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Warriors and Heroes - Native Americans in
World War II
By Toni Lee Robinson
Great warriors throng history's halls of
honor. Among them, the Native American
warrior stands tall. Native fighters were
known for their courage. They were driven
by a fierce, unyielding pride. Each was
intensely loyal to his tribe. They lived for
the battle, building up strength and stamina.
Many were deeply spiritual. They sought
wisdom for the battle and for life.
The native warriors walked a tragic path.
For over a century, culture raged against
culture in America. The conflict took a
staggering toll. In the area that became the U.S., native people once
numbered around a million. By the 1880s, only about 250,000 were
left. Tribal groups became small, battered islands in the sea of
American society.
There is another story of native fighters that is not so well-known.
Native Americans also fought for the U.S. In most of the nation's
wars, native groups formed a part of U.S. forces. General George
Washington spoke of the value of native soldiers as scouts. They
could read the land. Many were expert trackers. Later, the U.S.
Army created an Indian Scouts corps. An Indian Cavalry Troop was
also established.
of many different tribes joined the U.S. military. Some served as
regular troops. Some, especially the Choctaw, served in the Signal
Corps. They were called "code talkers." They transmitted vital
messages on the battlefield. They had a ready-made code - their
native language. German experts never broke these codes.
In the 1930s, war threatened Europe again. Again, U.S.
involvement looked likely. Germany sought to avoid another defeat
by code talkers. German spies, posing as scientists or writers, were
sent to "study" American tribes. The spies tried to learn the tribal
languages. Pro-Nazi activists urged Native Americans to stay out of
the war. The scheme didn't work. Native Americans, perhaps more
than some in the world, saw through the tactics. They saw the Nazis
as a threat to life and liberty.
In 1941, the U.S. was attacked. The nation was plunged into war.
President Roosevelt called for volunteers to take up the battle. Native
Americans responded in force. The Iroquois had never taken back
their statement of war with Germany. Now they simply renewed it,
extending it to Japan and Italy. Other tribal groups also declared war.
Most tribes scoffed at the draft. What true warrior, they asked,
had to be prompted to fight? The fierce warrior heritage sprang to
life. Native men stood in long lines outside recruiting centers. Many
brought their own rifles, hoping to save time in getting to the battle.
Native women joined the women's forces of the military.
Some native people went to great lengths to qualify. Many
learned English for the first time. At home, the Navajos spoke their
own language. In order to qualify for enlistment, they imported
teachers. They set up English classes in their villages. In the end,
nearly 45,000 of the nation's First Citizens marched off to war. In
fact, more of them joined per capita than any other ethnic group in
the U.S. Officials took note. If the rest of the country had been as
eager for the battle, they said, a draft would not have been needed.
Native soldiers were known as superior fighters. They excelled in
marksmanship and endurance. Many were natural commando
fighters. (After all, their people had created the tactic of daring
raids!) It was in the 20th century, however, that Native Americans
had their biggest impact on the U.S. military.
Those left at home supported the war in other ways. Many tribal
resources went to aid the war effort. Oil, minerals, timber, and other
raw materials were taken from reservation lands. The oil reserves of
the Blackfeet were nearly used up to fuel the war. Helium from
Navajo lands became a part of the first atomic bomb. Payment for
these resources was delayed for years. In some cases, it never came.
In 1917, the U.S. entered World War I. Most tribes sent soldiers
to the conflict. The Iroquois Confederacy, a group of tribes centered
in New York, declared war on Germany. In all, over 12,000 people
Many native families struggled with poverty. Still, they gave to
the war effort. Native Alaskan women trapped furs to buy War
Bonds. (In all, native families financed over $50,000,000 worth of
2. Why is the native warrior's path described as tragic? What
statistics are given to support the statement?
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bonds.) Other women gave their time to the Red Cross and other
groups. Another 40,000, mostly women, left their reservations to
work in defense factories. Families did their share with victory
gardens and other home front support.
On the battlefield, native soldiers distinguished themselves. They
fought with valor on all fronts. Many were decorated for
outstanding service. They earned Purple Hearts, Bronze and Silver
Stars, and other medals. Three were awarded Congressional Medals
of Honor.
The story is ironic. Many times, America's First Citizens have
been betrayed and ill-used by the nation that engulfed them. In time
of need, however, America found them her most ready patriots.
Native people understood the call to defend land and liberty. It was
with the help of these great warriors that America triumphed in
WWII.
Warriors and Heroes - Native Americans in World War II
Questions
1. Why do you think the image of the Native American springs to
mind at the mention of the word "warrior"?
3. How would the duties of an Indian Scout unit differ from those
of regular troops?
A. There was no difference.
B. Scouts would be on horseback.
C. Scouts would be responsible for tracking as well as
fighting an enemy.
D. Scouts would know how to build campfires.
4. Native American tribes responded to the U.S. entry into WWI
by:
A. Declaring war on Germany
B. Using the war as a cover for their own rebellion against
the U.S.
C. Sending soldiers to fight in the U.S. military
D. Both A and C
5. Describe the work of the "code talkers." How did Germany try
to avoid having to deal with them in WWII?
What is a warrior's task? To what extent should ethics and integrity
enter in?
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6. Many Native Americans scorned the U.S. military draft
because:
A. They didn't think the war was justified.
B. They were bitter about their treatment by the government
and refused to fight.
C. It was poorly run and discriminated against Native
Americans.
D. They thought warriors should be eager to fight without
being compelled by a draft system.
7. List the ways Native Americans contributed to the U.S. war
effort in WWII.
8. Explain why the Native American response to U.S.
involvement in WWII was described as ironic. How would you
characterize their contributions in light of history? Would you
have responded as they did if you'd been in their shoes?
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What qualities do you think would make a great warrior?