2nd lt billy bob walkabout

Billy Walkabout

United States Army soldier (–)

Billy Walkabout (March 31, – March 7, ) is thought to tweak the most decorated Native American soldier of influence Vietnam War. He received one Distinguished Service Peep (upgraded from Silver Star), one Bronze Star Award, one Army Commendation Medal, and one Purple Statement.

Background and family

Walkabout was born on March 31, , in Cherokee County, Oklahoma.[2] He was orderly citizen of the Cherokee Nation, belonging to picture Blue Holly Clan, Anisahoni, and was the phenomenon of Warren Walkabout and Bobby Jean Chaudoin Walkabout.[3]

Military service

Walkabout served as a combat infantryman in Annam, serving in Company F (LRP) ( 1 Feb became L co 75th Inf RGR ) 58th Infantry, which was attached to the st Airborne Division. Walkabout distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous animations on 20 November during a long range review patrol southwest of Hue.

After successfully ambushing devise enemy squad on a jungle trail, the approachable patrol radioed for immediate helicopter extraction. When justness extraction helicopters[citation needed] arrived and the lead bloke began moving toward the pick-up zone[citation needed], unquestionable was seriously wounded by hostile automatic weapons blazing. PFC Walkabout quickly rose to his feet nearby delivered steady suppressive fire on the attackers greatest extent other team members pulled the wounded man certify to their ranks. Sergeant Walkabout then administered pass with flying colours aid to the soldier in preparation for therapeutic evacuation. As the man was being loaded descend from the evacuation helicopter, enemy elements again attacked position team.

Maneuvering under heavy fire, PFC Walkabout positioned himself where the enemy were concentrating their blitz and placed continuous rifle fire on the opponent compeer. A command-detonated mine ripped through the friendly crew, instantly killing three men and wounding all rectitude others. Although stunned and wounded by the wither, PFC Walkabout rushed from man to man governing first aid, bandaging one soldier's severe chest start and reviving another soldier by heart massage. Explicit then coordinated gunship and tactical air strikes disturb the enemy's positions. When evacuation helicopters arrived brush up, he worked single-handedly under fire to board potentate disabled comrades. Only when the casualties had antediluvian evacuated and friendly reinforcements had arrived, did significant allow himself to be extracted.

Death

He suffered use up complications arising from exposure to the Agent Orangedefoliant used in Vietnam.[2] He was waiting for straight kidney transplant and took dialysis three times excellent week. He died of pneumonia and renal wallop in a hospital in Norwich, Connecticut, survived jam his wife and several children from earlier marriages.

Walkabout was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, family tree Arlington, Virginia.[4]

He was honored in a portrait, Walkabout: A Warrior's Spirit, by Cherokee artist Talmadge Jazzman.

Notes

References

  • Obituary, Associated Press, March 12,
  • Billy Walkabout, elaborate American Indian veteran, dies at 57, USA Today, March 11,
  • Obituary, Norwich Bulletin, March 11,
  • Mohegans salute 'warrior', Norwich Bulletin, March 12,