Michael Waddle

First Lieutenant Michael Waddle, U.S. Army, was born 28 June 1947 in Phoenix, AZ. He is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation with roots in Apache, OK. He enlisted in January 1966 with training at Fort Gordon, GA, followed by light weapons infantryman training at Fort Dix, NJ. Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning was next, and Waddle was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in April 1967.

Upon completion of Army Airborne School, Waddle was assigned as a platoon leader of 4th Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry, 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division. Waddle arrived in Vietnam in February 1968. He fought in five combat campaigns and was awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions on 26 August 1968 as a platoon leader. On this day, 4th Platoon was on a reconnaissance mission when its point element suddenly came under heavy attack from a concealed North Vietnamese unit. 1LT Waddle crawled from position to position to direct return fire and boost morale among the troops. He fearlessly led his platoon in a counterattack that successfully overran the hostile force.

Waddle continued to lead his platoon in search of another suspected enemy stronghold. After several hours, the 4th Platoon again encountered heavy enemy fire from automatic weapons, rockets, and mortars. During the initial barrage, two squads were pinned down and sustained heavy casualties. Although outnumbered, 1LT Waddle organized his men into a defensive position and called for air strikes which enabled Waddle and his platoon to overrun and rout the enemy. Waddle’s other awards include the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster and Combat Infantryman Badge.

Following discharge in 1969, 1LT Waddle graduated from Texas A&M University and lives in Berryville, AR. Waddle continues to serve veterans as a Veteran Service Officer and Public Speaker on Veterans Affairs.