Pascal Poolaw facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pascal Poolaw
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![]() Poolaw during the Korean War
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Birth name | Pascal Cleatus Poolaw |
Born | Apache, Oklahoma, U.S. |
January 29, 1922
Died | November 7, 1967 near Loc Ninh, South Vietnam |
(aged 45)
Buried |
Fort Sill National Cemetery
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Allegiance | United States of America |
Branch | United States Army |
Years of service | 1942–1967 |
Rank | First Sergeant |
Service number | 18131087 |
Regiments |
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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:
- Distinguished Service Cross
- Silver Star Medal (four times)
- Bronze Star Medal (five times)
- Purple Heart Medal (three times)
- Air Medal
- Army Commendation Medal
- Good Conduct Medal
- American Campaign Medal
- European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
- World War II Victory Medal
- Army of Occupation Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Korean Service Medal
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Korea Defense Service Medal
- United Nations Service Medal
- Vietnam Campaign Medal
- Republic of Korea War Service Medal
- Presidential Unit Citation
- Meritorious Unit Commendation
- Korea Presidential Unit Citation
- Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation
- Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation