He died overseas during WWII. Burial was 28 Oct 1948.
Walter was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star.

The citation said:
"For heroic service as commanding officer of a company of the First Marine division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Islad, Palau Group, on Sept. 15, 1944. When his company was momentarily held up by intense enemy machine-gun fire during a vigorous attack on a number of pillboxes, First lieutenant Bentley promptly and courageously directed his right platoon in a flanking movement and despite the increasing violence of hostile fire, valiantly continued to lead the attack from his perilous and exposed position until mortally wounded by Japanese machine-gun fire.

"First Lieutenant Bentley's fearless leadership and unyielding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
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The Casper Tribune-Herald
Friday, October 6, 1944
Page 1

Lt. Walter Bentley Is Killed in South Pacific

Former High School and University Football Star Loses Life

Another of Casper's finest and best-liked young men has given his life for his country, First Lt. Walter Frank Bentley, USMC, 24, son of Mrs. Lena Bentley, 510 South Washington street.

According to information received Thursday night by his mother, Lieutenant Bentley was killed in action in the performance of his duty. The date and exact location of his station were not revealed, but he was serving in the South Pacific. The last letter received from him was dated September 6.

Lieutenant Bently, "Bear," as he was known to his many friends, was an outstanding football player both in NCHS and at the University of Wyoming, where he played on the varsity for three years. He was a member of the championship teams of 1937 and 1938 at NCHS, and received all-conference honorable mention for his playing at the university. He played the end position. As a football player he was known as "fast, tought and spirited."

The young officer was very popular with all who knew him, receiving special commendation from his coaches and squad mates for his spirited playing and good fellowship. Quiet and soft-spoken, he was known for his kindness and courtesy.

He was born in Casper March 9, 1920, received his schooling here and was graduated from NCHS in 1938. He attended the University of Wyoming and received his bachelor of science degree in 1942.

He was a member of Sigman Alpha Epsilon, and was president of that group in his senior year at college.

He was an ROTC officer and was honorary cadet colonel of that group. He was also a member of the Scabbard and Blade, honorary ROTC organization, and of the "W" club, and was listed in the "Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities," in 1941.

Lieutenant Bentley was one of the two men in his class to receive an appointment to Quantico, Va., as a member of the marine corps and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the marines in October, 1942.

After having only one day's leave at his home here, he was sent overseas, and has been serving in the Pacific area since that time.

Always reticent about his personal achievements, he said little of his work and accomplishments while in the battle zone, stating merely that "the going is tough." It is known that he was in many major engagements, however.

Besides his mother, he is survived by two brothers, Arthur, chief electrician's mate, who is also serving in the Pacific area, and John, of Casper, and aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fiddler of Cheyenne, and several aunts, uncles and cousins in Nebraska.