Billy Walkabout: Most Decorated Native American in Vietnam

Saved many men while wounded and under fire

In 1968, during a long-range patrol, Billy and his team ambushed an enemy patrol, killing all soldiers. While radioing for helicopter extraction, they came under fire from superior numbers. Billy returned fire to cover his team after one was shot, administered first aid, then resumed covering them. An explosion killed three men and wounded Billy. He resuscitated one with chest compressions, stopped another’s bleeding—all under fire—then directed gunship fire to eliminate the remaining enemy. When helicopters arrived, he helped load the wounded before evacuating with his team. He earned the Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart. Billy later died at 57 from Agent Orange complications; his valor lives on.