Hall of Honor Citations MAY-DEcEMBER 2025
MAY 2025
William Craig Roberts
Lieutenant Colonel William Craig Roberts served a combined 30 years in the Marine Corps, Oklahoma Army National Guard, and Army Reserves. He was an enlisted soldier in the Marine Corps and proudly served in Vietnam where he was wounded and medically evacuated. Upon recovery, he enlisted in the Oklahoma Army National Guard, was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1975, and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. LTC Roberts also concurrently served for 27 years as an officer in the Tulsa Police Department and served as an instructor at the 4156th USAR School in Broken Arrow. He has authored or co-authored 24 books, the majority of which had military themes. LTC Roberts’ decorations include Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Service Medal w/2 bronze stars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Orville Vanderpool
Army Sergeant Orville Ralph Vanderpool was born in Kansas on August 27, 1921 to William and Lizzie Vanderpool. After his parents separated, William remarried and the family settled in Hominy, Oklahoma. Orville enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1939, and after training at Fort Sill he volunteered for Airborne Infantry. He trained at Camp Toccoa, Georgia, with the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment which was activated in 1942. In 1943 and 1944, the regiment prepared for the D-Day invasion of Normandy. On June 6, 1944, during the drop into France, Orville’s plane was struck by enemy fire, causing it to explode mid-air. Orville, along with 17 paratroopers and four crew members, perished. He was later buried with full military honors at Coop Prairie Cemetery in Arkansas. A monument was erected in Magneville, France to honor soldiers like Orville who sacrificed their lives to help secure freedom for the French people.
Wayne Moore
Army Sergeant Wayne T. Moore was born to Taylor and Stella Moore in Eason, Oklahoma on November 29, 1920. After his father’s death in 1926, Stella moved with her children to Sand Springs, OK where Wayne and his brother enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1940. Wayne trained at Fort Sill and served in World War II in the Panama District until 1945. He re-enlisted in 1949 and joined the 34th Infantry Regiment during the Korean War. When South Korea was invaded in June 1950 the 34th Infantry was quickly deployed to help block the north infiltration near Anseong. On July 14, 1950, after intense fighting and outnumbered by enemy troops near the Kum River, Wayne was killed by enemy artillery fire. His mother later petitioned to have his remains returned to the United States. In 1955, Wayne was buried alongside his father in the Sand Springs Woodland Memorial Park Cemetery.
Billie Hall
Army Staff Sergeant Billie A. Hall was born on September 21st 1939. Billie and his mother moved to the Charles Page Widows Colony in Sand Springs, OK following the death of his father in 1942. Active as president of the FFA, Billie graduated from Sand Springs High School in 1957 and joined the Army in 1960. Following basic training, he was stationed at Fort Bragg for medic training and in 1965 was deployed to Na Trang, Vietnam, where he served as a Special Forces Medic. During a mission near the A Shau Special Forces Camp near Laos, Billie was severely wounded during a mortar attack. Despite his injuries he continued to aid the wounded. Unable to walk he crawled on his hands to administer aid to the wounded, refusing morphine so he could carry out his duty. On March 9th 1966 was reported as killed in action and was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. SSG Hall was one of only eleven Oklahomans to be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in the Vietnam.
John Elledge
Army Private First Class John G. Elledge was born March 13, 1894 to Joseph and Ella Elledge in Jackson County, Alabama. The family moved from Tennessee to Missouri and eventually settled on a farm in Mannford, Oklahoma. John registered for the draft in June 1917 and joined the 357th Infantry Regiment of the 90th Division, training at Camp Travis, San Antonio, Texas. By June 1918, his unit departed for Europe, arriving in Le Havre, France on July 4th 1918 and immediately began final training for combat. They engaged in their first combat mission at St. Mihiel on September 12, 1918, pushing through challenging terrain to achieve objectives. The 357th later faced intense battles, including a costly raid on September 26 near Puvenelle and attacks near Bantheville in October. John was killed in action on October 27, 1918 in one such attack and is buried at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Lorraine, France.
William Bruner
Staff Sergeant William Arlinger Bruner was born November 3, 1923 in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. During the Great Depression, he worked on the Box poultry farm to help support his family. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in February 1943 at age 19. After training as an aircraft gunner, he was deployed to the European Theater with the 96th Bombardment Squadron, 2nd Bombardment Group. Stationed at Amendola Air Base in Italy, Bruner participated in long-range bombing missions across Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Yugoslavia, Greece and Hungary. On February 10, 1944, while on a mission over Lake Albano, Italy, their B-17 (Queen of the Skies), was hit by flak and disabling two engines which were set on fire. Three crew members managed to survive, but SSG Bruner, along with six others, were listed as missing in action and later declared killed in action. He is buried in Sand Springs Woodland Memorial Park Cemetery.
