The 32nd division of the U.S. Army, the “Red Arrow” division, was originally established with National Guard members from Wisconsin and Michigan. Some of their training took place at Camp McCoy between Sparta and Tomah, Wisconsin. The entire National Guard was ordered into service by President Roosevelt prior to U.S. entry in WWII in September of 1940.

On October 15, 1940, the 32nd Division first reported to Camp Beauregard in Louisiana. On April 22, 1942 the division left San Francisco and was sent to Australia. They were stationed at Camp Woodside and Camp Sandy Creek near Adelaide. In July of 1942 they moved to Camp Tamborine (later called Camp Cable) near Brisbane. 

The 32nd division was involved in the Papuan campaign from September of 1942 to January 1943, the New Guinea campaign from January 1944 to November 1944, the Leyte campaign from November 1944 to January 1945, and the Luzon campaign from January 1945 to August 1945. They had been in combat for 654 days, longer than any other U.S. division in World War II. They were the first division to deploy for overseas service. When the war ended on August 15, 1945 with Japan, the division remained to service occupation duty.

Monroe soldier Walter J. Zimmermann was a part of Company K of the Monroe National Guard, and eventually served with the 128th Infantry Regiment, of the 32nd Division of the U.S. Army during World War II.

Walter J. Zimmermann was born on August 12, 1912 in Monroe, Green County, Wisconsin to Henry and Minnie (Lehman) Zimmermann.

His father had two previous wives and he had at least 7 half siblings from those two previous marriages. His full siblings were Esther and Louis per a family tree published online.

From the 1930 U.S. Census, the “Zimmerman” family lived in Monroe. The household included father Henry, mother Minnie and son Walter. They had no occupation.

From the 1940 U.S. Census, the family lived in the same house as they did in 1935. The household included father Henry, mother Minnie, and children Esther, Louis and Walter. Louis was a mechanic in a garage, and Walter was a laborer.

On October 15, 1940, Walter J. Zimmerman enlisted for service in the National Guard in Monroe, Wisconsin. He resided in Green County. He had 4 years of high school. He was “single, with dependents.” (Note: This researcher could not find any evidence of dependents for Zimmerman.)

From the February 28, 1943 Wisconsin State Journal article titled “‘Killed in Action’” List Includes Names of Madison Area Men,” the article included “Sgt. Walter J. Zimmerman (Mrs. Minnie Zimmerman, Mother…).

From the July 25, 1943 Wisconsin State Journal article titled “7 Gold Stars Mark Green Honor Roll,” the article stated “Seven gold stars mark the fatalities among the 1,186 men now listed on the Green county honor roll in the courthouse yard at Monroe. 

Four of the casualties were members of Company K, Wisconsin national guard unit, which went into service in October, 1940. They are: Sgt. Donald S. Beach, son of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Beach, Monroe; Jack Paul Gerber, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gerber, Monroe; Sgt. Walter J. Zimmerman, son of Mrs. Minnie Zimmerman, Monroe; and Pfc. Raymond Matzke, son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Matzke. All four lost their lives in the New Guinea campaign...”

Sgt. Walter J. Zimmerman received the Purple Heart, awarded posthumously. He was buried at Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippines.

Thank you, Sergeant Walter J. Zimmerman, for your service to and ultimate sacrifice for this country. We honor you and remember you.