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American Indians in World War II

In 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "This generation has a rendezvous with destiny." When Roosevelt said that he had no idea of how much World War II would make his prophecy ring true. More than fifty years later, Americans are remembering the sacrifices of that generation, which took up arms in defense of the nation. Part of that generation was a neglected minority, Native American Indians, who flocked to the colors in defense of their country. No group that participated in World War II made a greater per capita contribution, and no group was changed more by the war. As part of the commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of World WarII, it is fitting forthe nation to recall the contributions of its own "first citizens."

The Vanishing American

At the time of Christopher Columbus ' arrival in the New World, the Native American population living in what is now the United States was estimated at about one million. By 1880, only 250,000 Indians remained and this gave rise to the "Vanishing American" theory. By 1940, this population had risen to about 350,000. During World War II more than 44,000 Native Americans saw military service. They served on all fronts in the conflict and were honored by receiving numerous Purple Hearts, Air Medals, Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Stars, SilverStars, Distinguished Service Crosses, and three Congressional Medals of Honor. Indian participation in World War II was so extensive that it later became part of American folklore and popular culture.

The Warrior Image

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor seemed to waken an ancestral warrior spirit in many Native Amer...

Senator Campbell and Steve Brady, Executive Director of the Sand Creek Massacre descendants group, take part in opening ceremonies at the November 10, 2001 Pow-Wow held by the Northern Cheyenne Tribe in Lame Deer Montana celebrating the enactment into law of Campbell's Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site legislation.

The war, therefore, provided new opportunities for American Indians, and these opportunities disrupted old patterns. The wartime economy and military service took thousands of Indians away from the reservations. Many of these Indians settled into the mainstream, adapting permanently to the cities and to a non-Indian way of life. Moreover, thousands returned to the reservation even after they had proved themselves capable of making the adjustment to white America. Those who left traditional cultures did not necessarily reject their heritage. Instead, they forged a new Pan-Indian identity to cope with the differences they perceived between themselves and whites.

World War II became a turning point for both Indians and Caucasians because its impact on each was so great and different. Whites believed that World War II had completed the process of Indian integration into mainstream American society. Large numbers of Indians, on the other hand, saw for the first time the non-Indian world at close range. It both attracted and repelled them. The positive aspects included a higher standard of living, with education, health care, and job opportunities. The negatives were the lessening of tribal influence and the threat of forfeiting the security of the reservation. Indians did not want equality with whites at the price of losing group identification. In sum, the war caused the greatest change in Indian life since the beginning of the reservation era and taught Native Americans they could aspire to walk successfully in two worlds.

A good deal of credit must go to the Native Americans for their outstanding part in America's victory in World War II. They sacrificed more than most-both individually and as a group. They left the land they knew to travel to strange places, where people did not always understand their ways. They had to fore go the dances and rituals that were an important part of their life. They had to learn to work under non-Indian supervisors in situations that were wholly new to them. It was a tremendously difficult adjustment; more than for white America, which had known modem war and mobilization before. But in the process, Native Americans became Indian-Americans, not just American Indians.