Edwin Ellis “Ed” Briggs
Army Sergeant First Class (Retired) Edwin Ellis “Ed” Briggs was born in 1943 in Dallas, TX and has lived in Fletcher, OK since 1980. He is an adopted member of the Comanche Nation given the name of Wasape Tekniwap (Bear Warrior). SFC Briggs served in the Army from 1960-68 and 1970-82. He served two tours in Vietnam from May 1965 to June 1966 as a helicopter door gunner with the 14th Aviation Company and from October 1970 to October 1971 as a Vietnamese Ranger Advisor with the Military Advisory Command - Vietnam. On 27 October 1970 he was awarded the Bronze Star w/Valor Device for “heroism in connection with operations against insurgent communist forces”. Other awards include the Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Infantryman Badge, Meritorious Service, Army Commendation w/3 Oak Leaf Clusters and Vietnam Service w/4 Campaign Stars medals, Vietnamese Ranger Insignia and several other service medals and ribbons.
Wilbur “Duke” Red Elk Ellis
Army Master Sergeant (Retired) Wilbur “Duke” Red Elk Ellis was born in Lawton, OK in 1936 and lives in El Reno, OK. He is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation. MSG Ellis served in the Oklahoma Army National Guard from 1953-55 and Army from 1955-78. He served with the 8th Infantry, 11th Airborne, 24th Infantry, 45th Infantry, 101st Airborne and 82nd Airborne Divisions, XVIII Airborne Corps and 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 77th Special Forces Groups. His service includes a tour in Vietnam with the Military Advisory Command – Vietnam. MSG Ellis survived a helicopter crash that prevented completion of his tour. His awards include the Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Infantryman, Master and Vietnam Parachutists Badges, Special Forces and Airborne Tabs, Meritorious Service, Army Commendation (3), Good Conduct (6), Vietnam Service w/3 Campaign Stars and several other service medals, ribbons and badges. He has 200+ qualified parachute jumps.
Rudolph Kosechequetah
Army Sergeant Major (Retired) Rudolph Kosechequetah was born in Lawton, OK in 1943 and lives east of Atlus, OK. He is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation. SGM Kosechequetah is the great grandson of the last Chief of the Comanches, Quanah Parker. He served in the Army from 1968-95. SGM Kosechequetah is a graduate of the Army Sergeants Major Academy. He served in Vietnam, with HQs, 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division, from 1969-70. While in Vietnam, on 13 July 1969, he was awarded the Soldiers Medal for “heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed hostile force”. Other awards include the Bronze Star, Army Commendation (2), Army Achievement, Good Conduct (8), National Defense Service (2), Korean Defense Service, Vietnam Service w/2 Campaign Stars and several other service medals and ribbons. He was given the honorary title of Numu Pukutsi (Crazy Dog Soldier) by the Comanche Nation.
Lucien J. “Jimmy” Looking Glass
Marine Corps Sergeant Lucien “Jimmy” Looking Glass was born in Lawton, OK in 1944 and lives in Shiprock, NM. He is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation and also of Apache descent. He served in the Marine Corps from 1961-67. Sgt Looking Glass served in Vietnam with the 3rd Marine Division from 1965-66. On 30 January 1966 he was awarded the Bronze Star w/Combat Distinguishing Device for “heroism in connection with operations against insurgent communist forces”. On 11 June 1966 he was wounded from a booby-trap to both legs. He recovered from his life-threatening wounds in seven different hospitals overseas and the United States. He was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, Purple Heart and Vietnam Service w/2 Campaign Stars and several other service medals and ribbons. Sgt Looking Glass was given the honorary title of Numu Pukutsi (Crazy Dog Soldier) by the Comanche Nation.
Richard Tiddark Ortiz
Army Sergeant Richard Tiddark Ortiz was born in Lawton, OK in 1947 and lives in Owasso, OK. He is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation. SGT Ortiz served in the Army from 1967-69. He completed Basic Combat Training at Fort Polk, LA, Advanced Individual Training, as an Artillery Crewman, at Fort Sill, OK and Jungle Training at Fort Lewis, WA before serving in Vietnam with B Battery, 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery, 1st Air Cavalry Division. On 7 May 1968 he was awarded the Bronze Star w/Valor Device “for heroism against a hostile enemy force in the Republic of Vietnam”. Other awards include the Army Commendation, National Defense Service, Vietnam Service w/Silver Campaign Star, Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm and Vietnam Campaign w/1960 Device. SGT Ortiz was given the honorary title of Numu Pukutsi (Crazy Dog Soldier) by the Comanche Nation.
Philip Rogers Sr.
Marine Corps Lance Corporal Philip Rogers Sr. was born in Lawton, OK in 1948 and lives in Kyle, TX. He is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation. LCpl Rogers served in the Marine Corps from 1967-69. He served in Vietnam in 1968 with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines, 1st Marine Division participating in 25 combat operations – he was wounded in July 1968. On 23 November 1968 he was awarded the USN/USMC Commendation medal w/Combat Distinguishing Device for heroism – his citation reads, in part, “by completely disregarding his own safety, he fearlessly assisted in moving his injured comrades through intense hostile fire to positions of relative safety”. Other awards include the Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, Purple Heart, Vietnam Service w/4 Campaign Stars and several other service medals. He was given the honorary title of Numu Pukutsi (Crazy Dog Soldier) by the Comanche Nation.
Paul Tate Sr.
Army and Army National Guardsman Specialist Four Paul Tate Sr. was born in Lawton, OK in 1945 and lives southeast of Fort Cobb, OK.. He is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation. SP4 Tate Sr served in the Army from 1966-68 and Texas Army National Guard from 1975-79. His service includes a tour in Vietnam, from 1967-68, with C Company, 3rd Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division as a Light Weapons Infantryman. SP4 Tate Sr was awarded the Combat Infantryman and Parachutists Badges, Good Conduct, National Defense Service, Vietnam Service w/3 Campaign Stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm and Vietnam Campaign w/1960 Device medals. He is credited with 29 qualified parachute jumps while on active duty and in the National Guard. He is currently the Commander of VFW Post 1015 in Anadarko, OK and at one time served as the Chaplain of the Comanche Indian Veterans Association.
Johnny Tiddark
Army Captain Johnny Tiddark was born in Lawton, OK in 1944 and lives in Forney, TX. He is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation. CPT Tiddark served in the Army from 1964-70 and completed his commission obligation in 1983. He served in Vietnam with the Military Advisory Command – Vietnam as a member of the highly classified “Phoenix Program”. CPT Tiddark was awarded the Bronze Star w/Valor Device on 23 March 1969 for “heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile enemy force”. On 23 May 1969 he was severely wounded ending his tour in Vietnam. Other awards include the Combat Infantryman and Parachutists Badges, Purple Heart, a second Bronze Star, Army Commendation, Vietnam Service w/2 Campaign Stars and several other service medals. CPT Tiddark has 30 qualified parachute jumps. He was given the honorary title of Numu Pukutsi (Crazy Dog Soldier) by the Comanche Nation.
William Melvin “Bill” Waddle
Army Sergeant William Melvin “Bill” Waddle was born in Phoenix, AZ in 1946 and lives in Halifax, VA. He is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation. His Oklahoma roots are Apache, OK as his mother, Catherine Myers Waddle (1910-74), was born and raised on the Myers Ranch west of Apache. SGT Waddle served in the Army from 1966-69. He served in Vietnam, from 1968-69, as a Light Weapons Infantryman, with HQs & B Companies, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade.. After his tour in Vietnam he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, at Fort Bragg, NC where he completed his military obligation. His awards include the Combat Infantryman and Parachutists Badges, Army Commendation (5), Good Conduct, National Defense Service, Vietnam Service w/3 Campaign Stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm and Vietnam Campaign w/1960 Device. SGT Waddle has 25 qualified parachute jumps.
Billy Joe Wermy
Army Corporal Billy Joe Wermy was born in Lawton, OK in 1932 and lives in Apache, OK. He an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation. CPL Wermy served in the Army from 1951-53. He served in the Korean War, from 1952-53, with E Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. During his tour in Korea he participated in three campaigns – Korea, Summer Fall 1952; Third Korean Winter; and Korea, Summer 1953. CPL Wermy was a Heavy Weapons Infantryman and served as a Squad Leader and member of a Medium Weapons 60mm Mortar Crew. His awards include the Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service, Korean Service w/3 Campaign Stars, Korean War Service and United Nation Service w/Korea Device medals. CPL Wermy is one of only six living Comanche Korean War or Korean War era veterans. He was awarded the Korean Peace medal by the Korean government in 2018.
MEMORIAL DAY
Calvin McKee
Mr. Calvin C. McKee, distinguished soldier of the U.S. Army during WWII and the Korea War, served across numerous paratrooper units in the U.S., Europe, and North Africa. His service within the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) placed him in decisive operations across Southern France, Central Europe, the Ardennes, the Rome-Arno region, and the Rhineland. Mr. McKee’s parachute descent into Southern France, August 15, 1944, marked the Allied invasion of the region. During the Korean War, he answered the call to duty once more, serving as an Intelligence Officer with the esteemed 18th Airborne Corps. For his contributions Mr. McKee was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal and the French Legion of Honor. Mr. McKee’s philanthropic endeavors in support of local nonprofit organizations in his native Oklahoma exemplify his commitment to his community. His legacy lives on through an enduring endowment that supports and honors student veterans at the University of Tulsa.
