The Medal of Honor was presented to his widow by Secretary of the Navy Dan A. Kimball, during ceremonies on February 8, 1952, in Washington, D.C. Walter Carleton Monegan Jr. was born on December 25, 1930, in Melrose, Massachusetts.

After completing his recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina, in June 1948, Monegan was ordered to San Francisco, where he sailed for duty in China with the 3rd Marines at Qingdao.

Monegan's military decorations and awards include: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to for service as set forth in the following

With his own and an adjacent company's position threatened by annihilation when an overwhelming enemy tank-infantry force by-passed the area and proceeded toward the battalion Command Post during the early morning of September 20, he seized his rocket launcher and, in total darkness, charged down the slope of the hill where the tanks had broken through.

Private First Class MONEGAN's daring initiative, gallant fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty were contributing factors in the success of his company in repelling the enemy and his self-sacrificing efforts throughout sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.