[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 21, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E608]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNITION OF BILLY WALKABOUT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM COLE

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 21, 2007

  Mr. COLE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
life of a great American and great Oklahoman, Billy Walkabout. Mr. 
Walkabout was the most decorated American Indian soldier in the Vietnam 
War, and this weekend his family will have the great honor of laying 
him to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
  Walkabout, a Cherokee, joined the Army soon after graduating from 
U.S. Grant High School in Oklahoma in 1968. On November 20, 1968, Army 
Ranger Sergeant Walkabout and 12 of his fellow soldiers were on a 
mission behind enemy lines when they suddenly came under fire. The 
battle lasted several hours, during which Sergeant Walkabout was 
seriously injured. Despite these injuries, Walkabout continued to 
provide life saving measures to his wounded colleagues and help them 
board evacuation helicopters--all while continuing to return fire.
  Because of his incredible courage and valor, Billy Walkabout received 
the Distinguished Service Cross, 5 Silver Stars, 5 Bronze Stars and the 
Purple Heart.
  Madam Speaker, it is an honor to be a Member of this House and to 
serve those great Americans like Billy Walkabout. His service, bravery 
and patriotism are true testaments of his character. I am proud to 
stand before this House in recognition of the great life and service of 
Mr. Billy Walkabout.

                          ____________________