From ancient traditions to modern military service, Native American warriors have played a crucial role in shaping American history. These brave men and women have fought for their tribes, their land, and their adopted country with unparalleled courage and skill.
Despite facing centuries of oppression and discrimination, Native Americans have consistently answered the call to arms, serving in the U.S. military at rates far exceeding their proportion of the population.
Here are 18 facts about these unsung heroes and their enduring legacy.
1. Highest Per Capita Service Rate
Native Americans serve in the U.S. military at five times the national average. This astonishing statistic speaks volumes about their commitment to service and protection of their homeland.
Since 9/11, nearly 19% of Native Americans have served in the Armed Forces, compared to an average of 14% of all other ethnicities. (ref) This disproportionate representation highlights the warrior tradition deeply ingrained in many Native American cultures.
2. Code Talkers in World War II
Navajo Code Talkers played a crucial role in securing Allied victory during World War II. Their unbreakable code, based on their native language, baffled Japanese forces throughout the conflict.
By the end of the war, approximately 400 Native Code Talkers from various tribes, including Navajo, Cherokee, Choctaw, Lakota, Meskwaki, and Comanche, were transmitting encrypted messages. (ref) Their contributions were vital to U.S. success in the Pacific theater.
3. Ancient Warrior Traditions
The warrior tradition in Native American cultures extends far beyond combat. Warriors were traditionally seen as protectors and providers for their communities, embodying qualities such as strength, honor, pride, devotion, and wisdom.
This holistic view of a warrior’s role has translated into modern military service, with many Native Americans viewing their enlistment as a continuation of their cultural heritage. The warrior ethos emphasizes not just fighting prowess, but also service to one’s people and homeland.
4. Revolutionary War Participation
Native Americans played significant roles on both sides during the American Revolution. The Oneida and Tuscarora tribes sided with the colonists, while other Iroquois nations aligned with the British.
One notable figure was Tyonajanegen, an Oneida woman who fought alongside her husband at the Battle of Oriskany in 1777. She reloaded his gun after he was wounded, demonstrating the involvement of Native American women in combat even during this early period.
5. World War I Contributions
Around 5,000 Native American men enlisted for service in World War I, with an additional 6,500 drafted. (ref) Their participation came at a time when many were not yet recognized as U.S. citizens.
Native Americans served with distinction, with about two-thirds in infantry units. They faced a high casualty rate, with approximately 5% of Native combat soldiers killed, compared to 1% of American forces overall.
6. Medal of Honor Recipients
Twenty-nine Native American service members have been awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration presented by the United States government. This number includes 25 Army soldiers, 3 Navy sailors, and 1 Marine. (ref)
These brave individuals demonstrated extraordinary heroism in combat, often at great personal risk. Their actions have ranged from single-handedly holding off enemy forces to rescuing wounded comrades under heavy fire.
7. Vietnam War Volunteers
Of the 42,000 Native Americans who served in the Vietnam War, an astounding 90% were volunteers. (ref) This high rate of voluntary service stands in stark contrast to the broader American population during this controversial conflict.
Native American veterans of Vietnam often faced unique challenges upon returning home, dealing with both the trauma of war and ongoing discrimination. Despite these difficulties, many continued to embrace their warrior heritage and support their communities.
8. Women Warriors
Native American women have a long history of military service, dating back to the Revolutionary War. During World War II, nearly 800 Native American women served with units like the Army Corps, Army Nurse Corps, and WAVES.
Today, 11.5% of living Native American veterans are female, compared to 8% of veterans from other ethnicities. (ref) These women continue to break barriers and challenge traditional gender roles within both military and tribal contexts.
9. Unique Military Tactics
Many modern military tactics have roots in traditional Native American warfare strategies. These include guerrilla warfare, stealth operations, and the use of terrain for tactical advantage.
The concept of “skulking,” now known as guerrilla warfare, was pioneered by Native American warriors. This approach, which emphasizes surprise attacks and quick retreats, has influenced military doctrine worldwide.
10. Spiritual & Cultural Significance
For many Native Americans, military service carries deep spiritual and cultural significance. It’s often seen as a way to fulfill traditional warrior roles and protect ancestral lands.
Some tribes conduct special ceremonies for members entering or returning from military service. These rituals help warriors prepare spiritually for the challenges ahead and reintegrate into their communities after deployment.
11. Civil War Participation
Native Americans fought on both sides during the American Civil War. Notable figures included Cherokee General Stand Watie and Seneca General Ely Parker, who served as General Ulysses S. Grant’s military secretary.
General Parker played a crucial role in the Union victory, drafting the final surrender terms at Appomattox Court House. His involvement highlights the significant contributions of Native Americans to this pivotal conflict in American history.
12. Korean War Service
Approximately 10,000 Native Americans served in the U.S. military during the Korean War. (ref) This continued the trend of high Native American participation in armed conflicts.
Many Native American Korean War veterans reported feeling a strong sense of camaraderie with their fellow service members, transcending racial and cultural boundaries. This experience often contrasted sharply with the discrimination they faced in civilian life.
13. Modern Conflicts
Native Americans have continued to serve with distinction in recent conflicts, including the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the Afghanistan War. Their participation rates remain higher than those of other ethnic groups.
In these modern wars, Native American service members have often drawn on their cultural heritage for strength and resilience. Many report that traditional practices, such as prayer ceremonies or carrying sacred objects, have helped them cope with the stresses of combat.
14. Navajo Rangers
The Navajo Nation maintains its own law enforcement agency, the Navajo Rangers, which combines modern policing with traditional warrior values. Established in 1957, this unique force patrols the vast Navajo reservation.
Navajo Rangers are trained in both conventional law enforcement techniques and traditional Navajo peacekeeping methods. This blend of approaches has proven effective in addressing the specific needs of the Navajo community.
15. Tribal Veterans’ Programs
Many Native American tribes have established their own veterans’ programs to support service members before, during, and after their military careers. These programs often combine Western and traditional healing practices.
For example, some tribes offer sweat lodge ceremonies or talking circles for veterans dealing with PTSD. These culturally-specific approaches can be particularly effective for Native American veterans who may feel disconnected from mainstream support systems.
16. National Native American Veterans Memorial
In November 2020, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian unveiled the National Native American Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. This long-overdue tribute recognizes the contributions of Native American veterans throughout U.S. history.
The memorial’s design incorporates elements from various Native American cultures, symbolizing the diversity of tribal nations that have contributed to military service. It serves as a place of healing, reflection, and education for all Americans.
17. Ongoing Recruitment Efforts
The U.S. military continues to actively recruit Native American service members, recognizing their valuable skills and strong tradition of service. Many bases near reservations have dedicated Native American recruitment programs.
These recruitment efforts often emphasize how military service aligns with traditional warrior values and can provide opportunities for education and career advancement. Some programs also incorporate cultural awareness training for non-Native recruiters.
18. Preserving Native Languages
Native American service members have played a crucial role in preserving indigenous languages, both through their service as code talkers and by maintaining their linguistic heritage while in the military.
Today, some military units actively encourage Native American members to use their tribal languages, recognizing the potential tactical advantages and the importance of cultural preservation. This practice helps keep endangered languages alive while honoring the legacy of Native American warriors.
Native American warriors are a huge part of American military history, from ancient tribal conflicts to modern-day battlefields.
Their unwavering commitment to service, exemplified by their disproportionately high enlistment rates, speaks volumes about their warrior ethos and dedication to protecting their homeland.
Despite facing centuries of adversity, Native Americans continue to serve with distinction, preserving their cultural heritage while adapting to the evolving nature of warfare.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
