Walter Y. Griggs, a decorated paratrooper who was taken prisoner during the Korean War and later became an award-winning insurance agent, died Thursday of cancer at his home in Bowleys Quarters.

Services for Mr. Griggs were held yesterday at the Duda-Ruck Funeral Home.

Mr. Griggs, who was 59, had worked for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. since 1968 and was never ranked less than 10th in sales volume among its agents. In 1989, he had the company's top sales record in pensions and annuities.

Born in Baltimore, he was educated at Patterson Park High School.

He served in the Army for nine years in the 1950s. As a paratrooper with Special Forces, he made three combat jumps during the Korean War and was captured after the last. He was returned, after 18 months' imprisonment, to the United States in a 1952 prisoner exchange.

His decorations included the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, the former Martha Carle; two daughters, Theresa L. Hall of Dundalk and Sandra A. Norman of Bowleys Quarters; a son, David C. Griggs of Bowleys Quarters; a sister, Sharon Laffoon of Carney; and four grandchildren.