Introduction
About 10,000 Native Americans served in the
Korean War, including many who had been World War II veterans.
Of those, some 194 died in service to their country. In
addition to three Medal of Honor recipients, other Native Americans
received Bronze, Silver, and lesser meritorious awards for bravery. As
hard as we have tried to provide a comprehensive guide to our Native
American heroes, this
page of the KWE will not be fully complete without the assistance of
members of the general public who can provide further information to
us about Native American Korean War veterans. Native Hawaiians
and Native Alaskans are included on this Native American page. To add
information to this page of the Korean War Educator, contact
Lynnita@thekwe.org.
Most recent update to this page: March 21, 2022
The publication of this Topics page was made
possible by
a grant from the Illinois Humanities Council.
Page Contents
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Award Recipients - Native Americans
Most Decorated - Pascal C. Poolaw Sr.
Pascal C. Poolaw Sr.
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The most decorated American Indian was a Kiowa from
Oklahoma--Pascal Cleatus Poolaw Sr. He was born January 29,
1922, in Apache, Oklahoma, and married Irene Chalepah on March 15,
1940. They were parents of four sons. Poolaw joined the
Army in 1942 and received his first Purple Heart and first Silver
Star in Belgium. He served in Korea with Company L and
received two more Silver Stars and a Distinguished Service Cross in
Korea. He retired from the Army in 1962, but rejoined the Army
in 1967 during the Vietnam War. He was deployed to Vietnam on
May 31, 1967 and was the 1st Sergeant of C Company, 26th Infantry
Regiment when he was ambushed and killed. He received his
fourth Silver Star posthumously. He received a total of 42
medals and citations during his three-war military career. Back to Page Contents
Medal of Honor
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Barfoot, Van Thomas (World War II award)
Van Thomas Barfoot
|
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life
above and beyond the call of duty on 23 May 1944, near Carano,
Italy. With his platoon heavily engaged during an assault
against forces well entrenched on commanding ground, 2d Lt.
Barfoot (then Tech. Sgt.) moved off alone upon the enemy left
flank. He crawled to the proximity of 1 machinegun nest and made
a direct hit on it with a hand grenade, killing 2 and wounding 3
Germans. He continued along the German defense line to another
machinegun emplacement, and with his tommygun killed 2 and
captured 3 soldiers. Members of another enemy machinegun crew
then abandoned their position and gave themselves up to Sgt.
Barfoot. Leaving the prisoners for his support squad to pick up,
he proceeded to mop up positions in the immediate area,
capturing more prisoners and bringing his total count to 17.
Later that day, after he had reorganized his men and
consolidated the newly captured ground, the enemy launched a
fierce armored counterattack directly at his platoon positions.
Securing a bazooka, Sgt. Barfoot took up an exposed position
directly in front of 3 advancing Mark VI tanks. From a distance
of 75 yards his first shot destroyed the track of the leading
tank, effectively disabling it, while the other 2 changed
direction toward the flank. As the crew of the disabled tank
dismounted, Sgt. Barfoot killed 3 of them with his tommygun. He
continued onward into enemy terrain and destroyed a recently
abandoned German fieldpiece with a demolition charge placed in
the breech. While returning to his platoon position, Sgt.
Barfoot, though greatly fatigued by his Herculean efforts,
assisted 2 of his seriously wounded men 1,700 yards to a
position of safety. Sgt. Barfoot's extraordinary heroism,
demonstration of magnificent valor, and aggressive determination
in the face of pointblank fire are a perpetual inspiration to
his fellow soldiers.
[KWE Note: Colonel Barfoot was born June 15, 1919 in Edinburg,
Mississippi. His birth name was Van Thurman Barfoot. His
grandmother was a Choctaw. Barfoot served in World War II, the
Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He died March 2, 2012 in
Richmond, Virginia.]
Tony Kenneth Burris
|
Rank and organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, Company
L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Place and date:
vicinity of Mundung-ni, Korea 8 and 9 October 1951. Entered
service at: Blanchard, Okla. Birth: Blanchard, Oklahoma.
He was a member of the Choctaw tribe.
G.O. No.: 84, 5 September 1952. Citation: Sfc. Burris, a member
of Company L, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and
outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty. On 8
October, when his company encountered intense fire from an
entrenched hostile force, Sfc. Burris charged forward alone,
throwing grenades into the position and destroying approximately
15 of the enemy. On the following day, spearheading a renewed
assault on enemy positions on the next ridge, he was wounded by
machine gun fire but continued the assault, reaching the crest
of the ridge ahead of his unit and sustaining a second wound.
Calling for a 57mm. recoilless rifle team, he deliberately
exposed himself to draw hostile fire and reveal the enemy
position. The enemy machine gun emplacement was destroyed. The
company then moved forward and prepared to assault other
positions on the ridge line. Sfc. Burris, refusing evacuation
and submitting only to emergency treatment, joined the unit in
its renewed attack but fire from hostile emplacement halted the
advance. Sfc. Burris rose to his feet, charged forward and
destroyed the first emplacement with its heavy machine gun and
crew of 6 men. Moving out to the next emplacement, and throwing
his last grenade which destroyed this position, he fell mortally
wounded by enemy fire. Inspired by his consummate gallantry, his
comrades renewed a spirited assault which overran enemy
positions and secured Hill 605, a strategic position in the
battle for "Heartbreak Ridge," Sfc. Burris' indomitable fighting
spirit, outstanding heroism, and gallant self-sacrifice reflect
the highest glory upon himself, the infantry and the U.S. Army.
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George, Pfc. Charles
Charles George
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Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company
C, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. Place and
date: Near Songnae-dong, Korea, 30 November 1952. Entered
service at: Whittier, North Carolina. Born: 23 August 1932, Cherokee, North
Carolina. He was a member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee tribe.
He attended the Indian School on the Qualla Boundary of Western
North Carolina, and then enlisted in the Army at the age of 18.
His brother was Norman George, a World War II Marine
(1927-1994).
G.O. NO.: 19, 18 March 1954. Citation: Pfc.
George, a member of Company C, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and
outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action
against the enemy on the night of 30 November 1952. He was a
member of a raiding party committed to engage the enemy and
capture a prisoner for interrogation. Forging up the rugged
slope of the key terrain feature, the group was subjected to
intense mortar and machine gun fire and suffered several
casualties. Throughout the advance, he fought valiantly and,
upon reaching the crest of the hill, leaped into the trenches
and closed with the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. When friendly
troops were ordered to move back upon completion of the
assignment, he and 2 comrades remained to cover the withdrawal.
While in the process of leaving the trenches a hostile soldier
hurled a grenade into their midst. Pfc. George shouted a warning
to 1 comrade, pushed the other soldier out of danger, and, with
full knowledge of the consequences, unhesitatingly threw himself
upon the grenade, absorbing the full blast of the explosion.
Although seriously wounded in this display of valor, he
refrained from any outcry which would divulge the position of
his companions. The 2 soldiers evacuated him to the forward aid
station and shortly thereafter he succumbed to his wound. Pfc.
George's indomitable courage, consummate devotion to duty, and
willing self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit upon himself
and uphold the finest traditions of the military service.
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Harvey, Capt. Raymond
Raymond Harvey
(Click picture for a larger view) |
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Company C, 17th
Infantry Regiment. Place and date: Vicinity of Taemi-Dong,
Korea, 9 March 1951. Entered service at: Pasadena, Calif. Born:
1 March 1920 Ford City, Pennsylvania. He was a member of
the Chickasaw tribe.
G.O. No.: 67, 2 August 1951. Citation: Capt. Harvey Company C,
distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
above and beyond the call of duty in action. When his company
was pinned down by a barrage of automatic weapons fire from
numerous well-entrenched emplacements, imperiling accomplishment
of its mission, Capt. Harvey braved a hail of fire and exploding
grenades to advance to the first enemy machine gun nest, killing
its crew with grenades. Rushing to the edge of the next
emplacement, he killed its crew with carbine fire. He then moved
the 1st Platoon forward until it was again halted by a curtain
of automatic fire from well fortified hostile positions.
Disregarding the hail of fire, he personally charged and
neutralized a third emplacement. Miraculously escaping death
from intense crossfire, Capt. Harvey continued to lead the
assault. Spotting an enemy pillbox well camouflaged by logs, he
moved close enough to sweep the emplacement with carbine fire
and throw grenades through the openings, annihilating its 5
occupants. Though wounded he then turned to order the company
forward, and, suffering agonizing pain, he continued to direct
the reduction of the remaining hostile positions, refusing
evacuation until assured that the mission would be accomplished.
Capt. Harvey's valorous and intrepid actions served as an
inspiration to his company, reflecting the utmost glory upon
himself and upholding the heroic traditions of the military
service.
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Kaho'ohanohano, Pfc. Anthony
Anthony Kaho'ohanohano
|
This Native Hawaiian was born July 22, 1930 in Maui, Hawaii.
A member of Company H, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry
Division, he was killed in action on September 1, 1951.
His Distinguished Service Cross was upgraded to a Medal of Honor
and presented to his family by President Barack Obama.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty Private
First Class Anthony T. Kaho'ohanohano, Company H, 17th Infantry
Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, distinguished himself by
extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy in the
vicinity of Chupa-ri, Korea, on 1 September 1951. On that date,
Private First Class Kaho'ohanohano was in charge of a
machine-gun squad supporting the defensive positioning of
Company F when a numerically superior enemy force launched a
fierce attack. Because of the enemy's overwhelming numbers,
friendly troops were forced to execute a limited withdrawal. As
the men fell back, Private First Class Kaho'ohanohano ordered
his squad to take up more defensible positions and provide
covering fire for the withdrawing friendly force. Although
having been wounded in the shoulder during the initial enemy
assault, Private First Class Kaho'ohanohano gathered a supply of
grenades and ammunition and returned to his original position to
face the enemy alone. As the hostile troops concentrated their
strength against his emplacement in an effort to overrun it,
Private First Class Kaho'ohanohano fought fiercely and
courageously, delivering deadly accurate fire into the ranks of
the onrushing enemy. When his ammunition was depleted, he
engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat until he was killed.
Private First Class Kaho'ohanohano's heroic stand so inspired
his comrades that they launched a counterattack that completely
repulsed the enemy. Upon reaching Private First Class
Kaho'ohanohano's emplacement, friendly troops discovered 11
enemy soldiers lying dead in front of the emplacement and two
inside it, killed in hand-to-hand combat. Private First Class
Kaho'ohanohano's extraordinary heroism and selfless devotion to
duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 7th Infantry
Division, and the United States Army.
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Keeble, MSgt. Woodrow Wilson
Woodrow Wilson Keeble
|
He was born May 16, 1917 in Waubey, South Dakota and died
January 28, 1982. He is buried in Lake Transverse Indian
Reservation Cemetery, Sisseton, South Dakota. He was a
Dakota Sioux.
Citation:
Master Sergeant Woodrow W. Keeble distinguished himself by
acts of gallantry and intrepedity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy near
Sangsan-ni, Korea on 20 October 1951. On that day, Master
Sergeant Keeble was an acting platoon leader for the support
platoon in Company G, 19th Infantry, in the attack on Hill 765,
a steep and rugged position that was well defended by the enemy.
Leading the support platoon, Master Sergeant Keeble saw that the
attacking elements had become pinned down on the slope by heavy
enemy fire from three well-fortified and strategically placed
enemy positions. With complete disregard for his personal
safety, Master Sergeant Keeble dashed forward and joined the
pinned-down platoon. Then, hugging the ground, Master Sergeant
Keeble crawled forward alone until he was in close proximity
to one of the hostile machine-gun emplacements. Ignoring the
heavy fire that the crew trained on him, Master Sergeant Keeble
activated a grenade and threw it with great accuracy,
successfully destroying the position. Continuing his one-man
assault, he moved to the second enemy position and destroyed it
with another grenade. Despite the fact that the enemy troops
were now directing their firepower against him and unleashing a
shower of grenades in a frantic attempt to stop his advance, he
moved forward against the third hostile emplacement and
skillfully neutralized the remaining enemy position. As his
comrades moved forward to join him, Mater Sergeant Keeble
continued to direct accurate fire against nearby trenches,
inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Inspired by his
courage, Company G successfully moved forward and seized its
important objective. The extraordinary courage, selfless service,
and devotion to duty displayed that day by Master Sergeant
Keeble was an inspiration to all around him and reflected great
credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
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Pilila'au, Herbert Kailieha
Herbert Kailieha
Pilila'au
|
Pfc. Pililaau, a member of Company C, distinguished himself
by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and
beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. The enemy
sent wave after wave of fanatical troops against his platoon
which held a key terrain feature on "Heartbreak Ridge."
Valiantly defending its position, the unit repulsed each attack
until ammunition became practically exhausted and it was ordered
to withdraw to a new position. Voluntarily remaining behind to
cover the withdrawal, Pfc. Pililaau fired his automatic weapon
into the ranks of the assailants, threw all his grenades and,
with ammunition exhausted, closed with the foe in hand-to-hand
combat, courageously fighting with his trench knife and bare
fists until finally overcome and mortally wounded. When the
position was subsequently retaken, more than 40 enemy dead were
counted in the area he had so valiantly defended. His heroic
devotion to duty, indomitable fighting spirit, and gallant
self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit upon himself, the
infantry, and the U.S. Army.
[KWE Note: Pfc. Pilila'au was a Native Hawaiian.]
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Red Cloud, Cpl. Mitchell Jr.
Mitchell Red Cloud Jr.
(Click picture for a larger view) |
Rank and organization: Corporal, U S. Army, Company E, 19th
Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Chonghyon, Korea, 5 November 1950. Entered service at: Merrilan
Wisconsin. Born: 2 July 1924, Hatfield, Wisconsin. He was
a member of the Ho-Chunk tribe.
G.O. No.: 26, 25 April 1951. Citation: Cpl. Red Cloud, Company
E, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against
the enemy. From his position on the point of a ridge immediately
in front of the company command post he was the first to detect
the approach of the Chinese Communist forces and give the alarm
as the enemy charged from a brush-covered area less than 100
feet from him. Springing up he delivered devastating pointblank
automatic rifle fire into the advancing enemy. His accurate and
intense fire checked this assault and gained time for the
company to consolidate its defense. With utter fearlessness he
maintained his firing position until severely wounded by enemy
fire. Refusing assistance he pulled himself to his feet and
wrapping his arm around a tree continued his deadly fire again,
until he was fatally wounded. This heroic act stopped the enemy
from overrunning his company's position and gained time for
reorganization and evacuation of the wounded. Cpl. Red Cloud's
dauntless courage and gallant self-sacrifice reflects the
highest credit upon himself and upholds the esteemed traditions
of the U.S. Army.
