Billy Walkabout - Most Decorated Soldier
Born Cherokee American, died an American War Hero, Billy Walkabout was the Most Decorated Native American Soldier during the Vietnam War. Born March 31, 1949 to Warren and Bobby Jean Chaudoin Walkabout of the Western Band of the Cherokee Nation of the Anisahoni (Blue Holly Clan) in Cherokee County, Oklahoma; he died March 7, 2007 in Montville, Connecticut due to complications of the Agent Orange poisoning.
Walkabout was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Company F, 58th Infantry, of the 101st Airborne Division of the US Army Rangers. He received his Distinguished Service Cross (the second highest U.S. decoration for gallantry in combat) after his actions in a reconnaissance mission behind enemy lines in November of 1968 at the age of 19. Sergeant Walkabout received serious wounds which left him comatose for six months. After recovery, he returned to Vietnam retiring as Lieutenant.
His days of retirement were spent on dialysis awaiting a kidney transplant. He died of pneumonia and renal failure while waiting at the age of 57. He left to mourn wife Juanita Medbury-Walkabout (Native Mohegan American,) daughter Summer Dawn Walkabout, and sons Justine and Shane Allen Walkabout and Jason Knapp.
Lt. Billy Walkabout also received a Silver Star (4 Oak Leaves Cluster, a Bronze Star (10 awards,) a Purple Heart (6 awards,) an Air Medal (numeral 7,) and an Army Commendation Medal (10 awards.) He was honored in portrait – “Walkabout: A Warrior Spirit” by Cherokee artist Talmadge Davis.
Walkabout: A Warrior Spirit
He left us with the quote: I'm at peace with myself. I've got my dignity and I've got my pride. ... I never lost the war in Vietnam; I never lost a day of it. Even when I was wounded, I didn't lose. When I fought, I won. I won my wars. – Billy Walkabout, 1986
We salute you Lt., rest well soldier!