Walter Franchino was born in Lozzolo on 10 June 1914.

He served as a volunteer in the Spanish Civil War.

Sottotenente Franchino was decorated with his first Medaglia d'argento al valor militare (gazetted 1938) for his actions over Spain between 19 May and 20 August 1937:

"Volunteering for a war mission in support of fascist ideals, he participated as a fighter pilot in 40 combat missions, demonstrating courage and skill in every circumstance. During a battle deep within enemy lines, against a formation superior in number and tactical advantage, his valiant conduct contributed to the shared victory, reaffirming his outstanding qualities as a fighter."
Skies of Spain, 19 May – 20 August 1937-XV.

In November 1940, Tenente Franchino served in 154^o Gruppo Autonomo C.T., which was equipped with Fiat CR.42s. The unit was at this time operating over Greece.

On 7 November, six Wellingtons from 70 Squadron took off at daybreak to attack Valona.
Over the port the bombers were attacked by a number of 154^o Gruppo CR.42s, the crews identifying their attackers as CR.42s and Breda 65s. Wellington T2734 exploded in mid air, Sergeant G. N. Brooks and his crew being killed, while T2731 went down in flames with the loss of Flight Lieutenant A. E. Brian's crew. Two more Wellingtons were hit and damaged, although returning crews claimed that they had shot down one CR.42 and probably a Ba.65. Three of the bombers were claimed shot down by the Italians, one each by fighter pilots Tenente Walter Franchino and Sergente Maggiore Adrio Gismondi, and one by AA. No losses were suffered by the Italians, but Franchino's CR 42 was apparently hit. That afternoon when he took off again, one wing broke off and he crashed to his death - unobserved combat damage during the morning's fight was considered to have been responsible.

At the time of his death, Franchino was credited with 1 biplane victory.

Tenente Franchino was decorated with a second and posthumous Medaglia d'argento al valor militare (gazetted 1940) for the combat on 7 November:

"An exceptionally skilled and daring fighter pilot, while on a patrol flight, he spotted numerous enemy aircraft heading towards the port and airport of Valona. He launched a fierce attack, scattering the enemy formation, preventing their mission, and as he approached two fleeing enemy planes, coming so close that a collision was nearly inevitable, he shot them down in flames. He landed at the Valona airport with his aircraft critically damaged by accurate and intense enemy fire. A magnificent example of professional skill and calm disregard for danger."
Skies of Valona, 7 November 1940-XIX.

Claims:

Kill no.	Date	Number	Type	Result	Plane type	Serial no.	Locality	Unit
	1940
1	07/11/40	1	Wellington (a)	Destroyed	Fiat CR.42		Valona	154o Gruppo

Biplane victories: 1 destroyed.
TOTAL: 1 destroyed.
(a) 154^o Gruppo and AA claimed three Wellingtons and two Wellingtons from 70 Squadron was shot down and two damaged. Wellingtons T2734 (Sergeant G. N. Brooks) and T2731 (Flight Lieutenant A. E. Brian) were lost with all crew.

Sources:
Air war for Yugoslavia, Greece and Crete - Christopher Shores, Brian Cull and Nicola Malizia, 1987 Grub Street, London, ISBN 0-948817-07-0
Elenco Nominativo dei Militari dell' A. M. Decorati al V. M. Durante it Periodo 1929 - 1945 1 Volume A - L
Istituto del Nastro Azzurro
Ministero della Difesa - Banca Dati sulle sepolture dei Caduti in Guerra