Sergeant Walter B. Foote
Detachment A413
Company D, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Killed in action March 6, 1970
In the Republic of South Vietnam
At the age of 21
At the time of his death, Sergeant Foote distinguished himself while serving as an advisor to a company-sized force of South Vietnamese. During the insertion of his force into the designated landing zone, Sergeant Foote reported that they were receiving small arms fire from a hostile force.
Almost immediately, the enemy assaulted Sergeant Foot's landing zone and the unit he was advising. During this assault, Sergeant Foote requested support from the accompanying helicopter gunships, and stayed in the landing zone area to adjust the supporting fire from the gunships.
When the gunships had expended their ammunition and were forced to withdraw, Sergeant Foote was wounded and unable to move. In his wounded condition, he continued to adjust friendly fire upon the enemy forces. Ultimately, his position was overrun and he was mortally wounded.
Awards and Decorations
Combat Infantryman Badge; Silver Star; Bronze Star w/V Devise; Purple Heart; Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, and the Parachute Badge.