Stewart Williams
Specialist Fourth Class Stewart Allen Williams is a native of Langston, and a
graduate of Guthrie High School. He enlisted in the U. S: Army in November
1971 and was honorably discharged two years later in November 1973. Stewart
started his post active-duty career at Tinker Air Force Base employed as a civilian
worker. He eventually pursued additional education at the Oklahoma City
Community College an accumulated several awards for his work performance.
In retirement Stewart has invested his time, talent and treasure into the
development of the Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens. The Gardens are
an enchanting retreat, program venue, and beautiful gathering place on a plot
of land he owned in Langston, OK. This place of Honor and Remembrance
is dedicated to “all who served - and continue to serve in the US military.” The
Langston based Gardens are a regional treasure that continue to grow and improve.
James E. Hill
Air Force General James E. Hill was a native of Stillwater and attended both Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet in 1942. As a P-47 pilot over Europe during World War II, he became an ace, having shot down five enemy aircraft while flying 127 combat missions. He returned to Oklahoma after the war and was instrumental in the organization of the Oklahoma Air National Guard as commander of a P-51 squadron. Then, having made the transition to jet fighters, he flew 128 combat missions during the Korean conflict. His decorations included four Silver Stars and the Distinguished Service Cross. When General Hill retired in 1979 as Commander of the North American Air Defense Command, he had become the first Oklahoman to achieve the rank of full General in the Air Force while on active duty. General Hill was inducted in the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1984. He died in 1999 and rests in the Air Force Academy Cemetery.
James Morehead
Colonel James B. Morehead is a native of Washington, Oklahoma. He is the only known person in military history to receive two Distinguished Service Crosses, one each in the WWII Pacific and European Theaters. He was a WWII Flying Ace pilot and a member of the American Combat Airman Hall of Fame. Morehead joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1940 and graduated from flight training the following year. After the Pearl Harbor attack, he was deployed to the Southwest Pacific Theater, where he joined the 17th Provisional Pursuit Squadron then the 8th Fighter Squadron. During his second combat tour, he served with the 71st Fighter Squadron in the Mediterranean Theater. Morehead remained in the military after World War II and went on to fly with the 332nd Fighter-Bomber Group during the Korean War. Morehead retired from active duty in 1955 and retired from the Air Force Reserve in 1967. Colonel Morehead passed away in 2012 and rests in Arlington National Cemetery.
Elmer Vanover
Army Corporal Elmer “Red” Vanover was born and raised in Craig County, Oklahoma.
He left school during the 9th grade in the middle of the Great Depression to
work to help support his family. Vanover joined the US Army in 1941 and began
his service manning a 50-caliber machine gun with the 200th Coast Artillery Anti-
Aircraft unit. His unit was one of the most highly decorated of WWII. Their
mission was to protect the Philippines. The unit fought against the invading Japanese
forces in the jungles of the Bataan Province of the in the Central Luzon region.
In 1942, Vanover was taken prisoner by the Japanese after months of heavy combat.
He suffered many hardships. Following his liberation in 1945, he spent four years
in and out of military hospitals. He endured the mental and physical wounds of the
Bataan Death March for the remainder of his life. He fought those battles every
day for the rest of his life. Corporal Vanover is a recipient of the Purple Heart.
Squire Utsler
Marine Gunnery Sergeant Squire Washington Utsler was born and raised in Enid, Oklahoma. As an 18 year old WWII Marine with the First Marine Division, he was assigned as a machine gunner and sniper. During one air invasion, with zero’s flying 30 feet above his head, while evading constant enemy machine gun fire, he managed to shoot down three enemy aircraft in one day, saved the airstrip from further destruction, and helped prevent additional casualties to our fighting forces. He recalled “the Marines faced horrible conditions while serving in areas riddled with decaying enemy soldiers, poor weather conditions, constant threat of disease, and combat that is hard to forget”. Recalling some positive memories, this young Marine and his platoon were privileged to be extras in a film with an up-and-coming actor, John Wayne entitled the “Flying Seabees”. At the after-filming party he even got to dance with Betty Grable.
Charles Henneke
Marine Sergeant Charles Henneke served in the Korean War with the First Marine Aircraft Wing. Their mission was to conduct air operations in support of the Fleet Marine Forces to include offensive air support, anti-air warfare, assault support, aerial reconnaissance and control of aircraft and missiles. His unit constructed communication centers in support of operations, land, air and sea. Communications were prime targets from enemy forces. It was hard labor as they carried rock and sand in wheelbarrows in severe weather conditions that proved fatal for many. One of his most dangerous missions was to guard the train cars carrying supplies to build additional communications centers. They were deep in enemy territory and the engine abandoned the train cars and left them stranded for days. He praises God for his safety in returning him home. Following the war, he married and raised four children. He continues to farm in Drummond, Oklahoma.
