Billy Walkabout, decorated American Indian veteran, dies at 57

KSWO ^ | 3/11/07 | Associated Press

[mdittmar]

MONTVILLE, Conn. A native Cherokee from Oklahoma whose actions in Vietnam made him among most decorated soldiers of the war has died in Connecticut. Billy Walkabout was 57.

Walkabout received the Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart, five Silver Stars and five Bronze Stars. According to U-S Department of Defense reports, he was believed to be the most decorated Native American soldier of the Vietnam War.

Walkabout was born in Cherokee County, Oklahoma, on March 31st, 1949, and lived much of his life in Oklahoma.

At the time of his death, Walkabout and his wife Juanita Medbury-Walkabout lived in a portion of eastern Connecticut. The area is home to many Mashantucket Pequot, Mohegan and other Native American tribal members.

Walkabout's official cause of death was not given.

[Star Traveler]

You said -- "That Wikipedia article could use some work, do they still allow anyone to edit their pieces? I might try to contribute to it."

Check out "Conservapedia" and see what it says about Wikipedia --

http://www.conservapedia.com/

You might start contributing there, too...

Regards,
Star Traveler

[Star Traveler]

A lot of good Okies around...

[Jack Hammer]

God takes the best ones first.

[fish hawk]

Hoka hey...washte kola!!!

[fish hawk]

Once again history repeats itself. What a shame for America and the Liberal Left Democrats don't care and are too blind to even see it.

[brazzaville]

Good afternoon.
"Rest in Peace, Sgt. Walkabout."

I believe there were only 4,000 or so Lurps throughout the war and 450 or so were KIA. I know of several dead since, of cancer or heart problems. The number of Vetnam Lurps is growing steadily growing smaller.

Billy Walkabout is a major character in the several of the excellent books written by 101st Lurps and Rangers.

Michael Frazier

[Eagles6]

"Eyes Behind the Lines" by Gary Linderer was where I first read about him.

[Gritty]

Rest In Peace, American hero.

You are a REAL one...

[OldCorps]

Memory Eternal! for this brave soldier. Our nation has lost another great soldier. Scum like Kerry are not worthy to shine this brave man's shoes.

[sidegunner]

Sgt.Walkabout EARNED 5 silver, 5 bronze AND the DSC, in the era where O-Types(officers) routinely wrote up their buddies for a silver for an end of tour award.(defending those bar stools in the O club is nasty duty...but someone had to do it!!) Too many times medals were downgraded just because ..."he's just a Sergeant or corporal or private". With the DSC,5 silver and 5 bronze...Sgt. Walkabout should have been wearing "THE MEDAL"!! But some desk jockey in higher and higher, deemed it not suitable. Sargent Walkabout, you and your teammates know what happened..thats all that counts. Rest In Peace..your duty is done.

[Chode]

this is a sad day... Prayers Up.

i actually read this in todays Ithaca-Urnal and was shocked that they would even acknowledge his passing.

RIP.

[brazzaville]

Good afternoon.
"this is a sad day... Prayers Up."

Another good trooper died last night. Walter 'Paratrooper" Butts was 1st Sgt of Company F (LRP), 51st Inf.( LRP), through most of 1968.

Butts always took good care of his young soldiers. No matter what was on your tail, if you could make it into the company area you were safe from whatever was chasing you. You might not be safe from Top, but that was also his job and he did it well

Michael Frazier

[brazzaville]

Good afternoon.

I posted a correction of the unit's designation but it appears to have disappeared.

It should have read Company F(LRP), 51st INF(ABN)

Thanks, Top.

Michael Frazier

[Osage Orange]

AMEN TO THAT!!!!!!!!

[Chode]

Prayers Up for 1st Sgt Butts. RIP

[Wu]

The funeral is Monday, 26 March 2007 at 1500 hrs at Arlington Cemetery. Chapel service is at 1430 hrs. I am hope to be able to attend.

RLTW

[brazzaville]

Good afternoon.

I'm going to assume that you mean you will be attending Billy Walkabout's funeral. Salute him for all of us.

Michael Frazier

[Flagstaffsooner]

I was just talking to one of his VN buddies. He was truly a HERO.

I Salute You SGT Walkabout.