Billy Walkabout facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Billy Walkabout
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| Born | March 31, 1949 Cherokee County, Oklahoma, United States |
| Died | March 7, 2007 (aged 57) Montville, Connecticut, United States |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Rank |  Second Lieutenant |
| Unit | 58th Infantry 101st Airborne Division |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross Bronze Star Purple Heart Army Commendation Medal Ranger Tab. |
Billy Walkabout (born March 31, 1949 – died March 7, 2007) was a brave Native American soldier. He is known as one of the most honored soldiers from the Vietnam War. He earned many important awards for his courage. These included the Distinguished Service Cross, the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Purple Heart.
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Who Was Billy Walkabout?
Billy Walkabout was born on March 31, 1949. His birthplace was Cherokee County, Oklahoma, in the United States. He was a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation. His family belonged to the Blue Holly Clan. His parents were Warren Walkabout and Bobby Jean Chaudoin Walkabout.
Billy's Time in the Military
Billy Walkabout served as a combat soldier in the Vietnam War. He was part of Company F, 58th Infantry. This unit worked with the 101st Airborne Division. He showed amazing bravery on November 20, 1968. This happened during a special patrol southwest of Hue.
A Heroic Rescue Mission
Billy's team was on a scouting mission. They found an enemy group and attacked them. After the fight, they called for helicopters to pick them up. When the first helicopter arrived, an enemy opened fire. The lead soldier was badly hurt.
Sergeant Walkabout quickly stood up. He fired his weapon to keep the enemy away. This allowed his teammates to pull the wounded soldier to safety. Billy then gave first aid to the injured soldier. He got him ready for the medical helicopter.
Facing More Danger
As the wounded soldier was being loaded, the enemy attacked again. Private First Class Walkabout moved under heavy fire. He placed himself where the enemy was attacking the most. He kept firing his rifle at them.
Suddenly, a hidden mine exploded near his team. Three soldiers died instantly. All the others were wounded. Even though he was hurt and shocked, Sergeant Walkabout rushed to help. He gave first aid to his injured friends. He even helped one soldier by doing heart massage.
He then called for air support. Helicopters and planes came to help. When evacuation helicopters arrived again, he worked alone. He helped his hurt comrades get onto the helicopters. He did not leave until all the wounded were safe. He also waited until more friendly soldiers arrived. Billy Walkabout later retired as a second lieutenant.
Later Life and Legacy
Billy Walkabout faced health challenges later in his life. He passed away on March 7, 2007. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. This is a special place in Arlington County, Virginia.
A famous Cherokee artist, Talmadge Davis, honored Billy. He painted a portrait called Walkabout: A Warrior's Spirit. This painting celebrates Billy's bravery and spirit.
