Hall of Honor Citations 2025
JANUARY 2025
Jerry Shiles
Colonel Jerry E. Shiles served on the Board of the Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation for 20 years including nine years as President. His military service spanned a 33-year career advancing from Private to Colonel while serving in the Army National Guard, Active Army, and Army Reserve. He served as a tanker, and military lawyer, and commanded troops at both the Battalion and Brigade levels. His overseas assignments included tours of duty in Germany, Hungary, and Bosnia-Herzegovina. COL Shiles also enjoyed a lengthy and successful civilian legal career as a lecturer and seminar speaker, author of legal articles and columns, and a courtroom attorney. He received several significant service awards for his professional contributions. He was an active leader in the Reserve Organization of America, the American Legion, and the American Bar Association. COL Shiles is a recipient of the Legion of Merit, the Joint Service Meritorious Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters.
Berton Lewis
Army Sergeant First Class Berton Z. Lewis was a World War Two combat veteran who served for 27 years. SFC Lewis was a member of the segregated 92nd Infantry Division during WWII. He served in Africa, Sicily, and Italy with the 416th Transportation Company. Upon retirement from active duty, he was recruited to be the first African-American to join the Oklahoma National Guard in 1958, shortly after Governor Raymond Gary authorized the integration of the Oklahoma National Guard. “SFC Lewis was a groundbreaker, a vital piece in the Guard’s history in our state,” said MG Robbie Asher, adjutant general for Oklahoma. “We are a better organization today because he answered the call and paved the way for others.” SFC Lewis passed away in Chandler at the age of 91 and rests in the Clearview Cemetery in Chandler.
Stewart Cady
First Sergeant Stewart Cady is a member of the Ojibwe Chippewa and Oglala Sioux nations who served for over 30 years in the Marine Corps, including 21 years of active duty. 1SG Stewart excelled in leadership roles across global assignments, including Beirut (1983), Operation Just Cause (1989), and Desert Storm (1991). After retiring in 1996, he continued serving as Commander of the Oklahoma Veterans Intertribal Color Guard and President of the Native American Marine Corps Veterans Association, advocating for Native veterans. A community leader, Stewart and his wife Fran hosted free children’s camps to instill respect and leadership. Stewart’s military excellence and community devotion exemplify the highest Marine Corps values and make him a deserving honoree. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and Kuwait Liberation Medal.
Jill Castilla
Sergeant Jill Castilla is an Army veteran, military spouse, Blue Star mother, community banking leader, and an outstanding Patriot. Jill met and married Marcus Castilla while serving in the Army. They raised three children, two of whom are graduates of service academies. She serves as a civilian assistant to the Secretary of the Army and has received several prestigious awards from the Department of Defense for her support of both veterans and those on active military duty. It is the policy of Citizens Bank to offer full pay and benefits to reserve component staff members who are completing military duty assignments. As the CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond, she created a subsidiary bank that specializes in fulfilling the unique needs of military service members. The Rogers Bank is led and staffed by veterans Additionally she developed a system to expedite VA Home Loans through her bank. Her service as an Army veteran, military spouse, Blue Star mother, and community banking professional has set the highest standard of patriotic service for the state of Oklahoma.
Gilbert Charleston
Tec 4 Gilbert ‘Choc’ Charleston is a Choctaw Nation Elder who was born on Christmas Eve in 1923 near Duncan, OK. He was drafted into the Army in February 1943, trained as a tank driver, and entered the war in Europe via the beaches of France in August 1944. He drove a Sherman Tank through Europe and fought the entirety of the Battle of the Bulge. He achieved the enlisted rank of Tec 4 and was discharged on December 4, 1945. After the war, Choc returned to Oklahoma where he became a successful businessman and spokesperson for the Oklahoma Department of Tourism. He and his wife Billie operated the Choctaw Trading Post for many years, and he received the Wall of Fame award from the Better Business Bureau of Oklahoma City. Choc helped to organize the Red Earth Festival and received the Goodwill Award for work as Goodwill Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce. Choc was honored by the American Legion in Edmond in October of 2023 for his many military and civic achievements.
George Kokendoffer
Lieutenant George Kokendoffer served as a UH-1 helicopter pilot in Vietnam in the early part of the Vietnam War. After joining the US Army in 1963 Lieutenant Kokendoffer was commissioned and volunteered for Helicopter Pilot training upon graduation, He served in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, from February 1964 to February 1965. Upon returning to the United States, he decided to do something different with his life. He never stopped serving, he just did it in different ways. Lieutenant Kokendoffer is a member of several Veteran Service Organizations and contributes financially to several more. He is an active member of the American Legion Honor Guard and has participated in approximately 400 Military Honors Ceremonies at veterans' funerals across the state. Lieutenant Kokendoffer’s many military awards and decorations include: the Army Aviator Badge, and the Air Medal with the “V” device and 17 Oak Leaf Clusters.