Douglas Frantz
Marine Captain Douglas Frantz was born and raised in Enid and enlisted in the Marine Corps to serve his country. He served in Vietnam during 1968 when the Tet Offensive and battles at Khe Sanh and Hue City occurred. His Marine unit was tasked with protecting the Da Nang Air Base during the most dangerous time of the war. He received a Purple Heart during those operations.
This modest Marine returned to Enid began a career in business. His three years of Marine service inspired a lifetime of service to his community. In 1999, he became Mayor of Enid and 26 years ago on Veterans Day, he shared the stage as the plans for the Woodring Wall of Honor and Veterans Park were revealed. He served for eight years as a board member of the very organization that honors him today. And he has previously received Enid’s Marine Legacy Award.
Don Eck
Marine Lance Corporal Don Eck is a 1982 graduate of Enid High School who joined the United States Marine Corps in 1989 and trained in special weapons and amphibious warfare. His unit was deployed for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After Marine Corps service, Don went back to school to study law enforcement, then started his law enforcement career serving as K-9 officer for 5 years, and then served as a narcotics officer. In 2001, Don moved back to Oklahoma to be near extended family. In 2005, his military service disabilities forced him to quit work. Don began volunteering with the Enid Chapter of Disabled American Veterans in 2002 serving two years as Chapter Senior Vice-Commander and subsequently as Chapter Commander. He has also served in several leadership positions at the state level in the Oklahoma DAV organization. Don also volunteers as Assistant State Captain of the Patriot Guard Riders of Oklahoma, assisting family and friends in honoring their fallen Veteran on their last ride.
Gentner Drummond
Air Force Captain Gentner Frederick Drummond was born and raised in Osage County, Oklahoma and is a combat veteran of the Gulf War. During his career, he has served in multiple aviation roles including Mission Commander, Flight Leader, Instructor Pilot, and Weapons Officer. During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Captain Drummond completed 40 combat missions, amassing over 200 hours of combat service from August 5, 1990 through March 21, 1991. His career created a legacy of a remarkable aviator and leader in the Air Force. His combat awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Air Medals and four Aerial Achievement Medals, After completing eight years of service to our country, he earned his law degree, then returned home to Oklahoma to raise his family. Captain Drummond currently serves as the Attorney General for the State of Oklahoma.
Ira Eaker
Army Lieutenant General Ira Clarence Eaker was born in Texas and graduated from Southeastern Normal School (now Southeastern Oklahoma State University) with a degree in Journalism. He enrolled in the first officer training camp in 1917 and ultimately was named Lieutenant General in 1943. He was a noted pioneer and innovator in the importance of equipment and training in aviation and commanded several crucial battles and campaigns during World War II. He devised and developed in-dash flight refueling of war planes and originated the art of shuttle bombing while in Italy, Russia and Germany. He was Commander of the 8th Air Force and was named Commander in Chief of the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces in 1944, Deputy Commander of the Army Air Force and served as Chief of Air Staff from 1945 to 1947. He also earned numerous military decorations from twelve nations. He was inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame in Ohio in 1970.
Jack Merritt
Army Brigadier General Jack N. Merritt was a native of Lawton, attended the University of Oklahoma then graduated from the University of Nebraska and George Washington University. He began his military service as a draftee at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in 1952 and was stationed in Korea by 1955. Merritt graduated from the Air Command Staff College in 1965 and was assigned to the Pentagon, where he ultimately served on the staff in Robert McNamara’s office of the Secretary of Defense. He served Vietnam in 1968 and was awarded medals including the Silver Star for Valor in action, the Bronze Medal for Valor, the Legion of Merit, and the Soldier’s. He was promoted to Brigadier General in 1973 and became Director of the Joint Staff at the Pentagon in the 1980s. In 1985, Merritt earned the rank of General and became the representative to the North Atlantic Council Military Committee. He retired in 1987.
John Herrington
NASA Commander John Bennett Herrington is a native of Wetumka, and a is a retired Naval Aviator, Naval Test Pilot, and NASA astronaut. He enlisted in the United States Navy, earning a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, and a place in NASA’s Group 16 Astronaut Class of 1996. Herrington has served in every phase of the nation’s space program: Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Shuttle, and the International Space Station. Herrington’s honors include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, NASA Spaceflight Medal, and Navy Commendation Medal. He has been inducted to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Aviation and Space Hall of Fame and The Chickasaw Hall of Fame. He is the recipient of an honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City.
