Master Gunnery Sgt. Walter Holzworth was one of the most experienced men on the U.S.S. Arizona.

He enlisted in the Marines in 1917 and served in the Aviation Department during World War I and was discharged in December 1919. He re-enlisted in October 1921. He was stationed in the United States, China, Guam, Haiti, and Cuba. In recommending him for a promotion in 1937 his commanding officer said Walter was “exceptionally well qualified” and gave him top marks in the categories of drillmaster, leadership and gunnery captain. He was “military in bearing to an unusual degree,” his commander wrote.

Mr. Holzworth was one of 1,177 Sailors and Marines killed on the battleship in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941.

Mr. Holzwoth was born Oct. 12, 1892 at Leonia, New Jersey to German immigrants William Holzworth and Catherine Gimbel Holzworth. The father was a laborer and the mother a homemaker.

Walter, the youngest of their nine children, graduated from schools in Fort Lee and Leonia. He was working as a plumber’s helper by the time of the 1910 Census. He also was a deck hand.

Mr. Holzworth was survived by his widow, Helen Hiller Holzworth.

His body was recovered and is buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at the Punchbowl in Honolulu.