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MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFNS - 11/17/2011) -- Native
Americans serving in the military have long been part of one of the
largest per-capita ethnic groups in the profession of arms.
Navajo Indian Code Talkers Henry Bake and George Kirk from December 1943. (Courtesy of the National Archives) |
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Young Native Americans have answered and continue to answer the
nation's call of duty for many reasons. Some see it as a rite of
passage, while others have been taught service, sacrifice and
courage are virtues of value. The Native Americans serving today
carry on a time-honored tradition, one continued from the time of
the first settlers on this continent to the ongoing wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan.
"My people honored me as a warrior," said a
Vietnam veteran who is from the Kiowa tribe, according to Naval
History and Heritage Command. "We had a feast and my parents and
grandparents thanked everyone who prayed for my safe return. We had
a special (dance) and I remember, as we circled the drum, I got a
feeling of pride. I felt good inside because that's the way Kiowa
people (tell) you that you've done well."
They have always
been there; they were in the ranks of the military even before we
were a country. In the early days of our nation they were our eyes
and ears, serving as scouts and guides. The last Indian scout
retired from the Army in 1947 at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., |
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according to Naval History and Heritage Command. |
Native Americans served in the War of 1812 and as
auxiliary troops during the Civil War. Gen. Ely Parker, a
Seneca Indian, wrote the terms for Gen. Robert E. Lee's
surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. Native
American scouts served with distinction during campaigns in
the western frontier and accompanied Pershing's troops in
his pursuit of Poncho Villa in 1916. Teddy Roosevelt
recruited Indian scouts, who accompanied the Rough Riders
into Cuba during the Spanish-American War.
Despite
lack of citizenship status and not having the right to vote,
more than 12,000 American Indians served in World War I.
More than 600 were assigned to the 142nd Infantry Regiment,
seeing action in France. Many were decorated for bravery in
battle.
Native Americans who served in World War I
secured signal transmissions by using their native language.
Joseph Oklahombi, a World War I Code Talker, captured more
than 100 enemy combatants during the Battle for Blanc Mont
Ridge in October 1918, according to the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development's Office of Native American
Programs.
More than 40,000 Native Americans served
during World War II, this time as American citizens after
being granted citizenship in 1924. The now famous Code
Talkers proved invaluable when they secured communications
in the Pacific theater.
"It was always the warrior
who was first in defending Mother Earth," said a
Dakota/Lakota veteran, according to Naval History and
Heritage Command. "It was his duty to be first. It is a part
of traditional values, a part of protecting against any
invasion that would endanger the people, our people and the
land."
Native Americans have a tradition of serving
above and beyond the call of duty. More than 20 have
received the nation's highest award for valor, the Medal of
Honor, many making the ultimate sacrifice. Still others
served and sacrificed with less notoriety; during the
opening stages of Operation Enduring Freedom, Army Spc. Lori
Piestewa, a Hopi from Arizona, became the first female
Native American service member to be killed in action. Not
knowing she had been killed, Piestewa's family, tribe and
community left their porch lights on to help her find her
way her way home. During her memorial service, Daniel King
read the following Oneida Indian warrior saying:
"When you adorn yourself with the implements of way, you are
ready to kill. It is only right then you must be prepared to
die as well. As Indian people, we know how to face war, we
know how to sacrifice, we know how to honor, (and) we know
courage. We know how to remember."
November is the
time for all Americans to honor and remember the service and
sacrifices of Native Americans, for they have always been
there when needed.
(Dr. Roy Houchin, an Air War
College professor, contributed to this article.)
By USAF Ret. Col. Gene Kamena
Air War College
Air Force News Service
Copyright 2011
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