Charles Brown
Army Major General Charles Pershing Brown is a native of McAlester who graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1940. During World War II, he commanded the 649th Field Artillery battalion in the Pacific theater. Following an assignment with NATO headquarters in Oslo, Norway, Brown attended the Army War College, completing his studies in 1957. Promoted to Major General in 1966, he was named Director of the Army Budget in 1967 and returned to Fort Sill as the first Oklahoma-born Commanding Officer of the U.S. Army Artillery and Missile School. In 1970, he served in Vietnam as Commanding General, First Field Force. In 1971, Brown became senior military advisor to Dr. Phillip Habib, American Ambassador, in Paris at the Vietnamese Peace Negotiations. He then assumed command of the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. He retired in 1975.
Ernest "Mike" Massad
Army BG Ernest “Mike“ Massad graduated from the University of Oklahoma where he competed in football, baseball, and track. His military career began in 1935 when he took command of a Civilian Conservation Corps in Arizona. During World War II he commanded an Airborne Battalion in New Guinea, Leute, and Luzon. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Silver Arrow Head, and the Presidential Unit Citation. After occupation day in Japan, General Massad returned to Ardmore, Oklahoma, and from 1962 to 1968 commanded the 95th Infantry Training Division. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal and the Oklahoma Distinguished Medal. In 1963 he was named Lebanese Man of the Year and in 1967 received the Americanism Award. In 1968 President Lyndon B. Johnson nominated him Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense and in 1970 he received the National Patriotism Award from the China, Burma, and Indian Veterans.
Charles Barrett
Advancing years kept Major General Charles F. Barrett at home when his beloved 45th Division was called to active duty for World War II, but the grand old man of the Oklahoma National Guard went along in spirit. Indeed, the military had been his life for half a century. Born in Ohio and raised in Kansas, Barrett first came to Oklahoma City in July of 1893 as managing editor of the Press-Gazette. He later founded the Earlsboro Border Signal, which he moved to Shawnee and sold. In 1896, Barrett organized Company F of the National Guard and, in 1898, served as a captain in the Spanish-American War. In 1918, he was appointed adjutant general to reorganize the guard after World War I. Adjutant General Barrett was the commandant of 109 Oklahoma National Guard members who were called into Tulsa to restore peace on June 1, 1921, during race riots in that city.
Hal Muldrow
Major General Hal L. Muldrow was born in Tishomingo, Indian Territory as the grandson of Osborn Fisher, a Choctaw who came to Oklahoma on the Trail of Tears in 1832. Fisher was recognized as a Great Oklahoma Choctaw and was a member of the Choctaw Legislature. He served as a spokesman for the tribe in Washington, D.C. Muldrow graduated from the University of Oklahoma (1928) and was commissioned as second lieutenant in the Oklahoma National Guard (1928 to 1929). He served in the 45th Infantry Division, Oklahoma Army National Guard, as an artillery battalion commander in World War II, as artillery commanding general in the Korean War, and as division commander and major general following the Korean War. He retired from the 45th in 1960 and lived in Norman when he was elected to the state senate (1962-1966). He operated Muldrow Insurance Agency in Norman until his death.
JUNE 2025
JULY 4, 2025
Thomas Boyt
Air Force First Lieutenant Thomas Boyt was born in Kingman, AZ in 1950 and lived in Chickasha, OK from 1980-92 and since 2019. He is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation. 1LT Boyt is the first of only five Comanches to graduate from one of three US Military Academies. He graduated, 18th out of a class of 844 graduates, from the US Air Force Academy in 1973. After graduation he was assigned to Vandenberg AFB, CA for Minuteman Missile training then reassigned to Malmstrom AFB, MT, with the 490th Strategic Missile Squadron, as the Deputy Combat Missile Crew Commander. He was medically retired in 1976. His awards include the National Defense Service medal and Air Force Longevity and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship ribbons. 1LT Boyt earned Doctorate Degrees from Oklahoma and Colorado State Universities. He is the Treasurer and member of the Comanche Indian Veterans Association Color Guard.
Lindsey Griner
Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Lindsey Griner was born in Cedar Rapids, NE in 1982 and lives in Stafford. VA. She is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation. Her Oklahoma roots are Lawton, OK where her mother, Kathy Chahtinneyackque Huston was born and raised. SSgt Griner served in the Marine Corps from 2003-07 and was promoted to Staff Sergeant while in the Inactive Reserve in 2008. From March-October 2006 she served with Truck Company, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force in Iraq. SSgt Griner was a gunner, driver and convoy commander. On 2 December 2006 she was awarded the USN/USMC Achievement medal w/Combat Distinguishing Device for heroism by “displaying bravery on the roads of Iraq”. She is the only Comanche female awarded the Combat Action Ribbon and given the honorary title of Numu Pukutsi (Crazy Dog Soldier) by the Comanche Nation. SSgt Griner received several other service medals, ribbons and commendations.
