 In 1942 , Walker was promoted to brigadier general and transferred to the Southwest Pacific , where he became Commanding General , V Bomber Command , Fifth Air Force . The Southwest Pacific contained few strategic targets , relegating the bombers to the role of interdicting supply lines and supporting the ground forces . This resulted in a doctrinal clash between Walker and Lieutenant General George C. Kenney , an attack aviator , over the proper method of employing bombers . Walker frequently flew combat missions over New Guinea , for which he received the Silver Star . On 5 January 1943 , he was shot down and killed leading a daylight bombing raid over Rabaul , for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor . 