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Silver Star
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Bald Eagle Bear, Frederick Ambrose
Corporal Bald Eagle Bear received the Silver Star
posthumously. See the Killed in Action section of this
page. His Silver Star citation has not yet been found by
the Korean War Educator.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by
Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star to Private First Class Martin Benge (ASN:
RA-20828251), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a
member of the Heavy Mortar Company, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th
Infantry Division, on 6 July 1950 near Chonan, Korea. Private
First Class Benge's unit was withdrawing from its position when
it was noticed that a vehicle and four wounded soldiers had been
left behind. Without regard for his personal safety, Private
First Class Benge voluntarily re-entered the area which was
under heavy enemy fire and brought the vehicle and four wounded
soldiers to safety. Private First Class Benge's display of
courage, fortitude and valor reflects the highest possible
credit on himself and the military service. General Orders:
Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 74
(August 7, 1950)
For conspicuous gallantry and Intrepidity while serving as an
Automatic Rifleman of Company H, Third Battalion, First
Marines, First marine Division (Reinforced), In action against
enemy aggressor forces In Korea on 26 July 1953. With his
company defending a vital portion of the oak line of resistance
while subjected to constant enemy small-arms, mortar and
artillery fire, Private First Class Chegay continuous1y exposed
himself to the murderous barrage in order to fire on hostile
troops forward of his position, accounting for one enemy dead
and the probable wounding of two others. Despite the increasing
intensity of the enemy mortar and artillery fire, he remained in
his position during the approaching hours of darkness to observe
enemy activity to his front and, when the leading wave of enemy
infantry charged the position, immediately proceeded to deliver
intense and accurate fire, thereby warning the remainder of his
company of the proximity of the hostile troops. Although his
weapon was damaged by a nearby exploding enemy shell, he picked
up an abandoned rifle and fearlessly moved into the trench line
to engage several of the enemy who had entered the friendly
position. Mortally wounded when the immediate area was shattered
by an enemy mortar barrage, Private First Class Chegay, by his
intrepid fighting spirit, courageous initiative and resolute
determination in the face of heavy odds, served to nspire all
who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United
States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his
country.
The Silver Star is awarded posthumously to Private Lee E.
Killingsworth, RA18281743, Infantry, Army of the United States.
On the morning of 16 July 1950, the Second Platoon, Heavy Mortar
Company, 19th Infantry Regiment, was in support of Company C
which was subjected to a number of attacks by enemy infantry.
After a number of such attacks had been repulsed, the enemy
succeeded in flanking the position of Company C and attacked
between the rear of that organization and the heavy mortar
positions. Since the enemy was inside heavy mortar range, the
platoon defended its perimeter position with small arms fire.
When the position became untenable, the Platoon Leader gave the
order to withdraw. Private Killingsworth, and three other
soldiers, although unwounded and perfectly able to withdraw
volunteered to remain in the platoon position and hold off the
enemy while the rest of the platoon withdrew. During the time
the platoon was withdrawing, Private Killingsworth and his
companions repulsed two assaults, killing at least nineteen of
the enemy. Defying odds of about thirty to one these soldiers
enabled the main body of the platoon to withdraw and to take
their wounded with them. On the final enemy assault their
position was overrun and all were killed. Home Town: Kuse,
Oklahoma.
La Pointe, Walter Batisse
Citation: As Company F attacked Hill 347, Private La
Pointe moved ahead of the company line, seeking out and firing
on enemy emplacements. Ignoring the intense fire the foe was
directing on the area, Private La Pointe displayed superb
courage and determination by advancing whenever possible and
setting up his weapon in unprotected but commanding positions.
He bravely continued in this manner, providing much needed
automatic weapons fire for his comrades, until mortally wounded.
Private La Pointe's gallantry reflects the highest credit on
himself and the military service.
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Littlejohn, Charles Jackson
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Poolaw, Pascal Cleatus Sr. (2nd award)
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division
General Orders No. 413 (November 25, 1950)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by
Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a
Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver
Star to Sergeant First Class Pascal Cleatus Poolaw (ASN:
18131087), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, 27th
Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. On 19 September 1950
when the company attack on an enemy position was halted by stiff
enemy resistance, Sergeant First Class Poolaw volunteered to
lead his squad in an assault. Courageously leading his men in a
charge up the slope to penetrate the enemy perimeter and engage
the numerically superior enemy in fierce hand-to-hand combat,
Sergeant First Class Poolaw inspired his men to hold their
position until the remainder of the company was able to seize
the objective. Sergeant First Class Poolaw's outstanding
leadership reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping
with the highest traditions of the American Soldier.
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Poolaw, Pascal Cleatus Sr. (3rd award)
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division
General Orders No. 306 (May 29, 1951)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by
Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a
Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the
Silver Star to Master Sergeant Pascal Cleatus Poolaw (ASN:
18131087), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, 27th
Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. On 4 April 1951 near
Chongong-ni, Korea, while attacking strong hostile positions,
one squad of Master Sergeant Poolaw's platoon was immobilized by
a devastating automatic weapons and mortar barrage. Exposing
himself to the deadly fire, he slowly advanced across open
terrain, firing his rifle as he progressed. By deliberately
diverting the attention of the foe to himself, he enabled his
men to maneuver to more advantageous positions. Master Sergeant
Poolaw's valorous actions were instrumental in the fulfillment
of the unit mission and are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the American Soldier.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure
in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Alvin Tall Bear (MCSN:
666298), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company
F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division
(Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea
from 28 January to 15 March 1951. With his platoon leader
seriously wounded and evacuated to the rear during his company's
assault against the regimental objective, a series of cleverly
camouflaged enemy positions deeply entrenched on a high hill,
Sergeant Tall Bear immediately assumed command and effected a
skillful reorganization under blistering small arms and
automatic weapons fire. Painfully wounded in the arm as he
spearheaded the drive up the steep and treacherous slope, he
refused to leave his men and continued to lead them forward
until severe pain and loss of blood forced him to submit to
evacuation. By his daring initiative, forceful and determined
leadership and dauntless fighting spirit in the face of heavy
odds, Sergeant Tall Bear served as an inspiration to all who
observed him and contributed materially to the successful
seizure of the objective. His heroic efforts throughout were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval
Service.
He received a Silver Star during the Korean War. See
Native Americans of Note section for his larger biography.
See Native Americans of Note section.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bryant, Lt. William Arnold Jr.
Lieutenant Bryant received the DFC as well as the Air Medal
with four gold stars. See also the KIA/MIA section of this
page.
See Killed in Action/Missing in Action section.
Back to Page Contents
Bronze Star
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Fairbanks, Richard Marvin
[See Killed in Action section.]
See the Medal of Honor section.
[See Killed in action section.]
[See Killed in Action section.]
Born June 27, 1924, Shay is a Penobscot tribal elder, writer,
and decorated veteran of World War II and Korea. He was
drafted into the military in 1943 and during World War II he
served with the Medical Detachment of the 1st Division's 16th
Infantry Regiment and was attached to Fox Company as a combat
platoon medic. After his discharge when his service in
World War II was over, Shay reenlisted in the military and
served with the 7th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Infantry
Division as a combat medic. Master Sergeant Shay was
awarded the Bronze Star with two oak leaf clusters. In
2012 he published his book, Project Omaha Beach: The Life and
Military Service of a Penobscot Native American Elder.
See Killed in action section.
He received three Bronze Stars with valor during the Korean
War. See also Veterans of Note section.
He received two Bronze Stars in the Korean War. See the
Native American Indians of Note section for his larger
biography.
Private First Class Torres was born August 30, 1929. He was
adopted by Jose Antonio Montoya. He was a Pueblo Native American
from the Tegua Tribe, San Juan Reservation. He was the husband
of Mrs. Nickolacita L. Torres of Sandia Pueblo. He died April
10, 1952 while serving in F Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry
Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. He is buried in San Juan Pueblo
Catholic Cemetery, San Juan Pueblo, New Mexico. He was the
recipient of a Bronze Star for Valor.
See Killed in Action section.
Headquarters 1st Cavalry Division
General Orders 49 - 7 February 1952
Private First Class Edwin J. Wilber, RA16332430, Infantry,
United States Army, Company E, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry
Division, is cited for heroism in action against an armed enemy
on 10 October 1951, near Mago-ri, Korea. During the attack
on an enemy-held hill, the friendly troops were subjected to
intense small arms, automatic weapons, machine gun, grenade,
mortar and artillery fire. Private Wilber, assistant squad
leader, was advancing up the rugged slopes of the objective.
When the rest of his squad was immobilized by the heavy
concentration of fire, Private Wilber, exhibiting exceptional
courage, moved out to silence the hostile emplacement that was
obstructing the advance. Crawling to within grenade range
of the enemy bunker, he silenced it with two accurately thrown
grenades. Then working his way through a connecting
trench, Private Wilber entered a second hostile position and
killed its occupants with a Chinese automatic weapon.
Private Wilber's courageous action enabled his squad to advance
and successfully complete this mission. His heroism
reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
Entered federal service from Wisconsin.
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Killed in Action/Missing in Action/Died in Korea
A B C D E
F G
H I J K L M N O
P
Q R S T U V W
XYZ
A
Aitkin, Leroy Joseph
Born October 07, 1933, Private Aitkin was a son of Joseph R.
Aitkin (1902-1976) and Hattie Windom Aitkin (1903-1951).
He was killed in action in North Korea on June 09, 1952, while
serving in I Company, 3rd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment,
25th Infantry Division. He is buried in Onigum Catholic
Cemetery, Bena, Minnesota. Among his siblings were Joseph
R. Aitkin Jr. (1926-1998), Bernice Marie Aitkin Barstow
(1929-1999), Elizabeth Aitkin Fairbanks, Georgianna (Mrs. John)
Feigum, and three other brothers and two other sisters. He
is listed on an Ojibwe Native American honor roll at
www.ojibwe.org.
Amos, Morris
Sergeant Amos was born January 3, 1922, son of Hickman Amos
(born 1892) and Wicy Joseph Amos (born 1891). This Choctaw
was a World War II veteran held as a POW in Germany on October
6, 1944. His siblings were Nora Amos McKinney (1926-1999)
and two other sisters. His foster mother was Eliza Winship
(1886-1966). He was killed in action on July 7, 1950 at
Chonan, Korea, while serving in K Company, 3rd Battalion, 34th
Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. He is buried in
Philadelphia Cemetery, McCurtain, Oklahoma.
Aragon, Arthur James
Corporal Aragon was born February 13, 1929 in Casa Bianca,
New Mexico, the son of Lorenzo and Jessie Aragon. He was
serving in B Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, when he was
killed in action at Yongsan in the Naktong Bulge. He was a
member of Laguna Pueblo Tribe, Cibola County, New Mexico.
He is buried in Paguate Cemetery, Paguate, New Mexico.
Arch, Charles Edward
Private First Class Arch was born February 14, 1933 in
Cherokee, North Carolina, a son of Horace Arch (1909-1967) and
Sarah Lee Reed Arch (1912-1970). His siblings included
Frederick Horace Arch Sr. (1941-2004), Roger Arch, Clayton
Wilford Arch (1949-1968), Treannie Arch, William Howard "Bud"
Arch (died 2011), Catherine Arch Larch. Mrs. Ben (Annabelle
Arch) Marmon (died 2012), Evangeline "Vangie" Laney (1939-2016),
and Mrs. Walter (Theresa "Nan" Arch) Rattler (1946-2018).
Private Arch, a member of the Eastern Cherokee Tribe, Eastern
Cherokee Reservation, Cherokee, North Carolina, died of wounds
received in the Western Outposts of Korea on March 27, 1953.
He was serving in I Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment
at the time of his death. He is buried in the Arch Family
Cemetery, Cherokee, North Carolina.
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B
Bald Eagle Bear, Frederick Ambrose
Corporal Bald Eagle Bear was born June 09, 1929, in Rosebud,
South Dakota, the son of Peter Bald Eagle Bear and Mary Crier.
He was a member of Company L, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th
Infantry Division when he was killed in action near Chohanggol,
North Korea, on March 11, 1953. He was posthumously
awarded the Silver Star for heroism. [The KWE cannot
confirm this because we haven't found his citation.] His siblings were Larene Bald Eagle Bear and Evangeline Mary Long Soldier
(1931-2020). He was buried in the Catholic Mission
Cemetery, Wanblee, South Dakota. He was from the Pine
Ridge Reservation, Pine Ridge, South Dakota.
Barney, Freddie
Corporal Barney was born March 15, 1926 in New Mexico, the
son of Joe and Ateebah Barney of New Mexico. He enlisted
in the Army on August 05, 1948. He was seriously wounded
while serving with B Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry
Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, on August 11, 1950. He
returned to duty on September 6, 1950 and was killed in action
September 18, 1950 in the Pusan Perimeter near P'ohang Dong. He
is buried in Navajo Memorial Cemetery, Fort Defiance, Arizona.
Basina, Marlin Francis
Private First Class Basina was born January 17, 1933, a son
of Frances Basina (1909-1979) and Elizabeth Iva Peters Basina
(1913-1980). Her graduated from Neopit, Wisconsin public
school in 1949 and then attended Shawano High School. He
enlisted in the Army on March 01, 1950 at Green Bay. He
trained at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Fort Benning, Georgia, and Fort
Campbell, Kentucky. He had made 12 parachute jumps prior
to leaving for Korea in September 1950 after completing airborne
training at Fort Benning on June 04, 1950. He was serving
in A Company, 1st Battalion, 187th ARCT when he was killed in
action on February 4, 1951. He was from the Menominee
Indian Reservation, Neopit. His siblings were Francis
Basina Jr. "Jobbie" (1945-1965), Verlin Basina, and Victoria
Basina. He is buried in Saint Anthony Cemetery, Neopit.