Danny Thomas
Master Sergeant Danny Max Thomas served for over 29 years in the Marine Corps and decades of community leadership. Enlisting in 1970, Danny served with distinction as a Field Radio Operator and Parachutist, excelling in assignments with ANGLICO and as a recruiter, communications chief, and Marine advisor. He earned numerous decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal and Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, before retiring in 1999. Post-service, Danny founded Accurate Safety Compliance, positively impacting workers nationwide, and became a tireless advocate for veterans. He revitalized the Marine Corps League Sooner Detachment, organized Memorial Day remembrances, and led the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign. His roles as a Veterans Service Officer and advocate for programs like Marine for Life, have profoundly supported veterans and their families. Danny’s lifelong dedication to service and leadership makes him a most deserving inductee into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Honor.
FEBRUARY 2025
Bruce January
Colonel E. Bruce January was a combat veteran who served 25 years, from 1937 until his death in 1962. He was appointed Cadet Captain of his Army ROTC unit in 1937. He studied and graduated from the University of Oklahoma, commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, Artillery, in 1938. He served at Ft. Bragg, Germany, Uruguay, Africa, Casablanca, Morocco, and Paris. His unit, the 9th Division Artillery was awarded a Presidential unit citation for conspicuous gallantry and heroism in battle in 1943. He served in Licata under Operation Husky in August of 1943 where he was injured by a bomb explosion suffering a concussion, damage to his lumbar lordosis and pelvis, but he simply returned to duty. He received a Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in England and France from 1943 to 1944. He returned to Oklahoma in 1952 and continued to serve in the Oklahoma Army National Guard until his death in 1962.
MARCH 2025
Billy A. Krowse
Distinguished Service Cross is the Army’s second highest award for heroism superseded only by the Medal Of Honor. PFC Billy A. Kowse was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for “… extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 311th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 13 March 1945, near Honnef, Germany.” While clearing the area around the gun position, he was killed in action, but his indomitable courage so inspired his comrades that they surged forward and secured the hill. The consummate determination, exemplary leadership, and heroic self-sacrifice, clearly displayed by Private Krowse reflect the highest credit upon himself, the 78th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.” Billy rests in Oak Crest Abbey Mausoleum in Park Cemetery, Carthage, Missouri.
Michael Hope
Army Captain Michael Hope was a 1958 graduate of Del City High School where he was an outstanding student and athlete. He enlisted in the Army in 1965, completed fixed-wing pilot training, and deployed to Vietnam in 1968. He served three tours of duty in Vietnam serving as a fixed wing pilot flying support missions for the ARVN 18th Infantry Division. Few pilots in Vietnam were more highly decorated than CPT Hope. He was 29 years old and only 18 days away from completing his third and final tour of Vietnam when he was shot down and killed in action in Long Khanh Province, South Vietnam. CPT Hope received two Silver Stars; four Distinguished Flying Crosses; two Bronze Stars, and a Purple Heart; 44 Air Medals, the Army Commendation Medal for valor, and four Vietnamese Crosses for Gallantry. He rests in Sunny Lane Cemetery, Del City, OK.
Del City - In Memoriam: Vietnam
Since World War II, and throughout every conflict and war from Korea to Vietnam to Bosnia to the War on Terror, thousands of Del City’s finest have volunteered to support and defend the Constitution and have shown great resolve on the battlefield exhibiting the spirit of a warrior and heart of a patriot. Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation Robert Kalsu Chapter recognizes these 16 Del City residents who were killed in action serving in Vietnam. These men have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. These men are: 1st Lt. Thomas L. Burton; LCpl Galvin L. Duncan; Ronald C. High; SP4 Vernon J. Johnson; LCpl Harold Jones; LCpl Jimmy M. Mullins; PFC Gerald L. Parsons; CPL Ronald W. Patton; WO1 Ray Payne; LCpl Larry L. Riley; LCpl Frederick W. Sanders; CPL Jimmy D. Sanders; PFC William M. Saunders; SP4 Ricky L Shackelford; PFC Kenneth Skinner; and PFC Ronald E. Thompson.
