Pascal Cleatus Poolaw Sr. the most decorated Native American soldier in US history 4 Silver Stars, 5 Bronze Stars, 3 Purple Hearts and a total of 42 medals and citations. He served in WWII, Korean War and the Vietnam war. Poolaw a full blooded Kiowa. In 1942, Poolaw his father and his two brothers joined the armed forces. While serving with the 8th Infantry Regiment near Recogne, Belgium on September 8, 1944 he earned his first Purple Heart and Silver Star. On that day, Poolaw’s unit was engaging fire with the Germans. He pushed his company forward while facing heavy machine gun fire for give minutes as he hurled hand grenades, causing numerous enemy casualties. During the Korean War, Poolaw saw combat and was wounded again and awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, a second Purple Heart and two more Silver Stars. During the Vietnam War, all four of the Poolaws sons were in the military. In February 1967, his son, Pascal Jr., was injured by a landmine in Vietnam. This injury resulted in amputation of his right leg below the knee. Poolaw’s youngest son, Lindy, was drafted. Afraid of what could happen to his sons as the war progressed, Poolaw rejoined the Army at the age of 45. Giving up his rank as a 2nd Lieutenant with the intentions of serving in direct combat, Poolaw hoped to keep his youngest son away from the front lines by taking his place. Regulations prohibited two members of the same family from serving in combat at the same time without their consent. Unfortunately, by the time he arrived on the West Coast, Lindy had left for Vietnam the day before. On November 7, 1967, Poolaw’s unit were part of a search and destroy mission. Their unit was ambushed by a VC force with intensive claymore mine, rocket, small arms, and automatic weapons fire. Through a hail of bullets, Poolaw raced to the lead squad position to lay down a base of fire saving countless lives. While wounded, he continued moving among his squad making sure everyone was positioned properly while pulling casualties back. As Poolaw was carrying a wounded soldier to safety, he was struck by a rocket propelled grenade and killed. “He has followed the trail of the great chiefs,” his wife said at Poolaw’s funeral.
David, Thank you for all posts you send to honor our military men and women, both deceased and alive). I've posted my Memorial Videos for the last few days and said I'd stop on Memorial Day, but I feel compelled to honor Cleatus Poolaw Sr. by adding them here. I'm in awe of his courage and determination and think other members of Linkedin would also appreciate him being honored today. Thanks again for offering so many veterans a chance to be honored as well (as well as yourself for your service). Our nation may not even be a nation now if it hadn't been for all those who gave their lives to protect our very fragile freedoms. Every man or woman who gave their lives is important to our nation. We cannot forget them! I’m a Vietnam Vet, as is my brother who is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. My father flew B-24s, and my uncle died from his wounds (after the war) which he suffered in the 101st Airborne in Germany. These videos were created specifically for those men and women who have given their lives for our nation. MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTES (1) STRING ORCHESTRA – "REQUIEM FOR A FALLEN HERO" (to see either video, click on the link below the song name) https://youtu.be/STbaYa55_Kg
God bless this man but, I have to ask: why hasn't he received the MOH? He was helping others in front of the enemy, protecting others while guiding his men. He stood fiercely in front of the enemy while doing more than his job required. Many other MOH recipients have received the medal for these reasons.
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What an extraordinary career and brave father. I hope his youngest son survived to carry on his legacy.
Rest in Peace brother.May God bless your soul and grant him eternal peace. Ameen.May the Perpetual light shine on him.Never to be forgotten. You will be deeply missed by your loved ones.
Native American Heroes, the most underrated of all Patriots. Peace be to you, Sir. Thank you for your many sacrifices. Rest easy.
Rip brother and thank you for your service.
RIP
Every man or woman who gave their lives is important to our nation. We cannot forget them! I’m a Vietnam Vet, as is my brother who is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. My father flew B-24s and nearly all of my relatives on both sides served in WW2. I have always sought to honor those who gave their lives for our nation, and these videos are only posted during the week up to Memorial Day – just for those who gave all that they had for us. MEMORIAL CREATED FOR A FALLEN SOLDIER – MY UNCLE 101ST AB – WW2 THE LITTLE BOY NEXT DOOR – Written and performed for my uncle, who died from wounds sustained in WW2 as a member of the 101st Airborne all the way into Germany – and nearly all the images of a young man or boy in this video are of my uncle. THE LITTLE BOY NEXT DOOR (Words, Music, performed by JEF) https://youtu.be/cKNHCJUeodA