Walter, from Cornell, IL, served in the Marine Corps during World War I. The nearby community of Cornell was named after his father, Walter B. Cornell. Walter was killed in action at Chateau-Thierry, France on June 6th, 1918. SGT Cornell was with the 6th Marine Regiment along with the 5th Marines who were attached to the Army's 2nd Infantry Division. The Army Division was commanded by General Lejeune of the Marines. Walter Cornell was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (the Navy Cross was not created until 1919) and promoted to Major.