Honored Veterans

REDELK, GEORGE "GERALD," US ARMY (1967-1973), OKNG (1982-1991) -

served in the U.S. Army in 1967-1973 and in the Oklahoma Army National Guard from 1982-1991 earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served during the Vietnam War w/11TH Armored Cavalry Regiment (as a Tank Commander) & Persian Gulf War (as a Field Artillery Surveyor) w/45th Infantry Division, awarded Silver Star, the third highest award for Gallantry.  His citation reads in part “Red Elk, George, Sergeant, United States Army, Company D, 1st Squadron, 11thArmored Cavalry Regiment distinguished himself by gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 18 March, 1969 while serving as a Tank Commander in the Republic of Vietnam.  On this date, Company D was conducting a sweep through the Michelin Rubber Plantation when fierce contact was made with an estimated battalion-size force of North Vietnamese Regulars in well-concealed, bunker fortifications.  In the ensuing battle, Sergeant Red Elk’s tank began receiving rocket-propelled grenade fire from the left flank.  Reacting instantly, Sergeant Red Elk aggressively maneuvered his vehicle toward the enemy position, engaging them with his main gun.   His highly accurate fire completely routed the enemy force, killing two.  As he moved back on line, an enemy rocket-propelled grenade round exploded overhead, severely wounding his right hand.  Ignoring the pain, Sergeant Red Elk was successful in knocking out a second rocket-propelled grenade team.  He courageously remained with his tank for 45 minutes after being wounded, until he passed out from the pain and loss of blood.  His heroic example greatly inspired the entire unit to press on and completely overpower the hostile force.  Sergeant Red Elk’s outstanding personal courage and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.”  Signed by B.E. Huffman Jr., Brigadier General, GS, Chief of Staff on 13 July 1969.  Sergeant Red Elk was also awarded the Army Commendation (2) & Army Reserve Achievement Medals and is the son of Comanche Code Talker Roderick Red Elk –  also stationed Fort Knox, KY, Fort Riley, KS, Lawton, OK, Fort Carson, CO, Dugway Proving Grounds, UT, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, other awards include Purple Heart, Vietnam Service medal w/4 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm, Vietnam Campaign medal w/1960 Device, Southwest Asia Service medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars, Saudi Arabian Liberation of Kuwait medal, Kuwait Liberation of Kuwait medal, Good Conduct medal w/2 Bronze Loops, National Defense Service medal w/Bronze Star, Army Service Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon 2/Numeral 2, Overseas Ribbon, Expert and Marksman Qualification Badges w/Rifle and Pistol Bars, selected as 2/64th Armor NCO of the Quarter, selected as “Top Gun” for 5/32nd Armor Tank Gunnery Qualification Test and graduate of the NCO Candidate School, inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame on November 11, 2011. He was honored by the Military Times- Hall of Valor and the Oklahoma Historical Society for his actions during the Vietnam War. George RedElk served as the Treasure, Vice-Commander and Commander of the Comanche Indian Veterans Association and earned the honorary title of Numu Putuski. for Heroism-Gallantry-Valor.