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Native Americans in the Vietnam War

September in Connecticut celebrates Native American Day, also known as Indian Day, on the 22nd.

Native Americans served valiantly in the Vietnam War as they have in all of the United States’ conflicts. Many enlisted or accepted induction into the U.S. military out of patriotism and a sense of duty as Americans, others in deference to cultural imperatives based on a warrior ethos and the inspiration of their ancestors, still others to escape the poverty and the lack of opportunities in the cities, small towns, and Indian Reservations where they lived. This two-part poster series explores some of these motivations, and the accomplishments, the stereotypes, the bravery, and the pain that shaped the Native American experience during and after the Vietnam War.

This poster set documents one of Connecticut’s finest, Billy Bob Walkabout, the most decorated Native American during the Vietnam War. Billy Walkabout was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star and numerous other awards for Valor. A True American Hero.