Bear, Billy Bull
Private Bear was born December 15, 1928, son of Roley Bear
and Kitty Louraney Martin Bear, Edna, Oklahoma. His
siblings were Roy Bear (1941-2014), Clifford Bear, Roosevelt,
Roley Bear Jr., Kitty Elizabeth Bear Johnson, Opal Bear
Meashintubby, and Mable Bear Boyet (1930-2015). A Muscogee
Creek, Billy trained at Fort Hood, Texas. He was a member
of C Battery, 96th Field Artillery Battalion, X Corps when he
was killed in action on May 30, 1953. He is buried in
Montezuma Cemetery, Okfuskee County, Oklahoma.
Bear, Elmer Robert
Corporal Bear was born on June 13, 1927 in North Dakota, the
son of Robert Bear (1902-1961) and Dora Hopkins Bear (1905-1968)
of Elbowoods, North Dakota. He enlisted on July 03, 1945.
A World War II veteran, he entered the Reserves and was recalled
to duty for the Korean War. He was missing in action on
November 26, 1950 at the Chongchon River, Kujang, Korea.
He was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. He was from the
Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, McLean, North Dakota.
Bearstail, Clyde
Pfc. Bearstail was born January 11, 1930, a son of John and
Emma Smith Bearstail. He and his wife Miriam were parents
of two daughters, Gwenneth Bearstail Hostler (1 1/2 years old
when her father died) and Kathleen (two months old). Clyde
died June 08, 1951 while serving in C Company, 1st Battalion,
31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He is
buried in Memorial Congregational Cemetery, Parshall, North
Dakota. Pfc. Bearstail was from Fort Berthold Indian Reservoir.
There are indications that he was a member of the Grosventres
tribe. His siblings were: Salina Howard, Christine
Standing Soldier, Theodore Leonard, Mrs. Leo (Joyce Germaine)
Standish (1932-2015), Vincent (1921-1972), Pat Bearsdale, Susan
Malnourie (1927-2007), Lois (1937-1937), Saunders, Ethel
Sanderson, Tommy, Colin (1940-2000).
Belt, Milford Carl
Private First Class Belt was born January 06, 1933 in South
Dakota. He was the son of Esther K. Marshall, Crawford,
Nebraska. He was serving in E Company, 2nd Battalion, 15th
Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division when he was killed in
action at Little Gibralter, Hill 355 in Korea. He was an
Ogala Sioux, Pine Ridge Reservation. He is buried in Saint
Johns Episcopal Cemetery, Ogala, South Dakota.
Benge, Martin
Private Benge was born June 21, 1922 in Oklahoma. He
enlisted in the army on October 12, 1946 after three years of
high school. After four years of duty he was killed in
action at the Naktong Bulge in Korea on August 06, 1950 while
serving in the Heavy Mortar Company, 34th Infantry Regiment of
the 24th Infantry Division. He was survived by his mother,
Mrs. Buck (Emma Middlestricker) Seabolt of Stilwell, Oklahoma
(1906-1986), brothers Dick and Mitchell, grandmother Julia
Baldridge Cricket (1875-1957) and three-year old daughter Karen
Alicia Benge (later Hernandez) (1947-2016). Martin is
buried in Salem Indian Cemetery, Bell, Oklahoma. Martin
was the recipient of a Silver Star. See his citation in the
awards section of this page.
Bibeau, Wayne Charles (a/k/a Duane Charles)
Born December 30, 1929, he was a son of Joseph Ahkukkung
Bibeau (1890-1955) and Dorothy Lyons Bibeau (1899-1935). A
member of the Ojibwe Tribe, White Oak Point Reservation
Conslidated, Chippewa, he was killed in action in the Inje area
of Korea on May 28, 1951. He is buried in Fort Snelling
National Cemetery. Among his siblings were Alice, Edit,
Raymond, Geraldine Bibeau, and half brothers Timothy Ray and
George Bibeau.
Black Hawk, Arthur Irwin
Corporal Black Hawk was born March 14, 1928, a son of Mr. and
Mrs. John Black Hawk. He was from Black River Falls,
Wisconsin and had three brothers and two sisters. He was
serving in L Company, 3rd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment,
25th Infantry Division when he went missing in action (presumed
dead) in the Chongchon River, Ipsok area, Kuryong River on
November 26, 1950. He was a full-blooded Winnebago
(Ho-Chunk) native American.
Blacksmith, Tilmer Henry
Private First Class Blacksmith was born on March 03, 1933.
He was the son of Thomas and Ida Black Elk Blacksmith and the
stepson of Andrew Brave Heart. Tilmer was serving in E
Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment when he was killed
in action in the Western Outposts area of Korea on July 08,
1953. He is buried in Dupree Cemetery, Dupree, South
Dakota.
Bluedog, Adolph David
Private Bluedog was a member of the 35th Infantry Regiment,
25th Infantry Division. He was seriously wounded by the enemy in
North Korea on August 4, 1952 and died of those wounds later
that day. Private Bluedog was awarded the Purple Heart, the
Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United
Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the
Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War
Service Medal.
Adolph David Bluedog, a Native American (Sioux) from
LakeTraverse Reservation, Sisseton Jurisdiction, was born in
Waubay South Dakota, on April 17, 1932 to his parents, Flora
(Arrow) and David Bluedog. He had two brothers (Earnest and
Sidney) and two sisters (Elsie Z. Washington and Harriet Melissa
Hurkes). Adolph's mother died when he was 16.
Adolph entered the service on January 15, 1951, at Aberdeen,
South Dakota. He joined with his cousin, Earl Evans. They were
shipped to Fort Riley, Kansas, for their basic training. The two
were separated when Pfc. Evans was sent overseas a year earlier
but was returned to the United States in September of 1951 after
being wounded in action. Pvt. Blue Dog, who as a member of the
35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, was sent to
Korea on May 9, 1952.
On August 4, 1952, shortly after arriving in combat, Private
Adolph Bluedog was wounded in action and died of his wounds
later that same day. When his body was returned to the United
States, a local newspaper wrote, "The body of an American Indian
whose ancestors died fighting for their freedoms, and who,
himself gave his life for democracy, arrived in Waubay Monday
night [October 6th, 1951]." His body was accompanied by his
cousin, Pfc. Earl Evans. He was buried with military honors at
Indian Church Cemetery at Enemy Swim Lake near Waubay on October
9. [Source: Cacti Association website]
Booker, Alexander
Private First Class Booker was born on March 6, 1931 in
Massachusetts, a son of Lindsey Matthew Booker (1894-1947) and
Frances A. Spencer Booker (1899-1950). Known as "Zecky" by
his family, he had at least one brother, Ralph Booker, and
sisters. His grandfather Alexander Booker was listed in
the 1910 census as African-American, but the government lists
PFC. Booker as an American Indian. While serving in I
Company, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry
Division when he was killed in Korea on December 03, 1950.
He is buried in the cemetery at Mashpee, Massachusetts.
Bowstring, Benestee Benny
Benny Bowstring, born August 03, 1931 and was from the Leech
Lake Indian Reservation's Inger Village (Ojibwe). He was serving
in L Company, 3rd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd
Infantry Division when he was taken prisoner of war in the
Chongchon River Kujang area east on November 27, 1950. He
died of malnutrition while being held at Camp 5 on May 31, 1951.
His remains were not recovered.
Boyiddle, Silas Wayne
Pfc. Boyiddle was born June 27, 1928 in Oklahoma, a son of
Jimmie F. Boyiddle (1914-1980) and Marnie White Kadayso Boyiddle
(1911-1997). He was serving with the 21st Infantry Regiment,
24th Infantry Division when he went missing in action after an
attack in Choch'iwon, Korea, on July 11, 1950. He died
October 31, 1951 near Manp'o, North Korea. His remains
were recovered and returned to the United States. He was
buried in Caddo County, Oklahoma. He is recognized as a
Kiowa and Apache. His siblings included Betsy Boyiddle,
Verna Boyiddle, Raphale R. Boyiddle (1927-1976), Stanley Lee
Boyiddle (1940-1981), William "Dink" Boyiddle Sr. (1945-2018),
Hicks Boyiddle (1946-2013), Herbert Boyiddle (1949-2000), Donny
Mitchell Boyiddle, Robert Boyiddle, and Eddie Boyiddle, twin of
Hicks.
Brown, Kenneth Orville "Kayo"
Corporal Brown was born May 03, 1928 in Washington, a son of
John Charles Brown (1859-1957) and Johanna Margaret Teyaleash
Brown (1875-1957) of Marietta, Washington. He was a member
of the Lummi Nation, Teyaleash family. His sister was Mrs.
Stanley Kinley. He was serving in M Company, 3rd
Battalion, 223 Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division when he
was killed in action in Kumhwa, Kumsong, Chwapae Sector of Korea
on April 13, 1952. He is buried in Lummi Reservation
Cemetery, Marietta, Washington.
Bryant, William Arnold Jr.
Lieutenant Bryant was born September 25, 1925, a son of
William Arnold Bryant Sr. (1900-1987) and Cannie Lee Cranford
Bryant (1908-1994). He was a Choctaw. On November
17, 1951, his aircraft (AD-4 #442481) stalled on takeoff from
the aircraft carrier USS Essex (CV-9) and crashed into
the sea. A helicopter rescue crew picked him out of the
water but as he was being hoisted up he slipped from the sling,
fell back into the water, and sank. His remains were not
recovered. He was survived by a son, William A. Bryant
III. His siblings were John Thomas Bryant (1927-1928),
Mrs. William L. (Arlena Bryant) Rohrbaugh (1933-2012), Homer Ray
Bryant (1937-1989) and Jack Bryant.
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C
Chee, Joseph
Sergeant Chee was born August 13, 1929 in Chinle, Apache
County, Arizona, the son of Horten Begas Chee (born 1889) and
Eulala Chee (born 1899). A Navajo from the Navajo Indian
Reservation in Chinle, Joseph was a member of Company B, 1st
Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division when he
went missing on February 4, 1952 in North Korea (Double
Horseshoe Hill or Outpost Kelly). He was
presumed dead. "On February 4, 1952, Chee was part of a
platoon-sized patrol from Company B that held an outpost known
as "Outpost Kelly" from the west bank of Imjin River when they
were attacked by a large unit of the Chinese People's Volunteer
Army. The outpost was quickly overrun and the patrol was forced
to retreat. Chee was wounded during the process and was left
behind. When other elements of Company B retook control of
"Outpost Kelly," Chee could not be located. At the time, there
was no evidence to suggest he was taken as a prisoner of war by
the PVA. After the conflict's ceasefire, Chee was not among the
prisoners of war or identified remains returned to US custody.
He was declared dead on December 31, 1953." Joseph and his
wife Julia Annie Benally Chee (1929-2013) had a two-year-old
daughter, Virginia Chee-Begaye, at the time of his death.
Chegay, George
Private First Class Chegay was born February 22, 1933.
From Show Low, Arizona, he was serving in H Company, 3rd
Battalion, 1st Marine Division when he was killed in action
defending Hill 111, Boulder City Outpost. He is buried in
White River Cemetery, White River, Arizona.
Chotkey, Edward G.
Private Chotkey was born May 10, 1923, son of Elmer Chotkey
and Ida Johnson Sarkechee Chotkey. He attended Chilocco
Indian School in Chilocco, Oklahoma. He was a World War II
and Korean War veteran. While serving in H Company, 2nd
Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, he was
killed in action on July 3, 1950 in the Taegu area. He is
buried in Little Cemetery, Little, Oklahoma.
Cohoe, Max H.
Pfc. Cohoe was born December 22, 1929, son of Mrs. Nettie
Rose Cohoe of Gallup, New Mexico. He enlisted in October
1947 and was stationed at Camp Crawford, Japan. From there
he was sent to Korea, where he served in A Company, 1st
Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division.
He died September 2, 1950 in the Changnyong area of Korea.
He is buried in Rehoboth Mission Cemetery, Rehoboth, Minnesota.
Cole, William Harley
Pfc. Cole was born October 11, 1930 in Luna, New Mexico, a
son of William Benny Cole (1894-1971) and Rosa Belle White Cole
(later St. John) (1904-1982). His siblings were Rosa
Onealya Cole Winegeart (1923-2012), Estelle Catherine Cole Hager
(1925-2002), Margaret Mozelle, and Benny Bruce Cole. His
wife was Mrs. Ellen K. Cole of Deming, New Mexico. Pfc.
Cole, a Choctaw, was missing in action during fighting in the
Chorwon area of Korea on October 12, 1951.
Corbine, Fredrick Allen "Fritz"
Private First Class Corbine was born November 11, 1935 in
Hayward, Wisconsin, a son of David Corbine Sr. (1897-1965) and
Nellie Nickence Corbine (1904-1989). His siblings were
Margaret Mary "Sky Woman" Corbine Abeita (1925-2011), Buena
Beatrice "Kitty" Corbine Province (1930-2001), Lillian Corbine
Wootem (born 1937), Bonnie Corbine Cloud, and David Phillip
"Corky" Corbine Jr. (1928-2005). Fritz Corbine, a Chippewa
from the Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation, and Ojibwe, enlisted
in the Army on November 19, 1952. He was serving in L
Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry
Division when he was killed in action in Korea on June 24, 1953.
He is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Hayward, Wisconsin.
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D
Dale, Curtis Larry
Private Dale, a Paiute Indian, was born January 11, 1928 in
Schurz, Nevada, a son of Robert Dale (1895-1962) and Maggie
Benjamin Dale (1896-1971). While serving in G Company, 2nd
Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, he was
killed in action in Korea on November 25, 1951. He is
buried in Schurz Paiute Indian Cemetery, Nevada.
Dana, Louis Joseph
Private First Class Dana was born June 03, 1930 in Perry,
Maine, the son of Grace Mary Moore Lewey (1896-1976). He
was a member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Pleasant Point
Reservation, Washington County, Maine. He enlisted in the
Marine Corps on August 5, 1948 and died of wounds received at
Majon-dong, Sudong, Korea, on November 04, 1950 while serving in
the 4.2 Mortar Company, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine
Division. He is buried in Pleasant Point Cemetery, Perry,
Maine.
Deer With Horns, William Paul
A member of K Company, 3rd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment,
24th Infantry Division, Private Deer With Horns was captured after receiving a severe
stomach wound. This Cheyenne River Sioux was the son of
Paul and Amy Two Bulls Deer With Horns. He was born
September 1, 1930, and was from South Dakota. Those who
were captured with him said that he took part in a failed
escape. He was recaptured and so severely beaten about his
body and face that he was found dead the next day (April 23,
1951).
