Brad Henry signed legislation in April to name a stretch of highway in Oklahoma City after Cherokee Nation citizen and military hero Billy B. Steve Russell, R-Oklahoma City and Jim Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, sponsored House Bill 1006, designating the portion of Interstate 40 between the junction of I-35 and I-40 and Eastern Avenue in Oklahoma City as the, "Billy B. Walkabout Memorial Highway." "It
is fitting and proper to recognize the actions of a true American warrior,” said Hoskin, who is a former CN Tribal Councilor. “Sergeant Walkabout’s military career was filled with acts of courage, strength, honor and compassion, which represent the best of his Cherokee heritage and the highest ideals of American citizenship.” The section of I-40 named after Walkabout sits directly north of the new American Indian Cultural Center and Museum, which is expected to open in 2011." "Walkabout, a full-blood Cherokee from Oklahoma, is believed to be the most decorated Native American soldier of the Vietnam War. He died in March 2007 at age 57. He was a sergeant in the Army and served with Company F, 58th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, also know as the “Screaming Eagles.” During his military career, he received a Purple Heart, five Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars and the Distinguished Service Cross, the second-highest U.S. commendation for gallantry in combat. His company was a special operations unit that performed long-range patrols behind enemy lines. On Nov. 20, 1968, while on patrol, Walkabout distinguished himself. His 12-man team was surrounded by the enemy and could not be immediately rescued. While defending their position, four of Walkout’s comrades were killed and another four seriously wounded." "Walkabout’s Army citation states he delivered steady suppressive fire on the attackers while other team members pulled a wounded team member back to a more secure area. He administrated first aid to the soldier in preparation for medical evacuation. As the man was being loaded onto the evacuation helicopter, enemy elements again attacked the team. Walkabout maneuvered under heavy fire and positioned himself where the enemy were concentrating their assault and placed continuous rifle fire on them. Later, a mine ripped through the team killing three men and wounding the others. Although stunned and wounded by the blast, Walkabout rushed from man to man, administering first aid, bandaging one soldier’s severe chest wound and reviving another soldier by heart massage. He then coordinated gunship and air strikes on enemy positions. When evacuation helicopters arrived again, he worked alone and under fire to load his disabled comrades onto the helicopters. Only when the casualties had been evacuated and friendly reinforcements had arrived, did he allow himself to be extracted, the citation further states. Some of Walkabout’s fellow soldiers said he should have received the Medal of Honor, the country’s highest award for bravery in combat." "Walkabout’s military service has also been recognized by the placement of a memorial bench at the Cherokee Warrior Memorial located on the grounds of the CN Tribal Headquarters in Tahlequah. Walkabout was born on March 31,1949, in Tahlequah to Warren and Bobby Jean Chaudoin Walkabout. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., on March 26, 2007." (Interstate named in honor of Cherokee military hero - 5/5/2010 2:38:59 PM, Billy Walkabout, By Staff Reports)
