NATIVE AMERICANS

IN THE U.S. ARMY

Header Fading Slideshow Image - Native American symbols in background Header Fading Slideshow Image - WOODROW W. KEEBLE Header Fading Slideshow Image - MITCHELL RED CLOUD JR. Header Fading Slideshow Image - LORI PIESTEWA Header Fading Slideshow Image - Staff Sgt. Conrad Begaye Header Fading Slideshow Image - Army Code Talkers Group Shot, World War II.
Header Fading Slideshow Image - Native American symbols in background Header Fading Slideshow Image - WOODROW W. KEEBLE Header Fading Slideshow Image - MITCHELL RED CLOUD JR. Header Fading Slideshow Image - LORI PIESTEWA Header Fading Slideshow Image - Staff Sgt. Conrad Begaye Header Fading Slideshow Image - Army Code Talkers Group Shot, World War II.

NATIVE AMERICANS IN THE U.S. ARMY

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The U.S. Army is dedicated to leveraging the strength of our diverse force and ensuring equality for all of its members.

Native American Soldiers have served in the Army with great honor, dedication and distinction, building a legacy of courage, professionalism and selfless service that will inspire generations to come.

INTRODUCTION

Throughout our nation's history, Native Americans have served valiantly and with distinction in times of peace and war, while also fighting for the right to be an equal part of our nation. We recognize their rich heritage and honor their spirit and true devotion to our country. Native Americans have a distinguished legacy in the Army - many thousands have served in the armed forces from the early days of the Revolutionary War, with the Lewis and Clark expedition, as Scouts with the U.S. Cavalry and as Code Talkers in World War II.

We give sincere thanks and appreciation for the past and present contributions Native American Soldiers, civilians and family members have made. We know there is strength in diversity. We are Army Strong because we not only place great value in having different perspectives, approaches, and skills but also because we value having ethnic and cultural diversity.

Featured Historical Image - Codetalkers

Image of World War I Code Talkers
Photo: Army Code Talkers during World War I

A squad of Choctaw Code Talkers in Camp Merritt, New Jersey. From left: Cpl. Solomon Bond Louis, Pvt. Mitchell Bobb, Cpl. James Edwards, Cpl. Calvin Wilson, Pvt. George (James) Davenport, Cpt. Elijah W. Horner. Photographer: Joseph K. Dixon | The Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. National Museum of the U.S. Army.

Click on the image to learn more about the Code Talkers

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Honoring Their Sacrifice and Service

Louis Lucky Cloud was drafted in 1943 and served as an 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper. On June 6, 1944, he and his fellow paratroopers jumped into Normandy and seized St. Mere Eglise. Among his many medals is the Bronze Star. Cloud was a warrior in the tradition of his grandfather, Pax-an-'pín, whose Yakama name he has taken for his own.



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Medal of Honor Recipients

The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest medal for valor in combat that can be awarded to members of the armed forces. The medal was first authorized in 1861. Since then, more than 3,400 Medals of Honor have been awarded to members of all DOD services and the Coast Guard, as well as to a few civilians who distinguished themselves with valor. Of these recipients, 29 are Native American Soldiers.

 

Featured Historical Image - Codetalkers

Image of Crow chief Plenty Coups blessing at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 1921.
Photo: Crow chief Plenty Coups blessing at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery.

Crow chief Plenty Coups with other dignitaries attend the interment of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Nov. 11, 1921. On Memorial Day 1921, with 100,000 people in attendance, Chief Plenty Coups raised his arms to the sky and bestowed upon the Unknown Soldier the highest honor of the Native Americans: the war bonnet and coups stick. Photo courtesy of Department of Defense.

Click on the image to learn more about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Today

This legacy continues today with the brave Soldiers who have served and continue to serve at home and abroad. To this day, 29 Native American Soldiers have earned the Medal of Honor for their courage and devotion to our nation. The nation is proud of the lasting contributions Native Americans continue to make as Soldiers, civilians, veterans and family members in professions that will benefit the nation and Army for many years to come.

start slideshow preview slideshow preview image - Col. Shawn E. Klawunder, First Army’s chief of staff, presents a plaque slideshow preview image - U.S. Army Col. Jeff Worthington presents certificate of appreciation to members of the Indian and Mountain Men Club of Wiesbaden slideshow preview image - Ramona Moore Big Eagle, oral historian and legend keeper slideshow preview image - Staff Sgt. Conrad Begaye awarded the Silver Star

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