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E
Eastman, Charles James "Mick"
Private Eastman was born July 12, 1932, a son of Charles
James Eastman Sr. (1912-1977) and Anna May Fast Bull Eastman
(1911-1945). His siblings were William Wayne "Bumps"
Eastman Sr. (1938-1972) and Charlene Rose Eastman. Mick
was killed in action at Christmas Hill, the Pau-Gol area of
Korea while serving in G Company, 2nd Battalion, 180th Infantry
Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. He was from the Rosebud
Reservation, home of the Sicangu, Ge us buried in Saint
Charles Catholic Cemetery, Saint Francis, South Dakota.
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F
Fairbanks, Richard Marvin
Born March 11, 1931 in Washington State, Pfc. Fairbanks was
the son of Mrs. Leona F. Coiser of White Earth, Minnesota.
Although his home was White Earth Reservation of the
Consolidated Chippewa, he was a resident of Father Flanagan's
Boys Town in Nebraska from June 26, 194445 to August 16, 1945.
H was killed in action by an enemy mortar round on October 04,
1951 in the Chorwon area, Hill 200. He was a squad leader
of the 2nd squad, 2nd platoon, F Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th
Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division when he was killed.
He was the recipient of a Bronze Star. There is a marker
for him in Calvary Cemetery, White Earth Township, Minnesota.
Fallis, Orson Dale
Corporal Fallis was born June 13, 1931 in Wood, South Dakota,
a son of Antoine Fallis (1893-1971) and Susan Bear Doctor Fallis
(1895-1946). A Sioux from the Rosebud Indian Reservation,
his siblings were Stephen F. Fallis (1921-1992), Leona Mae Falls
(1925-66), Clair Richard (1929-1959), and Joseph Cleveland
Fallis (1918-1958).. He was serving as a member of L
Conpany, 3rd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment when he was taken
Prisoner of War during Task Force Crombez in the Chipyong-ni
area. He died in captivity and remains missing in action.
Flett, Leonard James
Corporal Flett was born April 22, 1932, son of Alex and Lena
Edwards Flett. He became missing in action in Korea while
serving in Company L, 3rd Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment,
45th Infantry Division. He was presumed dead on December
31, 1953. Leonard was from the Spokane Tribe, Spokane
Tribe, Spokane Reservation of the Colville Jurisdiction,
Wellpinit, Washington.
Flying Hawk, Douglas Ambrose
Private Flying Hawk was born April 23, 19l36 in Charles Mix
County, South Dakota, the son of Theodore Flying Hawk and Lavina
Flying Hawk. He was serving in the Army in Korea when he
died of other causes on January 27, 1954. He is buried in
Greenwood Episcopal Church Cemetery, Greenwood, South Dakota.
He had siblings Gloria Flying Hawk, Belva Cynthia Flying Hawk,
and one other.
Frazier, Elam Lee
Born August 25, 1922, he was the husband of Sarah Ann Frazier
of Antlers, Oklahoma. He was a son of Lewis Samuel Frazier
(1899-1956) and Semiah John Frazier (1900-1994). A
Choctaw, he was serving with the 24th Replacement Company, 24th
Infantry Division (combat engineers) when he drowned while
swimming in the Manchan River near Miryang, South Korea.
He is buried in City Cemetery, Antlers, Oklahoma. He
enlisted in late 1943 and was a veteran of World War II that
participated in the Normandy Landing, and campaigns in Northern
France, Rhine and Central Europe. He was honorably
discharged after the war, reenlisted on September 16, 1947, and
then reenlisted again in November of 1948. He was the
father of JoAnna (age 7) and Naomi Fay (age 3). His
siblings were Tecumseh John "TJ" Frazier (b. 1935), Betty Mae
Frazier Ketcheshawno (1938-2017), Timothy Noah Frazier
(1941-2020) and Adeline Frazier Hudson.
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G
Gatewood, Tommy
Private First Class Gatewood was bon August 12, 1931.
He was serving in the western outposts of Korea in F Company,
2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment when he died of
wounds on December 21, 1952. This Navajo Indian is buried
in Good Shepherd Mission Cemetery, Fort Defiance, Arizona.
George, Charles
See Medal of Honor section.
George, Larson Jackson
Private First Class George was born January 09, 1926, the son
of Eugene and Susie Snipe George of Fort Hall, Idaho. He
was serving in C Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment,
2nd Infantry Division when he was killed in action on August 14,
1950 in the Naktong Bulge near Yongsan. He was a native
American from the Fort Hall Agency. His brother, Pfc.
Stanley George, was killed in Belgium during World War II on
December 23, 1944. Larson George is buried in Ross Fork
Cemetery, Fort Hall, Idaho.
Gia, George
Private First Class Gia was born in 1930, son of Mrs. Mae
Thompson of Chinle, Arizona. He was inducted in the Army
on March 15, 1951. He died October 13, 1951 at
Heartbreak Ridge while serving in the 23rd Infantry Regiment,
2nd Infantry Division. He was a Native American and is
buried in the Navajo Memorial Cemetery, Fort Defiance, Arizona.
Goggleye, Joseph Norman
Pfc. Goggleye was born February 03, 1930, a son of Mike
Goggleye (1894-1961) and Sophia Wein Goggleye (1889-1977).
He was from the Bois Forte Indian Reservation, Bois Forte Band
of Ojibwe. He was serving in D Company, 1st Battalion, 8th
Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, when he was killed in
action on October 04, 1951 in the Chorwon area. He is
buried in Nett Lake Cemetery, Nett Lake, Minnesota. His
brother was Raymond James Goggleye (1925-1978), and his half
brothers were Frank William Dupree and John Dupris.
Goodsell, Carl B.
Private First Class Goodsell was born February 01, 1933.
He was from the Cheyenne and Arapahoe Reservation. He was
a member of L Company, 3rd Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment,
45th Infantry Division when he died of wounds received in battle
in the Chorwon area. He is buried in the Watonga Indian
Cemetery, Watonga, Oklahoma.
Grass, David "Dave" Franklin Jr.
Sergeant First Class Grass was born December 25, 1920, the
son of David F. Grass Sr. (1894-2962) and Lucy Jane Hair Grass
(1890-1958). His siblings were Korean War veterans Rev.
Jack Grass and Rev. William Patterson Grass (1926-1995).
They were Cherokee Indians. Dave had a great love for
baseball. He was seriously wounded in Korea on March 24,
1951 while serving in Able Company, 19th Regiment, 24th Infantry
Division. He returned to duty April 8, 1951. He was
killed in action April 20, 1951 in Kalmal Myon, North Korea.
He was survived by his wife Margie Mae Condit Grass Ogilvie
(1924-2011) and son Kenneth Gerald Grass (1947-2020), who was
age five at the time of his father's death. Dave is buried
in Hogan Cemetery, Locust Grove, Oklahoma.
Green, Joe Calvin Jr.
Private Green, a Choctaw, was born on August 30, 1931, a son
of Joe Alexander Green (1896-1966) and Sarah Margaret Carmichel
Green (1893-1970). He enlisted in the Army in California
and was killed in action on January 24, 1952 in the Chorwon
area. He was serving in Company C, 1st Battalion, 279th
Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. His sister was
Mrs. Hillard Clinton (Josephine Catherine Green) Ozier
(1934-1997). Joe is buried in Acacia Memorial Park,
Modesto, California. He was a Native American, possibly
Choctaw.
Grey Buffalo, Henry Orville
Corporal Grey Buffalo was born on June 03, 1930 in Sisseton,
South Dakota, a son of John McKinley Grey Buffalo (1899-1944)
and Goldie Ella Varns Grey Buffalo (1914-1968). He was a
member of Company C, 839th Engineer Aviation Construction
Battalion. He was operating a tournadozer along the
railroad beds near Osan, South Korea, when he was struck by a
train and died on January 17, 1953. His siblings were
Duane John Grey Buffalo (1928-2001) and Elwood Levi Grey Buffalo
(1933-2019). Corporal Grey Buffalo is buried in Sisseton
Cemetery, Sisseton, South Dakota.
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H
Hammond, James Donald
Private First Class Hammond was killed in action at Boulder
City, a western outpost in Korea. Born July 24, 1953 in
Fort Yuma, California, he enlisted in the Marine Corps on May
08, 1952. He was serving in I Company, 3rd
Battalion, 1st Marines when he died. He is buried in Fort
Yuma Post Cemetery, Winterhaven, California.
Yuma Daily Sun And Arizona Sentinel (Yuma, Arizona)
July 28, 1953
James Hammond Killed in Action in Korea July 24
Mr. and Mrs. Alfonso Hammond of the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation
received word yesterday of the death of their eldest son James,
21 who was killed in action in Korea July 24, just three days
before the war ended. The Department of Defense telegram
informed the parents of the death of their son, who joined the
Marine Corps after graduating from Yuma Union High School, and
who left the United States for Korea last May 16. It was
presumed he was with the 1st Marine Division which stopped the
red Chinese offensive on the Central Front several days ago. The
Marines inflicted heavy losses on the attackers but in turn also
suffered severe losses.
Young Hammond is survived by his parents, three brothers,
Alfonso, Jr., Robert and Leonard; two sisters, Phyllis and
Arlene, and two half-brothers, Doyle and Davis Escalanti. The
Defense Department notified the parents that their son would be
returned to the United States. The father is a printer In the
Yuma Daily Sun shop.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yuma Daily Sun and Arizona Sentinel (Yuma,
Arizona) Oct 2 1953
Body of Pfc. James Hammond Here Thursday
The remains of Private First Class James D. Hammond, killed in
action during the last few days of the Korean War, will arrive
in Yuma at 6:05 a. m. tomorrow (Thursday), the U.S. Marine Corps
announced today. The remains will be escorted by Marine
Technical Sergeant, William B. Heligeist from Oakland,
California, and will be on view at the Indian cremation grounds
all day Friday and Saturday. Friends are welcome to view the
remains on these two days. Cremation is to be held at 4 p.m.
Sunday.
Pfc. Hammond is the son of Mrs. Martha Hammond whose husband,
Alfonso, 54, died on October 3rd in the Indian hospital at Ft.
Yuma after a two-week illness. He was born March 15, 1932. He
attended Yuma Union High School. Surviving are his mother, three
brothers, Robert, Leonard, and Alfonso, Jr.; two sisters,
Phyllis and Martha Arlene, and two half sisters, Aljean and
Eleanor Hammond.
Hansen, John James
Corporal Hansen was born March 12, 1930. Listed as a
Native American, he was serving in A Company, 1st Battalion,
32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, when he was
killed in action in Korea on February 18, 1952. He is
buried in Ukiah Cemetery, Ukiah, California.
Hanson, Leland Lee
Corporal Hanson was born June 14, 1927. His brothers
were Logan Hanson and Dugan Hanson (1923-2001). From the
Lone Pine Paiute Shoshone Reservation, he was a medic with
Medical Company, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division.
He was seriously wounded in North Korea while tending to wounded
comrades on January 19, 1952. He died of wounds the next
day. He is buried in Darwin Cemetery, Darwin, California.
Hardin, Kermit McCoy
Sergeant Hardin was born January 11, 1927 in Kansas,
Oklahoma, a son of Charles McCoy Hardin (1892-1962) and Maggie
Melisa Carrick Hardin (1895-1929). He married a Minnick
and they had a daughter, Carol Hardin (Mosteller), who was 18
months old when her father died. Listed as a Native American,
his siblings were Maggie L. Hardin Craig (1916-2010), Warren
Griffeth Hardin (1922-1935), Vondale C. Hardin (1923-1975), and
Patricia Mae Hardin Spurlock (1925-1992). He was killed in
action on May 18, 1951 in Chaun-Ni, Korea, while serving as a
medic in Medical Company, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry
Division. He is buried in Fort Gibson National Cemetery.
Harjo, Wilson Brown
Private Harjo was born in Oklahoma on August 27, 1927, son of
Buddy Harjo and Hattie Harjo (1903-1996). He enlisted in
the army on January 03, 1946 and was a World War II veteran.
He was recalled to active duty from the Enlisted Reserve Corps
for the Korean War. He died July 10, 1950 near Chochiwon,
South Korea. He is buried in Wiley-Watson Family Cemetery,
Dustin, Oklahoma.
Harvey, Raymond
"Captain Raymond Harvey, a Chickasaw, was commanding officer
of Company C, 17th Infantry, 7th Infantry Division. He was
awarded the Medal of Honor for an action on March 9, 1951, near
Taerni-dong, South Korea. When Harvey’s company was pinned down
by automatic weapons fire from several well-entrenched
emplacements, he braved bullets and grenades to advance to the
first North Korean machine gun nest and killed its crew with
grenades. Rushing to the edge of the next emplacement, he killed
its crew with carbine fire. Captain Harvey then moved the 1st
Platoon forward, but it was again stopped by automatic weapons.
Disregarding the hail of fire, he charged and destroyed a third
emplacement. Miraculously, Harvey continued to lead the assault
through the intense crossfire. After spotting a well-camouflaged
enemy pillbox, he moved close enough to sweep the emplacement
with carbine fire and throw grenades through the openings,
killing its five occupants. Though wounded and in pain, he
ordered his company forward and continued to direct the attack
on the remaining hostile positions. Harvey refused evacuation
until assured that the mission would be accomplished."
Hood, Haskell Hanford
Private First Class Hood was born September 27, 1932, a son
of Charles and Thelma Miller Hood. He was from the Modoc
Klamath Tribe, Klamath Reservation of the Klamath Jurisdiction.
He died May 29, 1951 at Sugar Loaf, Kason-ni, Korea, while
serving in K Company, 3rd Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th
Infantry Division. To find information about the
circumstances of his death, visit the Korean War Project
website. He is buried in Chief Schonchin Cemetery, Klamath
County, Oregon.
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I
Icho, David Workman
Private Icho was born July 02, 1928 in California, a son of
Robert Ogden Icho (1892-1975) and Laura Icho (1907-1987).
His siblings included Korean War veteran Lester Icho
(1930-1993), Frederick Icho (1945-2015) and Marshallena Icho
(1924-1943). Marshallena was killed in World War II.
David was serving in A Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry
Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division when he was killed in action on
August 30, 1951 at Bloody Ridge. This Native American was
a former lifeguard at the community pool in his hometown of
Exeter, California. He is buried in Exeter District
Cemetery, Exeter, California.
Irwin, John "Shorty" Jr.