Lonnie Henderson
Air Force Master Sergeant (Retired) Lonnie Torralba Henderson was born in Stecker, OK in 1940 and resides in Cyril, OK. He is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation. MSgt Henderson served in the Oklahoma Army National Guard from 1956-59 and Air Force from 1959-86. While in the Air Force he was a “Code Breaker” as an Airborne Cryptographic Linguist in the Russian, German and Vietnamese languages. He accrued over 5,000 air hours of combat and combat support missions on C-130 and RC-135 Reconnaissance aircraft. His missions were over Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Grenada, and many other European, Asian and South American countries. He earned sixty-six military awards including the Meritorious Service, Air Force Commendation, Air medal w/Numeral 19, Vietnam Service w/3 Campaign Stars and Armed Forces Expeditionary (Grenada) medals, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w/Valor Device and 8 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Chief Air Crew and Combat Crew Badges.
Jimmy F. Horse
Army Private First Class Jimmy F. Horse was born in Lawton, OK in 1948. He is an enrolled member of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma. PFC Horse passed away in 1984 at age 34 years. His final resting place is the Mount Scott Kiowa-Comanche-Apache Cemetery. He served in the Army from 1967-69. PFC Horse served in Vietnam, from 1968-69, with Company C, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry Division (Airmobile) as a Rifleman. He was decorated twice, both on 17 July 1968, with the Bronze Star w/Valor Device for “heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile enemy force in the Republic of Vietnam”. Other awards include the Combat Infantryman and Sharpshooter w/M14 Rifle Bar Badges, Air medal, Army Commendation, Vietnam Service w/2 Campaign Stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm and Vietnam Campaign w/1960 Device medals and two Overseas Bars.
Ronald Mahsetky
Marine Corp Sergeant Ronald Mahsetky was born in Lawton, OK in 1948 and lives in Elgin, OK. He is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation. Sgt Mahsetky served in the Marine Corps from 1965-69. He served two tours in Vietnam with the 1st Marine Division. He was an Infantryman, Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant. While in Vietnam Sgt Mahsetky served from the Demilitarized Zone to the Mekong Delta and Cambodia. In the book “Young Blood, a History of the 1st Battalion, 27th Marines” it is written that Sgt Mahsetky fought and killed the enemy in Hand to Hand combat. His awards include the Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct, National Defense Service, Armed Forces Expeditionary, Vietnam Service w/1 Silver and 1 Bronze Campaign Stars and several other service medals. He was given the honorary title of Numu Pukutsi (Crazy Dog Soldier) by the Comanche Nation.
Amos Makes Cry
Army Sergeant Amos Makes Cry was born in Lawton, OK in 1948 and lives in Bethany, OK. He is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation and of Ponca Indian descent. SGT Makes Cry served in the Army from 1968-69. After his occupation training, as an Artillery Crewman, he served in Vietnam with the 1st Battalion, 11th Artillery, 2nd Battalion, 4th Artillery and 6th Battalion, 32nd Infantry (as a Radioman and Forward Observer) with the 9th Infantry Division. On 18 April 1969 he was decorated with the Army Commendation medal w/Valor Device for “heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam”. SGT Makes Cry was also awarded two other Army Commendation medals, Vietnam Service w/4 Campaign Stars and several other service medals. He was given the honorary title of Numu Pukutsi (Crazy Dog Soldier) by the Comanche Nation.
Leland Parker
Marine Corps Corporal Leland Parker was born in Lawton OK in 1948 and lives in Apache, OK. He is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation. Cpl Parker served in the Marine Corps from 1967-70. He served in Vietnam with Company D, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division on or near the Demilitarized Zone. On 23 March 1968 he was wounded by mortar shrapnel to his upper leg near Con Thien. Cpl Parker was awarded the USN/USMC Achievement medal w/Combat Distinguishing Device “for heroism in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 2 November 1967 to 23 November 1969”. Other awards include the Combat Action Ribbon, Purple Heart, National Defense Service, Vietnam Service w/4 Campaign Stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm and Vietnam Campaign w/1960 Device. Cpl Parker was given the honorary title of Numu Pukutsi (Crazy Dog Soldier) by the Comanche Nation.
Joseph Rivas Plata
Army Specialist Five Joseph Rivas Plata was born in 1949 in Dallas, TX and lived in Rush Springs, OK since 1993. He is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation.. SP5 Plata passed away in 2018. His final resting place is the Fort Sill National Cemetery. He served in the Army from 1967-1972. SP5 Plata served, from 1969-70, in Vietnam, with B Company, 229th Aviation Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry Division as a helicopter door gunner. He was wounded on 29 February 1969. SP5 Plata was awarded the Air Medal w/Valor Device on 12 August 1969 for heroism “during the rescue of wounded personnel after a helicopter crash”. Other awards include a second Air medal, Army Commendation, Vietnam Service w/4 Campaign Stars and several other medals and the Air Crewman Badge. He was given the honorary title of Numu Pukutsi (Crazy Dog Soldier) by the Comanche Nation.
