Walter Francis Layer

Walter Francis Layer (March 22, 1907 – April 21, 1965) was an American politician from Pennsylvania who served as a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for Delaware County from 1947 to 1948. He served as lieutenant colonel in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and as colonel during the Korean War. He received the Legion of Merit award and was a member of the Naval Order of the United States.

Walter Francis Layer
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
from the Delaware County district
In office
1947–1948
Succeeded byRobert J. Clendening
Personal details
BornMarch 22, 1907
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
DiedApril 21, 1965(1965-04-21) (aged 58)
Resting placeArlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia
Political partyRepublican

Early life

Layer was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and attended public schools in Philadelphia and Chester County. He graduated from the Pennsylvania Military Preparatory School in 1928 and from the Pennsylvania Military College in 1932. Layer worked as a math teacher at Pennsylvania Military College for two years after graduation.[1] He played professional basketball with the Philadelphia Jaspers from 1932 to 1933.[2]

Military service

Layer served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a second lieutenant. He resigned his commission with the U.S. Army Reserve in 1941 in order to accept a commission in the Marine Corps Reserve. He served during World War II as a special naval observer from 1941 to 1942, as an intelligence officer in the United States Marine Corps Staff and Command School from 1943 to 1944 and as a lieutenant colonel in 1945. He led the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines during the Battle of Tinian.[3] He received the Bronze Star Medal for his service.[4]

Layer was recalled to service during the Korean War. He commanded the 1st Marine Regiment as colonel and served along the Jamestown Line.[5] He received the Legion of Merit award for his service.[4] He served as a senior advisor to the Republic of Korea Marine Corps and received the Military Order of Ulchi with Gold Star for his service.[4]

In 1953, Layer became a member of the regular Marine Corps. He served as provost marshal of the Navy Department and as commanding officer of the Marine Corps Barracks at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.[1]

Layer was a member of the Naval Order of the United States.[6]

Career

After leaving the military, Layer worked as supervising foreman for the Sun Oil Company.

Layer was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for Delaware County and served from 1947 to 1948.[7] He was a member of the Joint Legislative Commission on Labor Laws. He was not a candidate for reelection in 1949.[4] He also served as councilman for the borough of Ridley Park, Pennsylvania.[1]

Layer is interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.[8]

References
  1. "Walter Layer '32 (A Distinguished Alumnus)". www.pennsylvaniamilitarycollege.org. 22 October 2013. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
  2. "WALTER LAYER". www.probasketballencyclopedia.com. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  3. Prefer, Nathan N. (2012). Battle for Tinian: Vital Stepping Stone in America's War Against Japan. Havertown, PA: Casemate Publishers. p. 102. ISBN 978-1-61200-094-7. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  4. "WALTER FRANCIS LAYER". www.legis.state.pa.us. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  5. Smith, Charles Richard (2007). U.S. Marines in the Korean War. Washington D.C.: Government Printing Office. p. 495. ISBN 978-0-16-079559-6. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  6. Rice, John C. (2003). Naval Order of the U.S. Paducah, Kentucky: Turner Publishing Company. p. 59. ISBN 1563118734. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  7. "Pennsylvania House of Representatives – 1947–1948" (PDF). www.staffweb.wilkes.edu. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  8. "Walter Francis Layer". ANC Explorer. Retrieved 7 February 2021.
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