Native American soldiers fought on both sides in the American Revolutionary War, American Civil War, U.S Indian Wars, and in every modern war since. Here are some of their stories.
In honor of their contributions, here are some Notable Native American Women Veterans that certainly deserve to be recognized. It also goes without saying, that all of our nations veterans and servicemembers are always on our list of heroes, whether or not they appear on this list.
All the things John Pinto has been in his 91 years, he still is: Navajo Code Talker, Marine, statesman, lawmaker, husband, father, grandfather and tireless advocate. John Pinto not only has stories, he is a great American story.
Many Americans have recently been introduced to the American Indian code talkers of World War II. However, like the blind man who touched an elephants trunk and described that animal as being long and tubular, the current vision of the code talkers is incomplete.
There were 17 tribes, not just one, that provided our military forces in the battlefield with this direct form of voice radio communication. When Indian code talkers were brought into battlefield communications, their monitored messages became wholly incomprehensible to the enemy.
Their codes were never broken because the enemy didnt realize that the languages used and the codes built upon them were the languages of different American Indian tribes.
Soldier societies provided martial training, socialization, and preservation of tradition among the men who joined the groups.
In the 20th century, at least nine American Indians have been among those warriors to be distinguished by receiving the United States’ highest military honor: the Medal of Honor. Given for military heroism “above and beyond the call of duty,” these warriors exhibited extraordinary bravery in the face of the enemy and, in two cases, made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Throughout November, the nation will celebrate National American Indian Heritage Month. This year’s theme is “Serving Our People, Serving our Nations: Native Visions for Future Generations.”
On Nov. 11, Americans also will celebrate Veterans Day. Through these two observances, Americans can celebrate not only the significant contributions of American Indians and Alaska natives to our heritage and culture but also their contribution to this country’s defense.
On March 5, the Arizona Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 1010 urging Congress to establish a new postage stamp honoring three groups of veterans who fought bravely for our country: The Tuskegee Airmen, the
Japanese American soldiers and the Navajo Code Talkers.
Do you know this modern day hero?.. KEYWORDS: native american veteran medic Viet Nam modern day hero looking for veteran who served in Vietnam as a medic ‘ AUTHOR: Slater Davis Click to enlarge I am looking for my platoon medic who served in Vietnam with 4th Platoon, Co.B, 4th Bn, 21st Inf, Americal Divsion, […]
Remembering Wounded Knee 1973
Ah-ho My Relations,
Today is heavy with prayer and reminisces for me. Not only are those who walk for the Yellowstone Buffalo reaching their destination, today is the anniversary of the night when, at the direction of the Oglala Chiefs, I went with a special squad of warriors to liberate Wounded Knee in advance of the main AIM caravan.
For security reasons the people had been told everyone was going to a meeting/wacipi in Porcupine, the road goes through Wounded Knee.
Many of our people have forgotten the traditional way “War Stories” are used and respected in the sacred ceremonies of the people of the Sundance and Pipe, we who have always lived in the center of our turtle island. Long ago our wise ancestors understood that a powerful moment in time existed when a warrior performed a great deed and tested himself to the ultimate.