Native American Military Heroes

Many Native Americans have played a vital role in making America what it is today. For this reason, our country honors Native Americans during the month of November.

A presidential proclamation has set aside November as National American Indian Heritage Month every year since 1994.

Long before the first European settlers arrived, American Indians from numerous tribes throughout what is now known as North America inhabited the land. Free to practice their cultures and traditions, Native Americans lived off of the land and in harmony with nature. At that time, wildlife and enemy tribes posed the greatest dangers. However, the arrival of the first settlers brought a new danger.

As European settlements grew into colonies and colonies to states, many American Indians were forced west by Americans, and eventually onto reservations. Often they were stripped of their land, their culture, and individual ways of life as their new neighbors forbade them to practice their own form of government and religion.

Since European settlement, American Indians have distinguished themselves in numerous ways -- one of which is military service. In the 20th century, five American Indians have received the United States highest military honor: the Medal of Honor. Awarded for their military heroism above and beyond the call of duty, these warriors exhibited extraordinary bravery in the face of the enemy. They are; Jack C. Montgomery, a Cherokee from Oklahoma; Ernest Childers, a Creek from Oklahoma; Van Barfoot, a Chocktaw from Mississippi; Mitchel Red Cloud Jr., a Winnebago from Wisconsin; and Charles George, a Cherokee from North Carolina.

Want to know more? Click here: http://www.medalofhonor.com/NativeWarriors.htm