Chronology

• 1918 - Iroquois Indians declare war on Germany. Since they were not included in the 1919 Peace Treaty, they simply renewed their Declaration of War in 1941 and included Italy and Japan.
• 1919 - Indian soldiers and sailors receive citizenship.
• 1924 -The Snyder Act grants full citizenship to all American Indians.
• 1938 -Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) estimates number of potential registrants for a draft in case of war.
• 1939 - BIA updates male Indian age groups.
• Jun 1940-The Navajo tribe announces that any un-American activity among its people will be dealt with severely.
• Aug 1940- BIA Commissioner John Collier meets with Selective Service representatives to determine how to register Indians.
• Sep 1940- Congress passes Selective Service Act.
• Oct 1940 - Congress passes Nationalities Act granting citizenship to all Native Americans without impairing tribal authority. - For the first time, American Indians register for the draft.
• Jan 1941- The Fourth Signal Company recruits thirty Oklahoma Comanche Indians to be part of a special Signal Corps Detachment.
• Oct 1940- The armed forces have inducted 1,785 Native Americans.
• Dec 1941- There are 5,000 Native Americans in the armed forces when Japanese forces attack Pearl Harbor.
• Jan 1942 - According to Selective Service of officials, 99 percent of all eligible Native Americans had registered for the draft. This ration set the national standard for the nation.
• Jan 1942 - The Navajo Tribal Council calls a special convention to dramatize their support for the war effort; 50,000 attend.
• Jul 1942 - The Six Nations (Mohawks, Oneida, Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, 1942 and Iroquois) declare war on the Axis Powers.
• 1942-1943- The Army Air Corps runs a literacy program in Atlantic City, N.J., for native Americans who could not meet military literacy standards.
• Apr 1943- Secretary of the Interior Harold Ickes announces that Indians have bought $12.6 million in war bonds.
• 1944 - Over 46,000 Indian men and women have left their reservations for defense-related jobs.
• Nov 1944- Fifty tribes establish the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) in Denver, Colorado.
• Jan 1945- John Collier resigns as Indian Commissioner after years of political controversy.
• 1946- The Truman Commission on Civil Right surges more humanitarian consideration for Native Americans. <ul> <li>-Indian Claims Commission Act created by Congress to adjudicate Indian land claims in the aftermath of WWII.
• 1947 - Army Indian Scouts discontinued as a separate element of the U.S. armed forces. <ul> <li>They had last been used on border patrol duties.
• 1957 - Utah becomes the last state to permit Indians to vote

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http://www.defense.gov/specials/nativeamerican01/wwii.html

Native Americans in the Korean War

American Indians have served with distinction in United States military actions for over 200 years. During World War II, more than 44,000 American Indians, out of a total Native American population of less than 350,000, saw military service. A few years later, many of these seasoned troops and officers transferred their fighting skills to

World War II
RADM Joseph J. "Jocko" Clark, Cherokee, the first Native American to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy.

the Korean Peninsula, where new recruits joined them in the fight against communist aggression.

"Cherokee Strikes" Boost Morale

Vice Admiral Joseph J. "Jocko" Clark, the last commander of the Navy's 7th Fleet during the Korean War and a Cherokee descendent, became famous for his self-proclaimed "Cherokee Strikes." In late 1952, Clark, a veteran of two world wars, concentrated his fleet's efforts on the destruction of enemy weapons and supplies behind enemy lines. For these raids, Clark deployed his Navy and Marine Corps carrier-based aircraft and land-based Air Force and foreign planes. While not particularly devastating to enemy supply lines, the Cherokee Strikes served as a much-needed morale boost for American frontline troops.

Army Soldiers Serve HeroicallyMajor General Hal L. Muldrow Jr., a Choctaw, commanded the Division Artillery, 45th Infantry Division from Dec. 10, 1951, to May 22, 1952. Colonel, and later Brigadier General, Otwa Autry of the Creek Nation commanded the 189th Field Artillery Battalion, 45th Infantry Division until May 1952. The 189th delivered some of the heaviest artillery fire during the battles for Hills 191(T-Bone Ridge) and 275 (Old Baldy) during the summer of 1952.

Sergeant First Class William Stewart, a Crow, also saw action with the 45th Infantry Division. He was wounded during the battle for Christmas Hill. Private First Class Clarence J. Marcellais, a Chippewa, landed at Pusan in July 1950 with the Army's 24th Infantry Division. Marcellais was wounded by a mortar shell when the North Koreans tried to overrun an artillery battery near the Naktong River. Less than a year later, while on patrol near Chipyong-ni, he was hit in the left leg by sniper fire, and the leg had to be amputated at the knee. Private First Class Jerome Adams, a Devil's Lake Sioux, served with the Army's 2d Infantry Division. He was evacuated after receiving gunshot wounds in the back, chest and arms and also shrapnel wounds in his legs.

Nighthorse Campbell

Ben Nighthorse Campbell

One young recruit who joined the military during the Korean conflict was Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a Cheyenne, who, in 1987, became the first American Indian to serve in Congress since 1929. The 18-year-old Campbell joined the Air Force in 1951. He was transferred to an Air Force police unit and shipped to Korea. Campbell never saw combat first-hand, but he vividly remembers the horrors he saw there, especially the suffering of Korean children. But Campbell also recalls the benefits of service in the military, writing, "There was a camaraderie [in the Air Force] that transcends ethnicity when you serve your country overseas in wartime."

