Biographical Note: Walter B. Soroe

Walter Birkeland Soroe (1920-2001) was a B-17 pilot during World War II.

Walter B. Soroe was born on October 18, 1920 in Seattle, Washington to Simon and Permille (Birkeland) Soroe. He attended West Seattle High School. After high school, he worked with the U.S. Army at its point of embarkation at the port of Seattle. In 1942, Soroe enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. He served as a Boeing B-17 co-pilot with the 388th Bombardment Group in the European Theater during World War II for 23 missions as well as 2 aid drop missions over France. He was honorably discharged from active service in 1945. Soroe then joined the Air Force Reserve and in 1951, re-enlisted in the Air Force. He served as a flight instructor during the Korean War until 1953. During his military career, Soroe earned the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and was awarded the Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Purple Heart.

Outside of the military, Soroe worked multiple jobs, including as a building contractor and electrician. He also was half owner of his family's business, Chef Canning Company. He married Evangeline Marie Dector Wheat (1920-1979) on May 24, 1947. The couple shared one son, Donald. Soroe died in Seattle on January 4, 2001.

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