Private Irwin was born May 25, 1932 near Fort Berthold
Reservation, a son of John and Gladys Irwin. A
member of the Hidatsa Tribe, he lived in the Lucky Mound
Community along the Missouri River. He died in an R6D-1
airplane crash in Hawaii on March 21, 1955. His wife was
Elaine Irwin and their son was two-year-old Gerald Irwin.
Shorty's siblings included Johanna Irwin White Bear, Alva Irwin,
Doreen Mavis Irwin, Sally Irwin White, Ada Irwin Sharp,
Christine "Sadie" Irwin Bears Tail (1934-1989), Rosanna Irwin
(1948-1951) and James Irwin (1939-2019).
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James, Larry Patrick
Private First Class James was born January 22, 1931 in Tahola,
Washington, a son of Mitchell James Mrs. Laura
Nichols. His siblings were brothers Richard S. "Dick"
James (1929-1981), Lester James, and Korean War veteran
Russell Paul James. Larry was a pupil at Auburn High
School and lived in Auburn 11 years. He was a
Quineielt Skokomish American Indian from the Taholan Indian
Agency. He was killed in action in Korea on September 22,
1950 while serving in G Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry
Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, and is buried in Mountain View
Cemetery, Auburn, Washington.
Jewett, Arthur F. "Bluie"
Born August 26, 1928, west of White Horse, South Dakota,
Jewett went missing during the Chosin Reservoir Campaign in
1950. He had joined the Army in 1948 and was a member of
Company P, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry
Division. Bluie was a member of the Cheyenne River Indian
tribe. He was one of 10 children. Among his siblings
were a twin brother Albert, Keith, Lyonne, Louis, Julie and
Juanita. His remains were returned to the United States in
2012.
Johnson, Arthur R.
Corporal Johnson was born September 12, 19927 in Adams,
Oregon, the son of Chief Charley Bert Johnson (Wap Tash Ta Kin)
(1885-1954) and Annie H. Johnson (1885-1973). Arthur
enlisted in the Army on October 10, 1950. He was killed in
action in Korea on August 27, 1951 at Bloody Ridge while serving
in B Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry
Division. He is buried in Homly Cemetery, Umatilla County,
Oregon.
Johnson, Carl Warren
Private Johnson was born February 27, 1l929 in Owens,
California, a son of Robert and Deborah D. Johnson. His
siblings were Wilber, Robert, Don, Gene and Wayne Johnson.
Carl, who was a star high school athlete, joined the Army and
was killed July 27, 1950 at Anui, Korea in the Pusan Perimeter
while serving in D Company, 1st Battalion, 29th Infantry
Regiment. He is buried in Schurz Paiute Indian Cemetery,
Schurz, Nevada.
Jones, William Edward
Private First Class Jones was born February 16, 1930, the son
of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jones of Tohatchi, New Mexico. He
was serving in I Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines when he
died of wounds at Hagaru-ri, Chosin Reservoir. He enlisted
on September 22, 1949. Jones is buried in the Navajo
Memorial Cemetery, Fort Defiance, Arizona.
Jumbo, Jimmie
Sergeant Jumbo was born on March 08, 1924 in New Mexico, a
son of Jumba and Bilnihzybah Jumbo. A member of the Salt
People Clan for the Bitter Water People Clan, his siblings
included George, Charlie, and Hashailwotd. He was serving
in B Battery, Provisional Battalion, 59th Field Artillery
Battalion (105mm) when he went missing at the Chosin Reservoir.
He was presumed dead on December 31, 1953.
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Kaniatobe, Charles Gibson
Born January 31, 1929 in Haworth, Oklahoma, this Choctaw was
the son of Walter Kaniatobe (1900-1970) and Wilcey Shaw
Kaniatobe (1908-1991) of Idabel, Oklahoma. He was serving
with A Company, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th
Infantry Division when he went missing while fighting the enemy
near Chochiwon, South Korea, on July 10, 1950. His remains
were later recovered and he was laid to rest in Denison
Cemetery, Idabel, on November 17, 2018. His siblings were
Alvin (died 1946), James Earl (1934-2021), Cecil Clayton
(1937-2014), Melvin M. (1944-2016), Josephine Kaniatobe Porter,
Clara Kaniatobe, Doris Kaniatobe Chaves, Sue Kaniatobe, and Ann
K. Kaniatobe Factor. He was a Choctaw.
Karty, Dennis King
Corporal Karty was serving with B Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry
Division, when he was captured by the enemy at Panmegi-Ri
(Bunker Hill, Hill 1051 area) on May
18, 1951 and died as a prisoner of war at Camp 4 on March 30, 1952.
A Kiowa/Comanche, he was born on October 08, 1931, a son of
George Karty (1901-1978) and Kate Botone Karty (1905-2002).
His siblings were Virgil, Billy, Kenneth, Randolph (Randy),
Rita, George Jr., Katy, Louis, and Glenda. There is a marker for
him in Highland Cemetery, Lawton, Oklahoma. He was a
Comanche.
Kessick [Kesick], Lawrence H.
Private Kessick was born September 19, 1931 in Delta,
Michigan, a son of Joseph Kesick Jr. (1897-1965) and Rose
Veronica Boursaw Kessick (1907-1989). He had ten siblings,
including Joyce Jensen and Herbert Leroy Kesick (1938-2015).
Lawrence was killed in action along the Kum River at Samgyo-Ri,
Korea, on July 14, 1950, while serving in the 63rd Field
Artillery Battalion of the 24th Infantry Division. He is
buried in Fernwood Cemetery, Gladstone, Michigan. He is
listed as Native American.
Killingsworth, Leo E.
Killed in action while serving with a mortar company of the
19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, this Choctaw was
born March 22, 1931, a son of Louis Monroe Killingsworth
(1905-1980) and Linnie Levinia Williams Killingsworth
(1909-1989). He enlisted in the army on August 31, 1949,
and was killed in action July 16, 1950. His Silver Star citation
is listed under the awards section of this page. His
siblings were Martin Louis Killingsworth (1926-2014), D.C.
Killingsworth (also a Korean War veteran) (1928-1994), Orval
Eugene Killingsworth (1932-1992), Velton Killingsworth Sr., and
Faye Killingsworth.
Klinekole, Austin Lewis
This Native American was the first Apache killed during the
Korean War. Corporal Klinekole died September 18, 1951.
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L
La Pointe, Walter Batisse
Private First Class La Pointe was born on June 24, 1931.
He was the youngest of eight children born to Albert and
Elizabeth Ringing Shield L aPointe. Like so many
Native Americans in South Dakota and across our country,
Walter felt an obligation to serve his country. Walter
enlisted at the age of 19 and was sent overseas in 1951.
Just four months after arriving in Korea, Walter was killed
in an intense firefight near Homang-ni. He was from the
Sioux Tribe, Rosebud Reservation, Pine Ridge.
LaVallie, Alfred C. Jr.
Corporal LaVallie was born December 10, 1932, a son of Alfred
C. LaVallie (1905-1990) and Mary P. Amyotte LaVallie
(1907-1989). His sibling was Korean War veteran Gregory H.
LaVallie (1935-2021). Alfred was killed in action on
October 10, 1951 in the Chorwon area while serving in the 8th
Cavalry Regiment, 1sst Cavalry Division. He is buried in
Saint Anthony's Church cemetery, Belcourt, North Dakota.
Lewis, Phillip Gerald
Private First Class Lewis was born October 28, 1929, the son
of Wilbur and Alice Lewis. He was serving in G Company,
2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division when
he was killed in action on November 13, 1951 in the Chorwon
area. He was a Laguna Pueblo, Mesita Indian. He is
buried in Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Little Bear, Melvin James
Melvin was born February 25, 1930 in South Dakota, the son of
John and Agnes Little Bear. Private First Class Little
Bear was a member of Battery A, 15th Field Artillery Battalion,
2nd Infantry Division. He was taken Prisoner of War while
fighting the enemy in the Chorwon area (Hill 347) near Hoengsong, South Korea on February 13,
1951 and died while a prisoner on July 21, 1951. His remains
were not recovered. He was a Native American, Standing Rock
Sioux, Standing Rock Reservation.
Littlehawk, John Jr.
Pfc. Littlehawk was born November 30, 1933, son of John
Littlehawk Sr. (1892-1945) and Lizzie "Beaver Skin" Otterby
Littlehawk (1891-1959). He joined the Army on September
12, 1949, and was serving in I Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th
Airborne Regimental Combat Team when he was killed in action on
October 21, 1950 in Air Drop Sunchon, Opa-ri area in Korea.
He is buried in Cheyenne Cemetery, Watonga, Oklahoma. Pfc.
Littlehawk was a Cheyenne Indian. His son, Donald R.
Littlehawk, served in Vietnam in 1970-71 in the 173rd Airborne
Brigade.
Littlejohn, Charles Jackson
Charles Jackson Littlejohn was born 27 July 1930 in Adair
County Oklahoma. He was the son of William Joseph & Piney Agnes
(Jones) Littlejohn. He married Loretta June Owens in 1949 in
Satana, Kansas, and was the father of one daughter, Linda June
Littlejohn. In addition to wife, daughter and father, he leaves
two sisters & two brothers, Mary Fitzsimmons, Betty Jo Giles,
William Harvey Littlejohn & Dock Gaines Littlejohn. Corporal
Littlejohn was a Browning Automatic Rifleman with the 1st
Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th
Infantry Division. On January 23, 1952 while defending his
platoon's position Corporal Littlejohn was wounded when his
platoon was struck by a mortar round. Although wounded, he
continued to place heavy fire on the enemy positions, covering
the evacuation of the wounded. He continued firing until he
eventually collapsed on his weapon and was evacuated to the
forward aid station. Dying of his wounds before he could receive
help. For his leadership and valor, Corporal Littlejohn was
awarded the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the Combat
Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, The United
Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and
the Korean War Service Medal. Jack was Scotch Irish and
Cherokee. He is buried in Dudley Cemetery, Satana.
Locklear, Junior
Private Junior Locklear was born January 31, 1932, a son of
Thomas Allen Locklear (1891-1966) and Nancy Lockley Locklear.
His siblings were Calvin Winton Locklear (1916-2002), and Mrs.
Roy (Hester Locklear) Locklear. His half-sister was Roxie
A. Jacobs (1946-2003). Junior's son was Kenneth Locklear
(1948-1948). Kenneth's mother was Mary Dial Locklear.
Junior, who was listed as a Native American in government
records, was serving in D Company, 1st Battalion, 31st Infantry
Regiment, 7th Infantry Division when he was killed in action in
the battle of Pork Chop Hill. He is buried in Dial
Cemetery, Lumberton, North Carolina.
Lyotte, Philip James
Sergeant Lyotte was born December 22, 1929 in Mission, South
Dakota. He was a member of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 21st
Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division when he was seriously
wounded on September 2, 1950. He returned to duty on
September 21, 1950 but was captured by Chinese during Operation
Thunderbolt and taken to Camp 1 and Changsong. His remains
were recovered and he was buried in his hometown.
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Manitowabi, Alphone "Al"
Sergeant First Class Manitowabi was born December 04, 1925.
He was a Native American Indian (Wikwemikong, Unceded Indian
Reservation, Manitoulin Island, Manitoulin District) who
emigrated from Ontario, Canada around 1944. He enlisted in
the Army in Chicago, Illinois on January 17, 1951. He was
serving in G Company, 2nd Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3rd
Infantry Division when he was killed in action on May 20, 1953
in Korea. He is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Sault Sainte
Marie, Michigan.
McAfee, Merton Johnson Jr.
Born July 14, 1923 to Johnson McAfee Sr. (1897-1978) and Sara
Lovella Patton McAfee (1895-1977), Sergeant McAfee was a member
of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines when it was reported
that he had been bayoneted in the Chosin Reservoir campaign.
He was buried at the base of Fox Hill, but his remains were
found and returned to the United States. They were
identified on October 03, 2017. He was a Pima
Indian who was married and had two children. His siblings
were Cameron, Wilmer, Marcella, Lovella Phyllis (1921-1936), and Rodney Winston
McAfee (1931-2021). Sergeant McAfee is referenced in the
book, The Last Stand of Fox Company by Bob Drury and Tom
Clavin.
McClure, Jim
Sergeant McClure, a Choctaw, was born October 12, 1930, a son
of Absalom and Lela Peters McClure (1902-1969). He
enlisted in the army in September 1950, and was killed in action
on October 3, 1951 in the Chorwon area. He was serving in
E Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Cavalry
Division. His siblings were James "Mickey" McClure
(1926-2011), Silas McClure, Rosa McClure Westmoreland
(1928-1990), and Edith McClure. Jim is buried in Denison
Cemetery, Idabel, Oklahoma.
McCurtain, Buster
Sergeant McCurtain was born April 7, 1919, a son of Osborne
(1885-1959) and Martha Sockey McCurtain (1891-1951) of Stigler,
Oklahoma. He was the brother of Pfc. James B. "Porter" McCurtain
who was killed in action on Saipan on June 16, 1944.
Buster enlisted in the Oklahoma National Guard on September 16,
1940 and was serving in the 2nd Armored Reconnaissance Company
of the 2nd Infantry Division when he was killed in action in the
Naktong Bulge on August 28, 1950. He was a Choctaw.
He is buried in the Stigler City Cemetery, Stigler.
McCurtain, Isaac M.
Airman Third Class McCurtain was born April 22, 1924, a son
of Osborne George McCurtain and Martha Sockey McCurtain.
He was the brother of Buster and Porter McCurtain, both killed
in action, each in different wars. He also had a sister,
Elphia May (1912-1933). Isaac was serving with the 80th
Fighter Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter Bomber Group when he was a
passenger on a C-124 Globemaster that crashed three miles from
Tachikawa Air Base in Japan on June 18, 1953. He is buried
in Stigler City Cemetery. He was a Choctaw.
McQueen, Norman
Master Sergeant McQueen was born June 30, 1913 in Oklahoma.
Originally from Hanna and McIntosh, Oklahoma, he was of Indian
ancestry. He enlisted in the Army on June 26, 1946.
He was serving in Headquarters Battery, 63rd Field Artillery
Battalion (105mm), 24th Infantry Division, when he was taken
prisoner on July 14, 1950 at Samgyo-Ri near the Kum River.
He was forced to march to North Korea on the Tiger Death March
and died at Hanjang0-ni, North Korea, on January 16, 1951.
His remains were not recovered. There is a marker in
Arlington Cemetery in his honor.
