Joseph C. Walter, Jr was born on May 25, 1912 in Newark, New Jersey. He attended St. Benedict’s Prep School in Newark, New Jersey. While attending St. Benedicts, he was a star athlete, captain of the school football team in 1930 and All State End for that year. He also starred in track and as a catcher in baseball.

Prior to joining the New Jersey State Police, Trooper Walter was employed as a plant foreman for the Fupot Company of Grasselli, New Jersey. He resided in Augusta, Sussex County.

Trooper Walter enlisted with the New Jersey State Police on August 15, 1938 as a member of the 27th Class and was stationed at Troop “B”, Sussex. His service with the Division was characterized by loyalty, fearless performance of duty and faithful and energetic devotion to the principles of the New Jersey State Police.

Trooper Walter died as a result of injuries sustained in a jeep accident in the line of duty.

During a rainstorm on August 12, 1952, Troop Walter and Trooper Anthony Ciramella were riding in a State Police 1944 Willys Jeep. As Trooper Ciramella was driving the jeep north along Route 23 in Hardystown Township, Sussex County, the jeep ran off the right-hand side of the road and along an embankment for a distance of 78 feet. It then swerved to the left and rolled over at least once into the path of a southbound 1942 Pontiac Sedan.

Trooper Walter was taken to Alexander Linn Hospital in Sussex County. He suffered a dislocated left sacroiliac joint, a fracture of the 12th thoracic vertebra, a fractured pelvis and multiple abrasions and contusions. Trooper Walter spent 26 days in a traction bed and fracture sling. On September 7, 1952 at about 2:45 P.M., he died from a pulmonary embolism that resulted from his injuries.

Trooper Walter served 14 years and 1 month with the New Jersey State Police and was survived by his wife and three daughters, ages 2, 7 and 9. He was 40 years old.