander Edwards' official Medal of Honor citation is as follows: For heroism in rescuing 482 men, women and children from the French military transport Vinh-Long, destroyed by fire in the Sea of Marmora, Turkey, on 16 December 1922.

Of a total of 495 on board, 482 were rescued by his coolness, judgement and professional skill, which were combined with a degree of heroism that must reflect new glory on the United States Navy.