Meuse, Clarence Thomas
Private Meuse was a Micmac Indian born July 13, 1929.
Originally from tribal lands at Bear River First Nation near
Halifax, Nova Scotia, he enlisted in the US Army from Maine.
He was one of seven children. He was serving in the 31st
Infantry Regiment of the 7th Infantry Division when he was
killed in action on November 04, 1952 in the Kumhwa Valley's
Triangle Hill. He is buried in Woodlawn National Cemetery,
Elmira, New York.
Miguel, Lloyd Leonard
Private First Class Miguel was born October 13, 1931.
He was a Pima Tribe Native American. He was serving in I
Company, 3rd Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry
Division when he was killed in action on June 15, 1952 in Korea.
He is buried in East Sacaton Cemetery, Sacaton, Arizona.
Moose, Paul
Private First Class Moose was born January 13, 1930 in
Minnesota, the son of Alex and Annie Moose. He was a
Chippewa, Northern White Earth Reservation, Consolidated
Chippewas, Ojibwe. He was stationed in Seattle, Washington
when the Korean War broke out. He attended Isle schools
before entering service. He was serving in the 702nd
Ordnance Maintenance Company, 2nd Infantry Division when he was
killed in action on September 11, 1950 in the Naktong Bulge.
He is buried in Sunset Cemetery, Isle, Minnesota.
Moses, Walter J.
Private First Class Moses was born December 13, 1931, a
son of Walter Moses Sr. (died 1951) and Marya D. Jones Moses
(1911-2006). His siblings were Gilbert Eugene "Gill" Moses
Sr., Victor H. Moses (killed in a logging accident in 1983),
Raymond and Daniel Moses, Johanna Moses, Rachel Moses Hood,
April Moses Smith, Julie Moses Russell, Vickie Moses Tsoodle,
and Teresa Moses Whitish. Private Moses, a Tulalip, was
killed in action in Korea on May 29, 1953 while serving in B
Company, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry
Division. He had enlisted in the Army during his senior
year at Marysville High School. He left for Korea on March
10, 1953 and was killed three months later. His brother
Ray was serving in the same company when Walter was killed.
Walter is buried in Priest Point Cemetery, Marysville,
Washington.
Mzhickteno, Vernon L.
Born in Mayetta, Kansas on March 27, 1933, Private First
Class Mzhickteno was the son of Peter and Mary Mzhickteno.
A member of the Potawatomi Nation, he moved with his mother to
Topeka, Kansas in 1944. He was serving in Fox Company, 35th Infantry Regiment when he was killed in
the Suwon, South
Korea area on January 30, 1951. He is buried in
Danceground Cemetery, the Potawatomi tribal cemetery in Mayetta.
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N
Nenema, Eneas John
Private First Class Nenema was born September 23, 1931.
He was killed in action in the western outposts of Korea on
February 09, 1953 while serving in Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th
Marines. Nenema was the son of Frank J. (Francis) Nenema
(1910-1976) and Mary Susan Isadore Nenema (1915-1993) of the
Kalispel Indian Reservation. He is buried in Old Kalispel
Indian Cemetery, Usk, Washington.
Nez, Felix Raymond
Private First Class Nez was born March 1, 1927. He was
serving in Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st
Cavalry Division when he was seriously wounded on October 4,
1951. He was returned to duty on October 10, 1951 and was
killed in action in the Chorwon area on October 25, 1951.
He is buried in the Navajo Memorial Cemetery, Fort Defiance,
Arizona.
Nolder, Donald Lee Sr.
Donald Lee Nolder Sr., 82, of Fairborn, passed away
peacefully in the early morning of Thursday, December 11, 2014
at Patriot Ridge Community, where he had resided for the past
three years. He was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania on January
3, 1932, the son of the late Carl and Ella (McDowell) Nolder Sr.
He served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean
War. Don was very proud of his Native American heritage and was
a member of the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center,
Dorseyville, Pennsylvania. His Indian name was "Eagle Feather".
Don is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sally A. (Perry) Nolder;
daughter, Dawn (Rob) Dutra of Springfield; son, Shawn Carl
Nolder of Phoenix, Arizona; grandchildren, Aileen, Alissa, Eric,
Austin, Gino, Trina, Tristan, and Stephanie; several great
grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of
Don's life will be held at a future date.
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Ochoa, Alberto
Private Ochoa was born July 07, 1928, son of Cipriano and
Victoria Ochoa. He was serving in H Company, 2nd
Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division when he
was killed in action in the Taegu area of Korea on September 15,
1950. He is buried in Ajo Cemetery, Ajo, Arizona.
Government records list him as Native American.
Ontayabbi, Timothy
Corporal Ontayabbi was born February 5, 1927 in Broken Bow,
Oklahoma, son of Mrs. Ida Mae Wesley (1906-1989) of Broken Bow,
Oklahoma. He was a Choctaw. He enlisted on November
21, 1945 and was honorably discharged on November 19, 1946.
He re-enlisted on March 29, 1948 and was honorably discharged on
June 27, 1950. He reupped the next day on June 28, 1950.
He married Bobbie Joan Craun Bryant (1935-2003). Corporal
Ontayabbi was serving with the 5th Ranger Infantry Company
(Airborne) attached to the 25th Infantry Division when he was
killed in action on June 4, 1951. He is buried in Saint
Matthews Cemetery, Broken Bow.
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P
Parker, Leroy H.
Corporal Parker was born November 27, 1929. From the
Fort Apache Indian Reservation, he was serving in F Company, 2nd
Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division when he
was killed in action in the Chorwon area on July 17, 1952.
He is buried in Whiteriver Cemetery, Whiteriver, Arizona.
Parton, Farrell
Sergeant Parton was born March 17, 1931, the son of Albert
and Lydia Williams Parton. He had siblings Derrith Weldon
and four others. Farrell was serving in F
Company, 2nd Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry
Division, when he was killed in action on November 23, 1951.
This Caddo Nation Indian is buried in Memory Lane Cemetery,
Anadarko, Oklahoma.
Pepion, Aloysius "Lil Wishy"
Private First Class Pepion was born March 04, 1932 in Pondera
County, Montana, a son of Aloysius "Wishy" Pepion (1897-1952)
and Rose Bridget Hall Pepion Tatsey (1905-2000). His
siblings were William Martin "Good Rider" Pepion 1924-1966),
Mary Louise Pepion Henry (1927-1996) and Irma Frances Pepion St.
Germaine (1937-2017). A Blackfeet Indian from the
Blackfleet Indian Reservation, Blackfeet, Montana, Pfc. Pepion
was serving in A Company, 1st Battalion, 179th Regiment when he
was killed in action at Heartbreak Ridge's Punch Bowl. He
is buried in Robare Cemetery, Pondera County, Montana.
Perez, Alejandro G.
Private Perez was born February 09, 1929. He was
serving in Company C, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd
Infantry Division when he was killed in action on September 03,
1951 at Bloody Ridge. He is buried in Calvary Cemetery, La
Junta, Colorado.
Pete, Gary Pinto
Master Sergeant Pinto was born April 25, 1922 in New Mexico.
Believed to be a Native American Ute, his mother was Minnie
Pinto o Fruitland, New Mexico. He was a World War II
veteran recalled to active duty in the Korean War from the
Enlisted Reserve Corps. He went missing in action at the
Naktong Bulge on August 11, 1950 and was presumed dead on
December 31, 1953. To learn more about the battle in which
Sergeant Pete went missing, read South to the Naktong, North
to the Yalu, pages 325-326.
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Rasha, Willie
Pfc. Rasha was born August 31, 1925 and was a Choctaw Indian.
This World War II and Korean War veteran was the son of Vannie
Rasha of Ardmore, Oklahoma. He was serving in G Company,
2nd Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team when he was killed in
action on May 27, 1951 at Hakongjong-ni. He is buried in
Concord Cemetery, Ardmore.
Red Horn, William
Born January 10, 1933, Pfc. Red Horn was from the Standing
Rock Sioux Tribe, Standing Rock Reservation, Standing Rock
Jurisdiction. He was serving with Headquarters,
Headquarters Company, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry
Division, when he was killed in action December 09, 1951.
He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Reevis, Herbert Joseph
Private First Class Reevis was born March 11, 1930 in
Browning, Montana, a son of James Robert Reevis Sr. (1906-1998)
and Nelly Bullshoe Reevis (1909-1978). His siblings were
Lorraine White Grass, Sharon Reevis LaPlant, Beverly Kittson
(1926-2016), William Gordon (1931-1965), Wilbur Thomas
(1934-1986), Frederick "Freddie" James (1928-2004), Herman Lee
(1944-1999), James "Jimmy" Robert (1948-2003, Merlin Robert
(1932-1934) and Russell Calf Robe. Herbert was serving in
H Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry
Division when he was killed in action at Chipyong-ni February
14, 1951. He was the grandson of Crow Chief Reevis of the
Blackfeet Pikuni. Herbert is buried in Saint Michaels
Catholic Cemetery in Browning, Montana.
Rice, John Raymond
[KWE Note: The following was found on the Sioux City History.Org
website.]
In August 1951 Sioux City became embroiled in a bitter
controversy that erupted when officials at Memorial Park
Cemetery refused to bury Sergeant John R. Rice, a decorated
World War II veteran and Korean War casualty, because of his
Native American ancestry. The event provoked public outrage both
locally and nationally and eventually required the personal
intervention of President Harry Truman. The treatment of Rice
tarnished Sioux City's reputation with the stigma of racism and
left a wound between the city and local Native American groups
for the next fifty years. However, it also created the
opportunity for reconciliation between the two sides five
decades later and the long overdue redemption of Sergeant Rice
and his family.
Rice's story had its beginnings on the battlefields of Korea
where he was killed on September 6, 1950 while leading a squad
of riflemen against an enemy assault near the village of Tabu-Dong.
Nearly a year passed before his body was shipped home to
Winnebago, Nebraska in August 1951. Thereafter, Evelyn, who was
white, purchased a lot for her husband at Memorial Park Cemetery
in Sioux City without incident. During the funeral on August 28
a cemetery official noticed the large number of Native Americans
at the service and was subsequently informed that Rice was
himself part Native American. At the conclusion of the service
Evelyn and the rest of the Rice family were informed of the
cemetery's "Caucasians only" policy and were forced to take his
body back to Winnebago. Cemetery officials later defended their
actions saying, "Private cemeteries have always had a right to
be operated for a particular group such as Jewish, Catholic,
Lutheran, Negro, Chinese, etc., not because of any prejudice
against any race, but because people, like animals, prefer to be
with their own kind." They continued to assert that they had a
legal obligation to deny Rice's burial or face prosecution from
lot owners for breech of contract.
When the local media received word of what had transpired at
Memorial Park, the news was quickly put out over the newswire
and began making national headlines. Across the country people
responded with a combination of disbelief and outrage that an
American war hero and his family could be treated in such a
fashion. Oliver LaFarge, spokesman for the Association of
American Indian Affairs said, "This is horrible. The
manifestation of such an inhuman and anti-American attitude
brings disgrace upon our country." When President Harry Truman
learned about the incident during a press conference the
following day he rebuked both the cemetery officials and Sioux
City's leaders. He also authorized his military aid Major
General Harry Vaughn to send a telegram to Rice's family
offering to bury him in Arlington National Cemetery.
In Sioux City the reaction was every bit as negative as it had
been on the national level. The Sioux City metropolitan council
of the United Packinghouse Workers of America adopted a
resolution condemning the actions of the cemetery and declared
that the flag should not be flown "in such an un-American
place." Though the city council passed a resolution expressing
regret for the incident and Mayor Dan Conley traveled to
Winnebago and personally apologized at an American Legion
meeting there, Evelyn Rice and her family rejected all offers to
bury Sergeant Rice locally. He was finally laid to rest with
full military honors on September 5, 1951 in Arlington National
Cemetery.
The legacy of the Sergeant Rice affair is one of injustice,
betrayal, and bitterness, but it is also one of redemption and
hope. The event scarred Evelyn Rice and her family permanently
and it severely damaged Sioux City's reputation. Yet, despite
the damage it caused, Sergeant Rice's ordeal also laid the
groundwork for future progress. Memorial Park eventually
abolished its race restriction and has been open to all races
for years. The incident was a pivotal moment for the Native
American civil rights movement because it illuminated the
prejudice and injustice faced by Native Americans while
emphasizing their positive roll in American society. It also
began a process by which the people of Sioux City began to
confront the less savory aspects of their past. At a memorial
ceremony held in honor of Sergeant Rice and his family in August
2001, Native American rights activist Frank Lamere's read
statement spoke poignantly of the Rice affair. He was quoted to
have said "We have come far at the expense of Sergeant John Rice
and the Gold Star family he left behind. Our respect for one
another this day is their legacy and speaks to the
possibilities. The bridges we can build tomorrow will be strong
if we do not forget that the foundation was laid on a
battlefield in Korea."
Rickard, N.L.
Staff Sergeant Rickard was born December 09, 1922 in Alabama,
the son of Sellers and Myrtie Richard [Rickard]. N.L. was
a World War II veteran who served with the 1st Infantry
Division. Serving three years and three months overseas
during that war, he participated in the Normandy Landing and
received a Purple Heart for action in combat in Germany.
Later he was with occupation forces in Europe. He was a
Bronze Star recipient. Two years after returning to the
States he was sent to Korea. He was serving in the 34th
Infantry Regiment, B Company, 1st Battalion when he was killed
in action in Korea on August 15, 1950. He is buried in
Edgemont Cemetery, Anniston, Alabama. He was married to
Margaret Lorraine Sewell (later Mrs. Herman Hezel Gilley
1922-2004). Sergeant Rickard was a member of the Poarch
Band of Creek Indians. His tribal family was from the
Atmore Creek Indian Reservation.
Robinson, Donald Wilbur
Private Robinson was born August 10, 1929. While
serving in F Company, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th
Infantry Division, he was killed in action on August 21, 1951.
He is buried in the Indian Church Burial Ground, Charlestown,
Rhode Island.
Robinson, Ernest
Sergeant Robinson was born November 11, 1931 (possibly 1932)
and was a member of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, Leech Lake,
Pillager, Minnesota. He was a member of Battery Dl, 82nd
Anti-aircraft Artillery (automatic weapons) Battalion, 2nd
Infantry Division, when he was taken prisoner of war near
Hoengsong, South Korea on February 13, 1951. He died en
route to the Suwon holding camp in North Korea on March 31,
1951. There is a marker for him in Pine Grove Cemetery,
Cass Lake, Minnesota.
