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Pascal Poolaw
Pascal C Poolaw Sr.jpg
Poolaw during the Korean War
Birth name Pascal Cleatus Poolaw
Born (1922-01-29)January 29, 1922
Apache, Oklahoma, U.S.
Died November 7, 1967(1967-11-07) (aged 45)
near Loc Ninh, South Vietnam
Buried
Fort Sill National Cemetery
Allegiance United States of America
Branch United States Army
Years of service 1942–1967
Rank First Sergeant
Service number 18131087
Regiments
  • 8th Infantry Regiment
  • 27th Infantry Regiment
  • 26th Infantry Regiment
Wars
Awards

Pascal Cleatus Poolaw (born January 29, 1922 – died November 7, 1967) was a brave soldier from the Kiowa Nation. He served in the United States Army during three major wars: World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He is known as one of the most decorated Native American soldiers in U.S. history. He earned many awards for his courage, including the Distinguished Service Cross, four Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars, and three Purple Hearts – one for each war he fought in.

Early Life

Pascal Poolaw was born in Apache, Oklahoma. His parents were Ralph Emerson Poolaw and Minnie Monetathchi Bointy. He married Irene Chalepah on March 15, 1940. They had four sons: Lester, Pascal Jr., Lindy, and Donnie.

Military Career

In 1942, Pascal Poolaw joined the Army during World War II. His father and two brothers were also serving at that time. He was wounded in September 1944 and received his first Purple Heart. This award is given to soldiers who are injured or killed in battle.

He earned his first Silver Star for his brave actions near Recogne, Belgium. While serving in the 8th Infantry Regiment, he led his unit forward under heavy enemy fire. He threw hand grenades at enemy machine guns until the enemy soldiers left.

Poolaw continued to serve in the Korean War. There, he earned two more Silver Stars. In July 1950, he received another Purple Heart. He returned to the United States in 1952 and retired from the Army in 1962.

Return to Vietnam

Poolaw's son, Pascal Jr., also joined the army. He was serving in the Vietnam War in February 1967. Pascal Jr. was wounded by a landmine and lost his right leg. Poolaw's youngest son, Lindy, was also drafted and was about to go to Vietnam.

To prevent Lindy from having to serve, Poolaw rejoined the Army to take his place. He hoped to catch up with Lindy in Vietnam. However, when he arrived on the West Coast, Lindy had already left the day before. Poolaw decided to follow his son to Vietnam anyway.

Poolaw was sent to Vietnam on May 31, 1967. He served as the First Sergeant of the 26th Infantry Regiment's C Company. On November 7, during a mission near Loc Ninh, Poolaw and his unit were attacked by the Viet Cong. He was killed while trying to rescue a wounded soldier. For his bravery, he was given a fourth Silver Star after his death.

Legacy

At his funeral, Pascal Poolaw's wife said: "He has followed the trail of the great chiefs." A building at the U.S. Army base in Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma is named in his honor. This is where he was stationed before he went to Vietnam.

Awards and Honors

Pascal Poolaw received many military awards and medals for his service. These included:

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