Pascal Cleatus Poolaw, Sr 1922 – KIA 1967
Pascal Cleatus Poolaw, Sr. was the most decorated Native American soldier in U.S. history. He earned 4 Silver Stars, 5 Bronze Stars, and 3 Purple Hearts, along with a total of 42 medals and citations for his bravery and service.
Born on January 29, 1922, in Apache, Oklahoma, Pascal was a full-blooded Kiowa. He served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. In 1942, Poolaw, his father, and two brothers all joined the Army during World War II. Pascal earned his first Purple Heart when he was wounded in September 1944 while fighting in Belgium. During a battle near Recogne, Belgium, he helped his unit push forward despite heavy enemy fire. By throwing grenades at enemy machine guns, he caused many enemy casualties and saved the lives of many of his fellow soldiers, helping his unit capture strong enemy positions.
His military service didn’t stop there. During the Korean War, Poolaw fought again and was wounded. He received a second Purple Heart, the Distinguished Service Cross, and two more Silver Stars for his bravery.
After returning to the U.S. in 1952, he retired from the Army in 1962. But his story wasn’t over.
During the Vietnam War, all four of Poolaw's sons were in the military. In February 1967, his son Pascal Jr. was injured by a landmine, which led to the amputation of his right leg. His youngest son, Lindy, was also drafted to serve. Concerned about his sons' safety, Pascal Sr. rejoined the Army at the age of 45. He gave up his rank as a 2nd Lieutenant, which he earned in Korea, and chose to serve in direct combat to try to protect Lindy by taking his place. However, because of Army rules, two family members couldn’t serve in combat at the same time without both agreeing. By the time Pascal arrived at his new unit, his son Lindy had already left for Vietnam.
On May 31, 1967, Poolaw was sent to Vietnam as a first sergeant with the 26th Infantry Regiment's C Company. A few months later, on November 7, 1967, Poolaw’s unit was ambushed during a mission near the village of Loc Ninh. Despite being wounded, he continued to move around his unit, making sure everyone was in the right position and helping to pull wounded soldiers to safety. While carrying one soldier, he was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade and died. He was awarded a Silver Star and a third Purple Heart posthumously for his heroic actions.
At his funeral, his wife Irene said, “He has followed the trail of the great chiefs.” The people of his tribe honor and respect him deeply. Pascal Poolaw gave his life for the people and the country he loved.
We honor and thank First Sgt. Pascal Poolaw Sr. for his extraordinary service and the ultimate sacrifice he made for our country. 🇺🇸 Rest in peace, brave warrior. You will never be forgotten.