Roosevelt, Franklin Theodore
Private First Class Roosevelt was born March 21, 1931 in
Whiteriver, Arizona. A full-blooded Navajo Indian, he died
October 06, 1952 in the Kumhwa area of Korea whle serving in the
17th Infantry Regiment of the 7th Infantry Division. He is
buried in Whiteriver Cemetery, Whiteriver, Arizona.
Roy, Francis
Private First Class Roy was born June 902, 1928. He was
killed in action on March 12, 1952 while serving in G Company,
2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.
From the Ojibwe Tribe, Consolidated Chippewa Agency, he is
buried in Nett Lake Cemetery, Nett Lake, Minnesota.
Roy, William Francis
Private First Class Roy was born April 15, 1928, a son of
Joseph Roy (1888-1971). His siblings were Evelyn Isabel
Gordon (1912-1980), Roseanna L. Buffalo (1914-1997), Gladys
Angeline DePerry (1922-2013), Lionel Gerald Roy (1924-2009),
Korean War veteran Melvin George Roy (1932-1989), and Delores
DePerry Bainbridge. Private Roy was serving in E Company,
2nd Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division
when he was killed in action at T-Bone Hill (Hill 290) in Korea.
An Ojibwe Native American, his remains have not yet been
recovered.
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Sandoval, Leopold
Corporal Sandoval, a Native American from Lukachukai,
Arizona, was born March 15, 1927 in Lukachukai, Arizona, son of
Leopold Sandoval (born 1906) and Jauna Sandoval (born 1904). Sandoval. He went missing in action on November 30, 1950
at the Kunu-Ri Gauntlet, Chongchon River while serving in C
Battery, 37th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division.
Scarbrough, Everett Doyle
Master Sergeant Scarbrough went missing in action following
the ditching of a Globemaster off the coast of Ireland in 1951.
(See his bio on Airplane Crashes - Globemaster - Ireland on the
KWE.) He was born October 19, 1924 in Oklahoma, son of
John Wesley Scarbrough (Indian Territory Oklahoma) and Jessie
Beulah Johnson Scarbrough (Chickasaw Nation).
Shields, Mark Raymond
Pfc. Shields was born February 12, 1913, son of George and
Grace Shields. He enlisted in the Army at Fort Snelling,
Minnesota on October 27, 1944 and served in World War II.
He was serving in the 72nd Engineer Combat Company, C Company,
when he was killed in action at Chindong-ni, Korea. He is
buried in Christs Episcopal Church Cemetery, Fort Thompson,
South Dakota. He was survived by his wife Doris Louise
Coler Shields and son Mark Raymond Shields Jr. (1936-2015).
Pfc. Shields was a Sioux American Indian--Lower Yanktonai Sioux
and Lower Brule Sioux.
Shunkamolah, Harry Stanley
Born August 23, 1927 in Hominy, Oklahoma, he was the son of
Joseph Shunkamolah (1890-1949) and Margaret Shonkamolah
(1894-1981). He was seriously wounded in Korea while
serving in Company I, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st
Marine Division, and died of wounds on December 1, 1950 at
Hagaru-ri, Chosin Reservoir.
His siblings were Carrie A. (1910-1926), Joe Shunkamolah Jr.,
Fred Shunkamolah (1912-1947), Charles "Xu-Tha-Tsa-Ke"
Shunkamolah (1915-1936),
Joann Shunkamolah Alred (1926-1996), Lottie Ann Shunkamolah
Pratt (1919-2003), and Gladys Belle Shunkamolah Rouwalk
(1921-1991). A member of the Eagle Clan, Osage Indians, he is buried in A.J. Powell Memorial Cemetery, Hominy, Oklahoma.
Smith, Harper H.
Private First Class Smith was born January 09, 1924, son of
William and Nellie Smith. He was a Muskogee Creek and
Koasati American Indian. Harper enlisted in the Army on
July 28, 1944. He was killed in action at Taejon, Korea on
July 20, 1950 while serving in B Company, 1st Battalion, 34th
Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. He is buried in
Smith Family Cemetery, Dustin, Oklahoma.
Smith, Isaac
Private Smith was born February 07, 1932 in Lower Lake,
California. This Native American was killed in action on
June 15, 1953 while serving in H Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th
Infantry Regiment in Korea. He is buried in Lower Lake
Cemetery, Lower Lake, California.
Snell, Delbert Ray
Private First Class Snell was born September 28, 1930, the
son of William Curtis "Babe" Snell (1903-1977). His
stepmother was Jane Ortley Snell (19904-1999). His
siblings were William and Curtis Snell. His half siblings
were George Snell and David L. Snell (1934-2007). Delbert
Ray Snell was serving in F Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry
Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division when he was killed in action on
March 08, 91951 during Operation Ripper. He received a
Bronze Star for valor. He is buried in Harlem Cemetery,
Harlem, Montana.
Spotted Bear, Ignatius R.
Private First Class Spotted Bear was born October 28, 1928 in McLean County,
North Dakota, a son of Justin and Stella Tail Spotted Bear.
Ignatius was a member of the Grosventre tribe, Fort Berthold
Reservation. He was serving in Company E, 2nd Battalion,
5th Regimental Combat Team in the Punchbowl area of Korea when
he was killed in action on June 22, 1952 near Haen Myon.
Private Spotted Bear's siblings were Julia (1915-1921), Lorenzo
"Larry" (1918-1954) and Eugenia (1924-1926). Ignatius is
buried in St. Josephs Catholic Cemetery, Twin Buttes, North
Dakota.
Stand, Curtis Hoover
Private First Class Stand was born January 06, 1928, a son of
Robin Bruce Stann [sic] (1861-1938) and Charlotte Walkingstick
Stann [sic] (1893-1940). He was a Native American from the
Tahlequah Indian Territory in Oklahoma. His siblings were
Lizzy L. Stand (1914-1999), Charlie Stand, Lena Mae Stand
Grigsby (1917-1981), Polly A. Stand Coombes (1924-1990), George
Stand (1925-1994), Emmaline, Dan, and Hester Jean Anderson
(1933-2001). He also had half siblings Sally Stand
(1891-1907), Richard Catcher Stand (1894-1978), and Taylor Bruce
Stand (1899-1970). Private Stand was killed in action on
February 10, 1951 in Sogu, Korea. He is buried in Ketcher
Cemetery, Stilwell, Oklahoma. Curtis was a medical aidman.
His brother George was a Silver Star recipient from the Korean
War.
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T
Tahsequah, Meech Glen
Lieutenant Colonel Tahsequah was serving with a maintenance
squadron in Korea when he went missing in action on December 6,
1950. He was declared dead on February 28, 1954. He flew over
300 combat hours and 31 bombing missions during World War II. He
was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf
Clusters, the Air Medal with
two Oak Leaf Clusters, and a Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf Cluster.
Born on October 27, 1918, he was the son of George Tahsequah and
Pansy Sep Cut, and the foster son of Charles and Vera Komah of
Walters, Oklahoma. His wife was Evelyn L. Tahsequah of
Lawton, Oklahoma. He was a Comanche. Meech joined
the Air Corps on July 14, 1941 and flew 31 combat missions in
World War II. During the Korean War the B-26B (tail number
44-34222) ran out of fuel and the crew bailed out over the Sea
of Japan. Meech was missing in action on December 06, 1950
and declared dead on February 28, 1954.
Tainpeah, Luke Buddy
Sergeant Tainpeah was serving with the 187th Airborne
Infantry Regimental Combat Team when he was killed in action on
March 28, 1951 at Parun-ni, South Korea (Hill 228). A Kiowa, he was
born on November 1, 1923 at Anadarko, Oklahoma, son of Guy
Tainpeah and Blanche Lucy Jackson. Luke was a former
Cameron College boxer and was twice a Golden Glove champion.
His siblings were Mrs. Marcos "Mickey" (Cleo L. Botone) Enriguez
(1933-2003), Ivy Ahtape (1913-1915), Alfred John Ahtapety
(1917-1944), and Mrs. Harry (Flora Belle Tainpeah) Schrock
(1919-2018). Luke Buddy Tainpeah, who also served during
World War II, is buried in Fort Sill Post Cemetery.
Tallsalt, Howard
Private First Class Tallsalt was born January 1, 1933 in
Tonalea, Coconino County, Arizona. He was killed in action
in the western outpost campaign of the Korean War on Octyober
27, 1952 while serving in C Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines.
He is buried in the Navajo Memorial Cemetery, Fort Defiance,
Arizona.
Tallwhiteman, Clarence
Pfc. Tallwhiteman was born December 23, 1918, a son of John
and Eleanor Starvingbear Tallwhiteman. He and his wife
Martha Crawling married in Montana in 1936 and they were parents
of Rose Marie Tallwhiteman (1936-1936), Ida Tallwhiteman
(1937-1940), and Carl Raymond Tallwhiteman (1941-1987). A
full-blooded Cheyenne, he was serving with K Company, 3rd
Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, when he
was killed in action in Korea on October 16, 1951. He is
buried in Custer National Cemetery.
Tepakeyah, Julius Simon
Private Julius Simon Tepakeyah was born January 03, 1931.
He was the son of Mrs. Alice Tepakeyah of Petroskey, Michigan.
Simon was killed in action on July 16, 1950 in the Kum River
area while serving in C Company, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry
Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. He is buried in Saint
Ignatius Cemetery, Friendship Township, Michigan.
Thomas, Gerald Stanton
Corporal Thomas was born June 25, 1932 in Buffalo, New York,
a son of Johnson and Clara Thomas. His sibling was Larry
Thomas. Originally living in Ohsweken, Ontario, Canada's
Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation Indian Reservation,
he was killed in action on October 15, 1952 at Triangle Hill
while serving in Company F, 2nd Battalion, 31st Infantry
Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. His remains were not
recovered.
Thompson, Sequoyah
Corporal Thompson was born May 14, 1932. A Native
American Cherokee who attended Chilocco Indian Agriculture
School at Chilocco, Oklahoma. He was killed in action on
January 24, 1952 in the Chorwon area while serving in C Company,
1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division.
According to his family, his remains were not recovered because
he threw himself on a grenade to protect his company.
Thunder Horse, Roland
Roland Thunder Horse was born on June 27, 1933, at Greenwood,
Charles Mix County, South Dakota, to Charles Thunder Horse and
Helen (Thunder Horse) Little Owl. Roland was 17 when he enlisted
in the Army. On August 28, 1948, he entered active service at
Fort Crook, NE, and became part of the 6th Engineers, Heave Shop
Company, stationed at San Francisco, CA, and he went overseas as
part of the Occupation forces stationed in Okinawa and
transferred to Korea at the beginning of the war. Private First
Class Roland Thunder Horse was killed in Korea on November 1,
1951. He was a member of Headquarters and Service Company,
10th Engineer Combat Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division. He
was driving a three-quarter ton truck when he missed a curve,
the truck overturned, and he was killed. on November 1, 1951.
He is buried in Holy Fellowship Episcopal Church Cemetery,
Greenwood, South Dakota. He was from the Yankton Indian
Reservation.
Toho, Melvin
Sergeant Toho was born on May 12, 1929, son of Mr. and Mrs.
Albert Toho. He was a member of I Company, 3rd Battalion,
7th Marine Regiment, First Marine Division when he died of
"other causes" in the western outposts of Korea on May 2, 1952.
The Native American is buried in Binger Cemetery, Binger,
Oklahoma.
Tom, Richard Leonard
Private First Class Tom was born March 05, 1927, son of Harry
Tom of Wapato, Washington. He was a Yakima Tribe Native
American. He died on March 04, 1953 in Korea while serving
in A Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd
Infantry Division. He is buried in Enoch Cemetery, Wapato,
Washington.
Torres, Jose Camelio
Private First Class Torres was born August 30, 1929. He
was adopted by Jose Antonio Montoya. He was a Pueblo
Native American from the Tegua Tribe, San Juan Reservation.
He was the husband of Mrs. Nickolacita L. Torres of Sandia
Pueblo. He died April 10, 1952 while serving in F Company,
2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division.
He is buried in San Juan Pueblo Catholic Cemetery, San Juan
Pueblo, New Mexico. He was the recipient of a Bronze Star
for Valor.
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Under Baggage, Alfred
Born April 16, 1928 in Rapid City, South Dakota, Alfred was a
son of Charles and Nancy Take Under Baggage of Potato Creek,
South Dakota. He was an Oglala Sioux from the Pine Ridge
Agency and enlisted in the Army on November 18, 1947. He
trained at Fort Knox, Kentucky and then was stationed at Camp
Pickett, Virginia. He escorted the body of his older
brother Charles, whose body was being returned from a foreign
cemetery and reburied in the Black Hills National Cemetery,
Sturgis. Other duty stations for Alfred were Camp
Campbell, Kentucky; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Benning,
Georgia; Fort Lawton, Oklahoma; and Fort Meade, Maryland.
He reenlisted on July 13, 1950 at Fort Campbell and was then
sent to Korea. In Korea he was serving with A Battery,
57th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm), 7th Infantry Division,
when he was killed/missing in action in the Chosin Reservoir
campaign, North Korea. There is a memorial stone for him
at the Black Hills National Cemetery.
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W
Warlie, Will Yaney
Sergeant Warlie was born January 21, 1928, in the Sunland
Indian Reservation, Owens Valley, California, a son of Lee and
Francis E. Warlie (1908-1975). His sister was Kathy Warlie.
While serving in E Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, Sergeant
Warlie was killed in action December 03, 1950 in the Chosin
Reservoir campaign. He is buried in West Line Street
Cemetery, Inyo County, California.
Warrior, Rufus Charles Jr.
Corporal Warrior was a Gros Ventre Assiniboine tribe member.
He was born October 29, 1931 on the Fort Belnap Reservation, a
son of Rufus Charles "Bogey" Warrior Sr. (1883-1967) and
Jeanette Perry Warrior (1904-1998).
His siblings were Elizabeth Warrior Main (1927-2011), Christian
Stanislaus Warrior (1929-1998), Korean War/Vietnam War veteran
Kenneth Thomas Warrior (1933-2016), Wilfred Arthur Warrior
(1937-2021) and Franklin Joseph Warrior (1944-1944). He was serving in F Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry
Regiment when he was killed in action fighting for Old Baldy in
the Chorwon, Korea, area. He is buried in Saint Paul
Mission Cemetery, Hays, Montana.
