An unplanned stop in George L. White's grazing field kept Archie from flying in Korea.

Archie Norman Walters was born on April 3, 1926, in Fresno County, California. His mother's name was Viola Walters. The town of his birth or information regarding his parents and siblings is not available. Walters completed elementary and secondary schools presumably in the Fresno area. He was only able to complete one year at Fresno State College before World War II called him to service.

Archie enlisted in the US Army at San Pedro, California, in 1944. After his discharge in 1945, he and his mother moved to Santa Cruz, established a residence on Fairview Avenue and were living there prior to the Korean War.

Walters entered the US Air Force Air Cadet program and completed basic instruction in 1950. After finishing advanced pilot training, he was commissioned a second lieutenant and sent to Reese Air Force Base near Lubbock, Texas, for additional instruction.

On September 23, 1951, Second Lieutenant Archie N. Walters and Second Lieutenant William H. Malone of Pasadena, California were on a routine training mission when their aircraft developed engine trouble and plowed into George White's ranch field eleven miles northwest of Levelland, Texas. Both officers were killed in the crash. Archie's remains were recovered and following a funeral service in Santa Cruz, were buried in Oakwood Memorial Park.

(CBR; NARA2; SCSn September 24, 1951 1:5; Oakwood Cemetery headstone)