Billy F. Wermy
Army Specialist Four Billy F. Wermy was born in Lawton, OK in 1948 and lives in Apache, OK. He is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation. SP4 Wermy was drafted into the Army serving from 1970-71. SP4 Wermy completed Basic Combat Training at Fort Lewis, WA and Advanced Individual Training, as an Armor Crewman, at Fort Knox, KY. After his occupation training he served in Vietnam with I Troop, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment as a Loader, Driver and Gunner on the M551 Sheridan Tank. I Troop was based at Bien Hoa Army Base and Di An Base Camp. SP4 Wermy completed his military obligation with HQs & HQs Company, 1st Battalion, 34th Armor, 6th Army at Fort Carson, CO. His awards include the Army Commendation, National Defense Service, Vietnam Service w/Campaign Star, Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm and Vietnam Campaign w/1960 Device.
Gordon Whitewolf
Army and Army National Guardsman Staff Sergeant Gordon Whitewolf was born in Lawton, OK in 1952 and lives in Anadarko, OK. He is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation. SSG Whitewolf served in the Army from 1972-84 and Oklahoma Army National Guard from 1989-96. On active duty he served at Fort Bragg, NC with the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Hood, TX with the 2nd Armored Division and Germany with the 8th Infantry Division. During the Gulf War he served with A Battery, 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery (MLRS) 45th Infantry Brigade. SSG Whitewolf was an Artillery Crewman, Senior Gunner, Squad Leader and Assistant Section Chief. His awards include the Parachutists Badge, Army Commendation, Army Achievement (2), Good Conduct (2), National Defense Service (2), Southwest Asia Service w/2 Campaign Stars, Saudi Arabian and Kuwait Liberation of Kuwait medals and other service medals. SSG Whitewolf has 30 qualified parachute jumps.
James O'Dea
Army Captain James J. O’Dea was a native of Sioux City, Iowa, and decorated WWII veteran. He enlisted in the Army at the age of 31 and completed basic and jungle warfare training, then was selected for Officer Candidate School. He joined the 7th Infantry Division that fought in the Battle of Attu Island and earned the Silver Star on May 11 for his part in destroying a Japanese communications network. The 7th Division next participated in the Battle for Kwajalein from January 31 to February 3, 1944. After rest and refitting, they fought the Battle of Okinawa from April 1 to June 22, 1945. During this battle he received wounds to his right arm, right leg and lower back. He was thought to be mortally wounded but recovered. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and Purple Heart. O’Dea later moved to Oklahoma City, OK and retired from Tinker AFB. Captain O’Dea passed away on March 29, 1979.
Michael Tobin
Army Specialist 4th Class Michael F. Tobin is a Vietnam veteran and native Oklahoman who was born March 21,1948 in Oklahoma City. He enlisted in the Army in September 1967 and completed basic and advanced infantry training at Fort Polk, LA. He deployed to Vietnam and was assigned to the 60th Infantry Brigade, 9th Infantry Division Mobile Riverine Force. Within two weeks, Specialist Tobin was chosen to be the platoon point man. He held that position for four months and then manned the M-60 machine gun for two months. On August 27, 1968, SP4 Tobin was assigned to Charlie Company Military Police, 716th Infantry in Saigon and later assigned to an infantry unit at Cam Ranh Bay. SP4 Tobin was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Purple Heart. After his military service, he attended the University of Oklahoma and became a carpenter and home builder. He lives in Norman, OK.
AUGUST 2025
Phillip Kiniery
Command Sergeant Major Phillip J. Kiniery enlisted in the Army at age 17 and served 32 years on active duty. During that time he successfully pursued educational and training opportunities provided by the Army to improve himself and his ability to serve his country. He successfully served in every enlisted Infantry leadership position, including fire team leader, squad leader, platoon sergeant, company first sergeant, and Command Sergeant Major at battalion and brigade levels. CSM Kiniery taught as a faculty member of the US Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas; the ROTC Detachment at the University of Oregon; and as Commandant, Fort Bragg NCO Academy at Fort Bragg, NC. He retired as the Command Sergeant Major of Headquarters, United States European Command. This was one of the top five enlisted positions in the Army. Included in his 26 awards and decorations is the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Expert Infantryman Badge and Master Parachutist Badge.
SEPTEMBER 2025
OCTOBER 2025
NOVEMBER 2025
DECEMBER 2025
