Across the vast tapestry of American history, the threads of Native American service and sacrifice are woven deeply, often overlooked, yet undeniably vital. From the nascent days of the American Revolution to the contemporary battlefields of Operation Enduring Freedom, Native Americans have consistently answered the call to duty, demonstrating unwavering valor, profound honor, and an enduring commitment to the defense of the United States. This article explores the rich history of Native American military service, highlighting their contributions, sacrifices, and the unique roles they have played in shaping the nation’s defense.
As the calendar turns to November, the nation observes National American Indian Heritage Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the vibrant cultures, traditions, and significant contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives. This year’s theme, "Serving Our People, Serving our Nations: Native Visions for Future Generations," resonates deeply with the historical narrative of Native American military service, underscoring their dual commitment to their tribal communities and the broader American nation.
Concurrently, November also marks Veterans Day, a solemn occasion to honor all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. These two observances converge to create a powerful opportunity to recognize the extraordinary contributions of Native Americans to the defense of the country, acknowledging their sacrifices and celebrating their unwavering patriotism.
Colonel Trent Edwards, former 42nd Air Base Wing commander, articulated this sentiment succinctly: "I am proud of the contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the heritage and legacy of America. As a military member, I am particularly proud of the contributions to our nation’s defense of American Indians. From the American Revolution to Operation Enduring Freedom, native americans have served this nation with valor and honor."
The roots of recognizing Native American heritage can be traced back to 1915, when the Boy Scouts of America first conceived the idea of a national acknowledgment of American Indians. This initial spark gradually gained momentum, leading to several states recognizing an American Indian Day by 1950. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially declared October 10-16 as Native American Awareness Week, paving the way for a more comprehensive national recognition. Finally, in 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed a joint resolution of Congress, formally proclaiming November as National American Indian Heritage Month, solidifying its place in the national calendar.
Beyond their military service, Native Americans have enriched American society in countless ways. Figures like Jim Thorpe, a Sac and Fox Indian widely regarded as one of America’s greatest athletes, and Maria Tallchief, an Osage woman who achieved international acclaim as America’s first prima ballerina, stand as testaments to the diverse talents and cultural contributions of Native Americans.
The legacy of Native American military service is a long and distinguished one, dating back to the very founding of the nation. From the American Revolution to Operation Enduring Freedom, Native Americans have served in every major conflict, often facing unique challenges and discrimination while demonstrating exceptional courage and dedication.
During the American Civil War, Native Americans found themselves fighting on both sides of the conflict, reflecting the complex political and social landscape of the time. In the late 1800s, many served as scouts during the Frontier Wars, utilizing their knowledge of the land and their tracking skills to assist the U.S. Army. Even in Theodore Roosevelt’s famed Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War in 1898, Native Americans were present, fighting alongside their fellow Americans at San Juan Hill, Cuba.
The First World War saw approximately 12,000 American Indians distinguishing themselves in the brutal trench warfare of Europe. Among the 600 Oklahoma American Indians, primarily Choctaw and Cherokee, assigned to the 142nd Infantry of the 36th Texas-Oklahoma National Guard Division, four were awarded France’s prestigious Croix de Guerre (Cross of War) for their bravery. Others received Britain’s Church War Cross for acts of heroism in combat, demonstrating their exceptional courage under fire.
World War II witnessed an even greater surge in Native American participation, with over 21,000 individuals, including 800 women, serving in the armed forces. The U.S. Army Air Force’s Office of Indian Affairs reported in November 1945 that 71 American Indians had received the Air Medal, 51 the Silver Star, 47 the Bronze Star, and 34 the Distinguished Flying Cross. Furthermore, five Native Americans were awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration, with one awarded posthumously.
Among the many stories of bravery and ingenuity that emerged from World War II, the story of the Navajo Code Talkers stands out as a testament to the unique contributions of Native Americans. Serving as Marines in the Pacific Theater, these men developed and utilized a complex code based on their native Navajo language to transmit vital tactical information. The Japanese military, despite their best efforts, were never able to break the code, providing the U.S. Marines with a crucial advantage in the fight against the Japanese. Their work played a pivotal role in saving lives and hastening the war’s end in the Pacific. Marine Corporal Ira Hayes, a Pima Indian, further cemented the legacy of Native American service by being one of the six men who raised the American flag over Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945, an iconic moment captured in the Marine Corps Memorial near Arlington National Cemetery.
Beyond the battlefield, Native Americans have also made significant contributions to military leadership. Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma is named after Major General Clarence L. Tinker, who was one-eighth Osage Indian and the first American Indian to be promoted to general officer. His leadership and dedication were tragically cut short when he died on a flying mission after the Battle of Midway in June 1942.
Throughout American history, a total of 30 Native Americans have been awarded the Medal of Honor, a testament to their extraordinary bravery and selflessness in the face of danger. Sixteen of these medals were awarded during the Frontier Wars, seven during World War II, five during the Korean War, and two during the Vietnam War, highlighting the consistent presence of Native American heroes in every major conflict.
The story of Native American military service extends beyond the battlefield, encompassing the crucial role of code talkers from various tribes. The Choctaw Indians pioneered code talking during World War I, laying the groundwork for the more widely known Navajo Code Talkers of World War II. Other Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Choctaw, Lakota, Meskwaki, and Comanche, also contributed code talkers during World War II, each utilizing their unique linguistic skills to secure vital communications.
Despite their invaluable contributions, the code talkers often faced discrimination and a lack of recognition for their efforts. It wasn’t until the declassification of the operation in 1968 that their story began to emerge. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan presented the code talkers with a Certificate of Recognition and declared August 14, 1982, as "Navajo Code Talkers Day."
In 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and President Bill Clinton signed Public Law 106-554, awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the original twenty-nine World War II Navajo code talkers and Silver Medals to each person who qualified as a Navajo Code Talker (approximately 300). President George W. Bush personally presented the Medal to four surviving original code talkers in July 2001, and gold medals were presented to the families of the 24 original code talkers who were no longer living. The Choctaw code talkers were posthumously awarded the Texas Medal of Valor in 2007. The Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008 further honored every Native American code talker who served in the United States military during WWI or WWII, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to national security.
As we commemorate National American Indian Heritage Month and Veterans Day, it is essential to remember and honor the thousands of Native Americans who have served with distinction in the United States Armed Forces. From the American Revolution to Operation Enduring Freedom, their unwavering commitment, profound courage, and unique skills have played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s defense and preserving the freedoms we cherish. Recognizing their service is not only a matter of historical accuracy but also a testament to the enduring strength and diversity of the American spirit.
By acknowledging their contributions, we can foster a greater understanding of Native American history and culture, promoting a more inclusive and equitable society for all. From the American Revolution to Operation Enduring Freedom, the legacy of Native American military service serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by generations of Native Americans in defense of the United States, underscoring their integral role in the nation’s history and future. This article has shared light to the Native Americans who have been in service From the American Revolution to Operation Enduring Freedom.