Campbell was elected to the Colorado State Legislature in November 1982 and from there went to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served from 1987 through 1992. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1992.

Native American Medal of Honor Recipients from the Korean War

The warrior tradition of overpowering the enemy and facing death head-on accurately describes the heroic actions of the three Native Americans awarded the Medal of Honor during the Korean War. These two soldiers and one officer faced the enemy bravely and through their heroism saved the lives of their fellow servicemen.

Red Cloud

Corporal Mitchell Red Cloud Jr.

"The son of a Winnebago chief and warriors who believe that when a man goes into battle, he expects to kill or be killed and if he dies he will live forever." These are the words inscribed on the monument erected in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, and dedicated to the memory of Korean War hero Corporal Mitchell Red Cloud Jr., the first Winnebago to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

Corporal Red Cloud, a member of Company E, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery during an attack by communist forces near Chonghyon, South Korea, on Nov. 5, 1950. According to an eyewitness account, Company E was alerted to the surprise enemy attack by a shouted warning from Corporal Red Cloud, who was on a ridge guarding his company's command post. He immediately opened fire with his automatic rifle on the advancing enemy troops. Despite being severely wounded, Red Cloud held his ground, using a tree to give himself the support needed to continue firing. He refused help and continued to fire until he was fatally wounded. His valiant actions checked the enemy assault and allowed his company to consolidate its position and evacuate the wounded.

Corporal Red Cloud received the Medal of Honor posthumously on July 2, 1951; the medal was presented to his mother, Nellie Red Cloud, by U.S. Army General Omar Bradley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Private First Class Charles George

Private First Class Charles George, a Cherokee from North Carolina, followed the ancient warrior tradition, when, on Nov. 30, 1952, he sacrificed his life to save the lives of his fellow soldiers. During the night of Nov. 30, George, a member of Company C, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, was with a raiding party operating near Songnae-dong, South Korea. The raiding party was charged with engaging the enemy and capturing a prisoner for interrogation. As they charged up a hill toward the enemy, the group faced intense mortar and machine-gun fire and suffered several casualties.

Throughout the charge, Private George fought valiantly, and once the crest of the hill had been reached, he jumped into the trench where the enemy soldiers were concealed and engaged them in hand-to-hand combat. When the troops were ordered to withdraw, George and two companions remained behind to cover the withdrawal. As they were leaving the trenches, an enemy soldier threw a grenade toward the Americans. Private George immediately threw himself upon the grenade, absorbing the full blast, thus saving the lives of his fellow soldiers. Although severely wounded, he kept silent so as not to reveal the position of the men with him. His companions evacuated him, but he died shortly thereafter.

Harvey

Captain Raymond Harvey

Captain Raymond Harvey, a Chickasaw, was commanding officer of Company C, 17th Infantry, 7th Infantry Division. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for an action on March 9, 1951, near Taerni-dong, South Korea. When Harvey's company was pinned down by automatic weapons fire from several well-entrenched emplacements, he braved bullets and grenades to advance to the first North Korean machine gun nest and killed its crew with grenades. Rushing to the edge of the next emplacement, he killed its crew with carbine fire. Captain Harvey then moved the 1st Platoon forward, but it was again stopped by automatic weapons. Disregarding the hail of fire, he charged and destroyed a third emplacement. Miraculously, Harvey continued to lead the assault through the intense crossfire. After spotting a well-camouflaged enemy pillbox, he moved close enough to sweep the emplacement with carbine fire and throw grenades through the openings, killing its five occupants.

Though wounded and in pain, he ordered his company forward and continued to direct the attack on the remaining hostile positions. Harvey refused evacuation until assured that the mission would be accomplished.

http://www.defense.gov/specials/nativeamerican01/korea.html

More reading here:

Psychological Trauma for American Indians who served in Vietnam

http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treatment/cultural/psych-trauma-native-american.asp

http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2012/05/28/brief-history-american-indian-military-service-...

