Don Walsh

Don Walsh
Walsh in 2010
Born(1931-11-02)November 2, 1931
DiedNovember 12, 2023(2023-11-12) (aged 92)
Alma materUnited States Naval Academy
San Diego State University
Texas A&M University
Known forTrieste
AwardsHubbard Medal (2010)
Scientific career
InstitutionsUnited States Navy
Military career
Allegiance United States
Branch United States Navy
Years of service1954–1978
Rank Captain
Battles / warsKorean War
Vietnam War
Awards Distinguished Public Service Award
Hubbard Medal
Spouse(s)
Joan Walsh
(m. 1962)
Children2

Don Walsh (November 2, 1931 – November 12, 2023) was an American oceanographer, U.S. Navy officer and marine policy specialist. While aboard the bathyscaphe Trieste, he and Jacques Piccard made a record maximum descent in the Challenger Deep on January 23, 1960, to 35,813 feet (10,916 m). Later and more accurate measurements have measured it at 35,798 feet (10,911 m).