Native Americans have participated with distinction in United States military actions for more than 200 years. Many tribes were involved in the War of 1812, and also fought for both sides as auxiliary troops in the Civil War. It is estimated that more than 12,000 American Indians served in the United States military in World War I. The outbreak of World War II brought American Indians warriors back to the battlefield in defense of their homeland. More than 44,000 American Indians, out of a total Native American population of less than 350,000, served with distinction between 1941 and 1945 in both European and Pacific theaters of war. Native American men and women on the home front also showed an intense desire to serve their country, and were an integral part of the war effort. More than 40,000 Indian people left their reservations to work in ordnance depots, factories, and other war industries. Battle-experienced American Indian troops from World War II were joined by newly recruited Native Americans to fight Communist aggression during the Korean conflict. Today Native Americans continue to serve and carry on their centuries-old warrior tradition- serving with pride, courage, and distinction. (U.S. Army Reserve Video by Staff Sgt. Rodney Roldan)
Native American service from the War of 1812 to the Korean War
Native Americans have participated with distinction in United States military actions for more than 200 years. Many tribes were involved in the War of 1812, and also fought for both sides as auxiliary troops in the Civil War. It is estimated that more than 12,000 American Indians served in the United States military in World War I. The outbreak of World War II brought American Indians warriors back to the battlefield in defense of their homeland. More than 44,000 American Indians, out of a total Native American population of less than 350,000, served with distinction between 1941 and 1945 in both European and Pacific theaters of war. Native American men and women on the home front also showed an intense desire to serve their country, and were an integral part of the war effort. More than 40,000 Indian people left their reservations to work in ordnance depots, factories, and other war industries. Battle-experienced American Indian troops from World War II were joined by newly recruited Native Americans to fight Communist aggression during the Korean conflict. Today Native Americans continue to serve and carry on their centuries-old warrior tradition- serving with pride, courage, and distinction. (U.S. Army Reserve Video by Staff Sgt. Rodney Roldan)