Walter R. Gawryla was born in Passaic, New Jersey on August 20, 1919. He later resided in Somerville, New Jersey. He graduated High School from the Lincoln High School No. 6 in Garfield, New Jersey. Before entering the Division of State Police, Trooper Gawryla was employed as a machine mechanic. He resided in Somerville, Somerset County, New Jersey.

Trooper Gawryla enlisted with the New Jersey State Police on September 16, 1947 as a member of the 34th State Police Class and he was stationed in Troop “B”, Flemington. His service to 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 Gawryla died as a result of a motorcycle accident in the line of duty.

At 1:30 P.M. on April 19, 1950, Trooper Gawryla was on motorcycle patrol on State Highway 30 North, passing the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue in Raritan Township, Hunterdon County. A 1949 Chevrolet Sedan, travelling east on Pennsylvania Avenue Extension attempted to make a left-hand turn onto Route 30 North when the front of Trooper Gawryla’s motorcycle collided with the left rear of the car. Trooper Gawryla was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Trenton where he died from a fractured skull injury on April 21st.

Trooper Gawryla served 2 years and 4 months with the New Jersey State Police and was survived by his wife. He was 31 years old.