Our Arklahoma Heritage: Cherokee County's Billy Bob Walkabout was most decorated Native American Vietnam vet

Second Lt. Billy Bob Walkabout

Billy Walkabout was born on March 31, 1949, in Cherokee County, Oklahoma. A proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation and member of the Blue Holly Clan (Anisahoni), he was the son of Warren Walkabout and Bobby Jean Chaudoin Walkabout.

He grew up immersed in his tribal heritage before graduating from U.S. Grant High School in Oklahoma City in 1968. Shortly afterward, he enlisted in the United States Army and began a remarkable military career.

Walkabout served as a combat infantryman with Company F (Long Range Patrol), later redesignated L Company, 75th Infantry (Ranger), attached to the 101st Airborne Division. He participated in numerous dangerous long-range reconnaissance patrols deep behind enemy lines in Vietnam.

His courage and leadership under fire were extraordinary.

One of his most heroic actions occurred on November 20, 1968, during a patrol southwest of Hue. After his 12-man team ambushed an enemy squad, they called for helicopter extraction and came under heavy automatic weapons fire. When the lead soldier was seriously wounded, Walkabout rose to provide suppressive fire while others pulled the casualty to safety.

He administered first aid as the extraction helicopter arrived, only for the enemy to launch another assault. Walkabout maneuvered forward under intense fire to return fire. A command-detonated mine then exploded, killing three team members and wounding the rest, including Walkabout himself. Despite his injuries, he moved from man to man--bandaging severe wounds and reviving one soldier with heart massage.

He coordinated gunship and tactical air strikes, then single-handedly loaded his disabled comrades onto new extraction helicopters while continuing to fight. Only after reinforcements arrived did he allow himself to be extracted.

For this and many other actions, Walkabout became one of the most highly decorated soldiers of the Vietnam War. His awards included the Distinguished Service Cross, five Silver Stars, ten Bronze Stars (five with “V” device for valor), Army Commendation Medals, Air Medals, and six Purple Hearts.

He retired from the Army as a Second Lieutenant.

In April 2000, he married Juanita Medbury-Walkabout, and together they raised three children: Amy Rene, Justin, and Trista. He also had children from earlier marriages.

Billy Walkabout passed away on March 7, 2007, at age 57 in Norwich, Connecticut. His death resulted from complications of Agent Orange exposure, including renal failure and pneumonia, while awaiting a kidney transplant. He was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

Billy Walkabout’s life and service stand as a powerful symbol of Cherokee and Native American bravery. As the most decorated Native American soldier of the Vietnam War, his legacy of courage, leadership, and sacrifice continues to inspire generations in Oklahoma and across the nation.