Sergt. Joseph F. Walsh, 34. of 54 Walnut avenue, who recently returned to the United States after 33 months of service with the famed Americal Division in the Pacific, is critically ill with spinal meningitis at the Fox Regional Hospital at Camo Barkley, Texas, according to word received here over the weekend.
His sister, Elizabeth, left yesterday by plane for Texas, arriving at his bedside last night. She reported in a telegram this morning that her brother’s condition is critical.
Sergt. Walsh was home only three weeks ago on a furlough before reporting for reassignment. At the completion of his furlough he was sent first to Fort Devens, and then to the Army Redistribution Center at Asheville, North Carolina, where he was assigned to a post in Texas.
The stricken soldier earned the Bronze Star for the Guadalcanal campaign, serving in the Medical Corps with Norwood’s Lt.-Col. James Collins. He wears the Asiatic-Pacific, American Defense and Good Conduct ribbons.
Sergt. Walsh is the son of John J. Walsh, and a brother. William J., is serving with the Army in England. A twin sister, Mary, is a registered nurse.