Del City - In Memoriam: War on Terror
Since World War II, and throughout every conflict and war from Korea to Vietnam to Bosnia to the War on Terror, thousands of Del City’s finest have volunteered to support and defend the Constitution and have shown great resolve on the battlefield exhibiting the spirit of a warrior and heart of a patriot. Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation Robert Kalsu Chapter recognizes these two Del City residents who were killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom. These men are SFC William W. Labadie Jr in 2004 while serving in the 39th Infantry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division; and CPL Gary L. Moore in 2009 while serving with the Army’s Military Police. SFC Labadie served in the US Marine Corps for eight years, and later in both the Oklahoma and Arkansas Army National Guard. Both men were members of the Oklahoma National Guard, were fatally wounded near Baghdad, Iraq, and rest together in Sunny Lane Cemetery, Del City, Oklahoma.
APRIL 2025
Loyce Edward Deen
Aviation Machinist Mate Second Class Loyce Edward Deen was born on April 24, 1921 in Sulphur, OK and was raised in Altus, OK. Loyce enlisted in the Navy in October 1942. He underwent training in San Diego, Purcell, OK and Naval Air Station Ft. Lauderdale. In September 1943 he was assigned as an aerial gunner on a three person crew flying a Grumman Avenger aircraft with the 15th Air Group. The crew deployed to the WWII Pacific Theater aboard the aircraft carrier USS Essex. They participated in most of the campaigns in the South Pacific including Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, Wake Island and the Philippines. Loyce was wounded in October 1944 but refused to leave his crew. Loyce was killed in action by enemy anti-aircraft fire on November 5th 1944. The crew was able to return the badly damaged aircraft to the Essex. After landing it proved impossible to separate Loyce’s body from the aircraft so he was buried at sea seated in his plane.
Billie D. Harris
Army Air Corps Lieutenant Billie D. Harris was born and raised in the area of Altus, Oklahoma, the only son of Virgil and Nellie Harris and married Peggy Seale in 1943. Lt. Harris was assigned to the 355th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, stationed in southeast England. During his deployment, he flew bomber support missions in the P-51 Mustang. After the invasion of Normandy, France, the attacks changed to ground targets with Lt. Harris flying multiple daily missions across the English Channel. During this time he would earn the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with 11 oak leaf clusters. On July 17 1944 while piloting his P-51D Mustang, he was shot down by enemy fire near the town of Les Ventes, France. He reportedly guided his stricken aircraft away from the town and crashed into woods nearby and was killed on impact. He is buried at the American Cemetery at Coleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France.
Oscar J. Upham
Marine Private Oscar J. Upham served during the Spanish American War and the Boxer Rebellion in China. Born in Toledo, Ohio on December 14, 1871, Upham joined the United States Marine Corps in 1896. He served in Mare Island, California, and after a year was assigned to the USS Oregon. He was serving as a powder monkey for one of the six-inch guns and is credited with shooting the first shot which began the Spanish-American War. While serving during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, he was among Marines erecting barricades in Peking, China, when they were surrounded by Chinese rebels. The Marines were under siege for three months. Upham and 32 other Marines were awarded the Medal of Honor for erecting the barricades while under heavy fire from the enemy and for holding out during the siege. Upham later worked for the United States Postal Service in Guthrie.
Steve Gentling
Colonel Steve Gentling served our country in both the United States Army and Air Force for almost three decades, as both an enlisted soldier and as a commissioned officer. Colonel Gentling’s military service culminated as the Commander of the 507th Medical Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base. Colonel Gentling also enjoyed a lengthy and successful civil service career supporting veterans at the Veterans Affairs Administration. For over two decades Steve served in positions of increasing responsibility, culminating as the Medical Center Director at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Oklahoma City. Steve also served his community as Mayor of Guthrie for five consecutive terms. On April 16, 2016, Mayor Gentling issued a proclamation recognizing the citizens of Guthrie who served their country and community through service in the Armed Forces. The city of Guthrie was declared a Purple Heart City, one of just over 900 cities nationally with this honorable designation.
Michael Manning
Sergeant Michael Manning served our country in the United States Army from 2007 to 2015. In 2011, SGT Manning deployed to Afghanistan with the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. As a M240 gunner, he distinguished himself when 200 Taliban ambushed his dismounted patrol. With his fellow troops pinned down, SGT Manning took up a support-by-fire position. He was knocked unconscious when three Rocket Propelled Grenades exploded near him. When he regained consciousness, he continued suppressing the enemy with accurate and effective machine gun fire, allowing his fellow troops to escape, and for support to arrive. For his gallantry and wounds, he was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Michael is an active member of the Guthrie community; he serves as the Sergeant-at-Arms for the American Legion, is a ‘89er Committee member, coaches youth sports and is an active member of his church.
MAY 2025
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 Allege
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.
JUNE 2025
JULY 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.
AUGUST 2025
SEPTEMBER 2025
OCTOBER 2025
NOVEMBER 2025
DECEMBER 2025