[Puzzle Piece]

There have been many, many, more tribes represented in battles. Yet, there are the masses who don't even know the history of the many people who gave their lives for their freedoms and liberties. Even in these current skirmishes first in were a number of Apaches. Yet the whiners go on and on about their lost relatives of the past like they have been the ONLY ones who have been victimized

Before you post do your research and homework to learn about true annihilation from the arrival of the Euro-Americans to present day.

[charvale]

wow. Fascinating to read. American Indian Heritage Month is in November but really should be all year. Thanks for sharing this.

[guatmum]

On 2/1/2015 Love Roses said:

There have been many, many, more tribes represented in battles. Yet, there are the masses who don't even know the history of the many people who gave their lives for their freedoms and liberties. Even in these current skirmishes first in were a number of Apaches. Yet the whiners go on and on about their lost relatives of the past like they have been the ONLY ones who have been victimized

Before you post do your research and homework to learn about true annihilation from the arrival of the Euro-Americans to present day.

Grief and a sense of loss is not a contest amongst various cultures. No one "wins" the sacrifice game.

[Say Nay]

On 2/1/2015 Love Roses said:

There have been many, many, more tribes represented in battles. Yet, there are the masses who don't even know the history of the many people who gave their lives for their freedoms and liberties. Even in these current skirmishes first in were a number of Apaches. Yet the whiners go on and on about their lost relatives of the past like they have been the ONLY ones who have been victimized

Before you post do your research and homework to learn about true annihilation from the arrival of the Euro-Americans to present day.

What? Are you serious?

Thank you for the thread.

[Blahblahvampemer]

On 2/1/2015 Love Roses said:

There have been many, many, more tribes represented in battles. Yet, there are the masses who don't even know the history of the many people who gave their lives for their freedoms and liberties. Even in these current skirmishes first in were a number of Apaches. Yet the whiners go on and on about their lost relatives of the past like they have been the ONLY ones who have been victimized

Before you post do your research and homework to learn about true annihilation from the arrival of the Euro-Americans to present day.

If you really want the truth, learn about the peaceful tribes, those that were brutal, the slaves they owned, why some tribes were nomadic...gotta study all sides. Blame the Europeans is partly a cop out, and a bit of a coverup.

[June Lands]

My introduction to the History of Indians in America was thanks to a great Social Study teacher back in 9th grade in 1970 when I was 14 years old. She took the class to a theater to see the movie LITTLE BIG MAN with Dustin Hoffman.We spent the whole semester on the plight of the American Indian.

I at the time I had grown up up in 1960's white suburbia and was clueless to race and the issues of any kind. Everyone since Kindergarden was White....

Wow how my eyes opened..... watching that movie.... and to this day, that teacher and that class made me become a better person. I became a young person very protected with no perspective or understanding of racial issues as I was living in my little white bubble... to a young person that had her eyes opened to culture strife in the country and wanting to know more and to help open doors to better understanding

The Movie LITTLE BIG MAN should be shown to every 9th grade class and be seen by everyone. The Indian culture needs to be respected and nurtured.

[jubilant]

I have been reading this and it is quite interesting. Thanks for posting. I intend to read the rest as the day goes on. I think it is good that all people are recognized for their contributions and sacrifices to our country. We are all in this together.

[AngusandBuddhasMom]

Yes factual and unbiased Native American history should be taught. This thread came about after the OP and love roses spamed a thread about the rescue of 699 Jewish children. The remarks were bad enough that they got it removed. They should be ashamed of themselves. Apparently you can not honor the saving of lives unless you mention the plight of Indians.

[scotttie]

On 2/1/2015 guatmum said:

On 2/1/2015 Love Roses said:

There have been many, many, more tribes represented in battles. Yet, there are the masses who don't even know the history of the many people who gave their lives for their freedoms and liberties. Even in these current skirmishes first in were a number of Apaches. Yet the whiners go on and on about their lost relatives of the past like they have been the ONLY ones who have been victimized

Before you post do your research and homework to learn about true annihilation from the arrival of the Euro-Americans to present day.

Grief and a sense of loss is not a contest amongst various cultures. No one "wins" the sacrifice game.

Indeed.