NATIVE AMERICANS IN VIETNAM AND THEIR CONSPICUOUS VALOR
In this essay, I want to highlight the remarkable service and sacrifices of Native American members during the Vietnam War. While their population exceeded 800,000, more than 42,000 served in the military across all branches, representing over 5% of all Native Americans who served.
10,000 were drafted, and the rest volunteered. One thousand died, and another 8,000 returned wounded. As with the general population of returning veterans, their wounds extended to the demon of PTSD, negatively affecting their lives and the original communities into which they reintegrated.
It is important to note that Native Americans played a significant role in the Vietnam War, representing the highest percentage of enlistments of any ethnic group and contributing both in their military service and within the broader social context of their communities.
Still, some tribes organized anti-war protests to raise awareness of issues facing Native Americans during the era. Returning Native American veterans would help energize the movement, drawing significant attention to social injustices against their people.
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The Vietnam era came to symbolize a complex period in U.S. history. It would change the face of the American pastoral as no other. The period would bring attention to the injustices and rights of different minority groups as well, especially the Black community.
Native Americans arrived from across our great nation to serve in the military. They came from the Navajo and Hopi tribes of Arizona, the Navajo and Pueblo tribes of New Mexico, the Sioux from South Dakota, the Oklahoma Cherokee, the Montana Blackfeet, and the Chippewa (Ojibwe) from Minnesota.
They served honorably in multiple military branches, earning numerous Bronze Stars, Silver Stars, Purple Hearts, two Medals of Honor, a Navy Cross, and an Air Force Cross. Many returned to become leaders and activists, advancing Native American rights and confronting social injustice.
The legacy of Native American veterans in the Vietnam War is marked by remarkable courage, sacrifice, and determination. Their service not only demonstrated bravery but also sparked the ongoing fight for Native rights and recognition. We honor these veterans, remembering their stories and unwavering resilience.
If you have not read “Vietnam Uncensored — 365 Days in a Nightmare,” I invite you to walk with me through its pages. Experience how our unit survived missions that should have ended us. By reading and sharing this story, you can help raise awareness of our sacrifices. The first chapter and the NPR story are available at https://vietnamjerry.com. Your purchase directly supports the Kaufman Fund, helping vets in need. Join us in honoring their legacy.
