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
Sgt. Foote's Gravesite
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; Purple Heart; Good
Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal;
Vietnam Campaign Medal; and the Parachute Badge.
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