"...American Indians have proudly worn our nation's uniform in every one of our conflicts...American Indians—per capita—have had the highest percentage of their people in military service, exceeding every American ethnic group."

Ben Nighthorse Campbell
Former U.S. Senator, Colorado

Master Sergeant Woodrow Wilson Keeble

On March 3, 2008, Master Sergeant Woodrow Wilson Keeble was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Korean War by President George W. Bush. Keeble was a U.S. Army National Guard of both WWII and the Korean War. Keeble had previously been awarded: The Distinguished Service Cross, The Silver Star, The Bronze Star for Valor, The Bronze Star for Merit, The Combat Infantry Badge, and two Purple Hearts.

DoD News Release

Ira Hayes - Iwo Jima Flag Raiser

On Feb. 23, 1945 to signal the end of Japanese control, Ira Hayes and five other's raised the U. S. flag atop Mount Suribuchi on the island of Iwo Jima. Three of the six men were killed while raising the flag. This heroic act was photographed by Joe Rosenthal, and it transformed Ira Hayes' life forever. Hayes was a full blood Pima Indian and is buried in Arlington Cemetery.

Native Words, Native Warriors - Smithsonian Exhibition

When the United States issued the call to arms in World Wars I and II, American Indians answered as warriors. Some men discovered that words—in their Native languages—would be their most valued weapons. Crackling over the airwaves and telephone lines, the code talkers' messages proved indecipherable to the enemy and helped the United States achieve victory in combat. Decades later, the U.S. government declassified the code talker programs, paving the way for the participants' long-overdue recognition.

Native Words, Native Warriors tells the remarkable story of Indian soldiers from more than a dozen tribes who used their Native languages in the service of the U.S. military. Developed with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, this inspiring exhibition was made possible in part thanks to the generous support of Elizabeth Hunter Solomon. Additional support has been provided by the Smithsonian Women's Committee and the AMB Foundation.