Wewason, Raymond
Corporal Wewason was born in Wisconsin in 1922, the son of
Leo W. Wewason and Delia B. Wewason (born 1892). His
sisters was Mrs. Gilbert (Melvina) Shegonee of Crandon,
Wisconsin. Corporal Wewason was a Wisconsin Potawatomi
Indian, Laona Sub-Agency, Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin, who
attended high school for two years before joining the military.
He was killed in action on September 21, 1950 in the Taegu area
while serving in the 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry
Division.
Whitebear, Arthur John
Private First Class Whitebear was born August 18, 1927, the
son of Mrs. Elsie Whitebear of Welch, Minnesota. He was a
Winnebago Ho Chunk American Indian from the Tomah Indian School
Agency, Tomah, Wisconsin. He died December 02, 1950 at the
Chosin Reservoir while serving in C Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd
Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He is buried in
Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.
White Lightning, Peter
Private White Lightning was born October 18, 1928, the son of
Harry White Lightning (1894-1957) and Mary E. White Lightning
(later Thompson) (1896-1967). Of Sioux heritage, he was
killed in action on November 11, 1950 at Packcha-Dong North,
Sibyon-Ni area while serving in L Company, 3rd Battalion, 27th
Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. He is buried in
Saint Elizabeth Cemetery, Cannon Ball, North Dakota.
Whiterock, Gerald Benson
Private Whiterock was born November 18, 1934, a son of Mamie
Prentice Whiterock (1910-1998). Her sibling was Roderic W.
"Porkchop" Whiterock (1939-1983). The Whiterocks were from
the Western Shoshone Reservation, Shoshone Paiute Tribe in
Wisconsin. Private Whiterock was killed in action on July
09, 1953 at Pork Chop Hill in Korea while serving in C Company,
1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division.
He is buried in Owyhee East Side Cemetery, Owyhee, Nevada.
Wilson, Herbert
Private First Class Wilson was born July 31, 1926. From
New Mexico, he was serving in I Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th
Marines when he was killed in action in Korea on September 01,
1951 in the Punchbowl area. He is buried in Santa Fe
National Cemetery, Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was the son of
Mrs. Katherine Wilson of Zuni, New Mexico.
Woman Dress, Patrick Raymond
Private Woman Dress was born November 01, 1928. He was
an Oglala Sioux from the Pine Ridge Reservation and was a World
War II and Korean War veteran. He was killed in action on
September 24, 1951 at Heartbreak Ridge while serving in B
Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry
Division. He is buried in Holy Rosary Mission Cemetery,
Pine Ridge, South Dakota. The KWE believes that he was a
son of Edward and Lizzie Woman Dress.
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XYZ
Young Bear, Jasper Lee
Sergeant Young Bear was born November 6, 1929 and was a
member of the Grosventre tribe in North Dakota. He was
serving inK Company, 3rd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd
Infantry Division. He died on September 18, 1952 in the
battle for Old Baldy in the Chorwon area. Sergeant Young
Bear is buried in St. Josephs Catholic Cemetery, Twin Buttes,
North Dakota. He was the brother of L. Buddy Gwin.
Youngblood, James "Jim" Louis
Private First Class Youngblood was born September 05, 1929,
the son of Elmer Ray Youngblood (1894-1985) and Rosa L. King
Youngblood (1898-1994). His sister was Evelyn Y.
Youngblood Carnahan (born 1936). Jim was serving in H Company,
3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division when he
was killed in action at The Hook, Changmok-Tong, Korea, on
October 27, 1952. He is buried in Fern Park Cemetery,
Natchitoches, Louisiana. He was a Native American.
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Deaths Outside of Theatre
Black Tail Deer, Gerald
Private Black Tail Deer was serving in the United States
Marine Corps when he died of other causes at San Diego,
California, on August 15, 1951.
Brown, Tony H.
Born September 3, 1931, he was the son of Jake and Mary
Stewart Brown. While in service to his country he died of
internal injuries when the automobile he was in tipped over at
Chinle, Arizona. This Navajo Indian was a Pfc. in Sixth
Company, AUS 6230th Reception Center. He is buried in
Navajo Veterans Cemetery, Fort Defiance, Arizona.
Chato, Everett
Private First Class Chato was born January 16, 1934, a son of
Jack Chato (1893-1969) and Nedebah Roanhorse Chato (1899-1982).
His siblings were Ella Chato Begay, Monica and Moriah Chato,
Melvin Chato (1915-1974), Edgar Chato (1917-2003), Jeanette
Chato Thomas (1920-2014, Sadie Chato Hardy, Sallie Chato Johnny
(1925-2015), Nart Chato (1923-1960), John Chato (1929-1945),
Vincent Chato (1940-2007) and Yanebah Chato Francisco.
Everett Chato died on December 26, 1953 while serving in Japan (Kashiwara).
He is buried in the Navajo Veterans Cemetery, Fort Defiance,
Arizona.
Fairbanks, Franklin B. "Frank"
Born February 02, 1933, he was the son of Joseph Michael
"Mike" Fairbanks (1886-1974) and Grace N. Fairbanks (1894-1971),
and the half brother of Alfred W. Fairbanks (1926-2011).
He died on March 20, 1952 and his gravestone lists 3352 AF
Training Company. The KWE is unsure if he died stateside
or in Korea. He is buried in Saint Josephs Cemetery, Ball
Club, Minnesota. He is listed on an Ojibwe veterans
memorial website (www.ojibwe.org).
Miller, Ned
Private First Class Miller was born May 10, 1926 and died on
September 2, 1950 while in service in the 1st Assault Signal
Company, Headquarters Battalion, US Marine Corps. It is
unclear to the KWE where his death took place and the
circumstances. He is buried in the Navajo Memorial
Cemetery, Fort Defiance, Arizona.
Night Pipe, Ben Denver
Corporal Night Pipe was born in 1928, a son of Clarence Night
Pipe (1902-1962) and Winnie Prue Night Pipe (1908-1980).
Corporal Night Pipe was in Germany when he was fatally injured
on September 02, 1951. He accidentally fell over a bench
and struck his head on cobblestones at the Baumholder armored
force training group in the French Zone. His siblings were
Martha Night Pipe (1927-1932), Katherine Mary Willcuts
(1929-1999), Leona Harsin Gareaux (1932-2008), Bernice Verna
Willcuts (1934-1995). Velma Grace Reifel (1938-2017), Florine
Marie Fast Horse (1940-2014), and Willa Jean (1943-1967).
Corporal Night Pipe is buried in St. Peters Catholic Cemetery,
Okreek, South Dakota.
Platero, John B.
Corporal Platers was born January 28, 1932. He served
in Company K, 147th Infantry Regiment until he was discharged
February 20, 1954. He died four days later on February 24,
1954. His place of death or circumstances is unclear.
He is buried in the Navajo Memorial Cemetery, Fort Defiance,
Arizona.
Red Paint, Noah
Noah Red Paint was born October 20, 1927, at Pine Ridge,
Shannon County, South Dakota to Alfred Red Paint and Edna (Red
Paint) Soldier Hawk. Noah went to school at the No. 5 Day School
in Oglala. Noah first entered the service in January of 1948 at
Fort Warren, Wyoming, and served overseas from August of 1949
until November of 1951. After he returned to the United States,
Red Paint reenlisted at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. On June 3, 1953,
Private Noah Red Paint died at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He is
buried in Makasan Presbyterian Cemetery, Oglala, South Dakota.
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Native American Korean War Veterans of Note
Adams, Louis "Louie"
An acclaimed Salish elder, Adams was born on Flathead
Reservation near Missoula, Montana. He joined the Navy at
age 18 in 1951 and served aboard the USS Hubbard during the
Korean War. After his military service he returned to
Montana and began a 20-year career with the Bureau of Indian
Affairs and Tribal Forestry. He was also the historian of
the Salish people.
Amerson, James E. "Jim"
Born in 1931, he was the son of Lola Maud Johnston, a
Chickasaw enrollee. He served in the Korean War as combat
tank commander in the 175th Heavy Tank Company. After the
war he graduated from college and became a self-employed
engineer. He also taught at McCloud (Oklahoma) High
School, a football coach, and was director of Boys State in
Oklahoma.
Autry, Otwa T.
The military service of this Muscogee-Creek Indian in the
Oklahoma National Guard spanned 34 years. Working his way
up the ranks, he became division artillery commander. He
served in World War II and Korea, and during those wars he was
awarded the Silver Star, a Bronze Star, two bronze arrowhead for
amphibious landing, and ten battle stars. He was commander
of the 45th's 189th Field Artillery Unit until May 1952. The
189th delivered some of the heaviest artillery fire during the
battles for Hills 191 (T-Bone Ridge) and 275 (Old Baldy) during
the summer of 1952. Autry later became a Brigadier
General.
Baker, Colbert Latimer "Bud"
Born in 1925, Lieutenant Baker was a World War II and Korean
War veteran. During the Korean War he served on the USS
Toledo and USS Los Angeles. He was founder of the
family-owned Chickasaw Distributors, a company that earned $200
million annually. He was inducted into the Chickasaw Hall
of Fame in 2013 for his contributions to the Chickasaw people.
He died March 03, 2017 at the age of 91 in his home on Margo
Island, Florida.
Begay, Fred
Dr. Fred Begay, born in 1932 on the Ute Mountain Indian
Reservation in Colorado, is a Navajo nuclear physicist and
a Korean War veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force. Dr. Begay was profiled in the 1979 NOVA
documentary, The Long Walk of Fred Young. Besides
thermonuclear fusion, he has a strong interest in Navajo
religion.
Brave Heart, Basil
This Oglala Sioux and Korean War veteran led the effort to
change the name of Harney Peak in South Dakota to Black Elk
Peak. Black Elk Peak is located on federal land.
Campbell, Ben Nighthorse
Born April 13, 1933 in Auburn, California, his father was a
Northern Cheyenne. During the Korean War he served in the
Air Force from 1951 to 1953, gaining the rank of Airman Second
Class while stationed in Korea, where he served in a police
unit. After military service he
became a three-time US judo champion who won a gold medal in the
Pan-American Games 1963. The next year he was captain of
the US judo team at the Tokyo Olympics and later coached an
international judo team. From 1987 to 1993 he served as a
U.S. Representative. He was the only Native American US
Senator from 1993 to 2005.
Clark, Joseph James "Jocko"
Clark, a Cherokee, was the first Native American to obtain
the rank of admiral. In the Korean War he was commander of
the 7th Fleet. He was also the first Native American to
graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy (1917).
Emhoolah, John Jr.
John Emhoolah Jr. (Kiowa name Pbonh Goot Thay meaning Yellow
Bead), 91, was born on October 12, 1929 in Lawton, Oklahoma, the
eldest son to John Emhoolah Sr. and Matilda Aquodle Emhoolah.
He joined the Oklahoma Thunderbirds while still in high school,
and served in the Korean War. Later he helped lobby for
the passage of the Native American Religious Freedom Act. John entered his heavenly home on April 21, 2021 surrounded by
his loved ones in his home at Thornton, Colorado.
John was raised on the family homestead in the Anadarko area,
graduated high school from Riverside Indian School. In his
higher education, he attended Wichita State University and
completed his Bachelors of Education Degree at the Colorado
State University in Fort Collins, CO. On March 16, 1951 John
married Geneva Yeahquo at Ware's Chapel in Anadarko and with
God's grace and mercy this past March they celebrated their 70th
wedding anniversary.
John Emhoolah was a proud Korean War Veteran serving in the US
Army 45th Thunderbird Division, "B" Battery, 158th Field
Artillery from 1950-1952 and was honorably discharged. John
continued his support to American Indian veterans by serving on
the National Native American Veterans Memorial Advisory
Committee to create a national memorial for all to learn of the
proud and courageous tradition of service of Native Americans in
the Armed Forces of the US. This memorial was dedicated in
November 2020 in a prominent location of the NMAI on the
National Mall where the legacy of the enduring and distinguished
service of Native American veterans in every branch of US
military will receive the national recognition it deserves.
After serving in the military, John began his working career at
the Boeing Company as a Draftsman Engineer in Wichita, KS and
Everett, WA. In 1970 he began his educational career in Seattle,
Washington as Director for the Seattle Public Schools Indian
Education Program and soon became the Assistant Dean for Green
River Community College in Auburn, WA. During this period John
held the position as Professor for the University of Washington
and created the Native American Studies program. He co-founded
and the first Chairman for the United Tribes Indian Foundation,
founder and first Chairman for Seattle Indian Health Board, and
founder, President of the Northwest Inter-tribal Club and held
several other civic positions in the Seattle area. One of his
favorite accomplishments was providing the Washington State
Government officials to mediate a compromise between the tribes
and state and they settled for a 50/50 split on fishing rights
in the early 70's.
In 1975, John accepted a position with the American Indian
Higher Education Consortium in Denver, Colorado. John assisted
with the lobbying efforts for educational funding for tribal
colleges; he assisted in the planning and openings of several
tribal colleges that are still in existence today. He worked
briefly at the Kiowa Tribe as Deputy Tribal Administrator and in
1997 he accepted the position as Director for the Adams County
Five Star Schools Indian Education program support services to
American Indian students and creating awareness of American
Indian history, culture, & contemporary issues. He retired
honorably and logged in over 50 years of service in the field of
education.
John led the Denver Indian community for many years � people
from many tribal nations across the country �in breathing new
life into their heritage. We are proud that much of the American
Indian culture is preserved due to his dedicated efforts and his
commitment in educating educational systems from K-12 to
colleges and universities with Native American studies including
Harvard, Yale and Princeton. John Emhoolah works to build
bridges of understanding between cultures. John voiced his
belief that "We are all connected, we all need each other".
He was a co-founder of the internationally famous Denver March
Pow-wow where he served in numerous leadership roles of the
Denver March Powwow Committee. He volunteered countless hours to
advisory roles for Native American Resource Group at the Denver
Museum of Nature and Science, Denver Public Schools, Denver
Mayor's Advisory Council, University of Denver, University of
Colorado, Denver Art Museum, Tesoro Cultural Center, History
Colorado, Tallbull Memorial Council, and has received many, many
achievement awards including the recipient of the Martin Luther
King, Jr. Award, Tesoro Foundation Honored Veteran, DMNS
Educator of Year Award and National Indian Education Association
Educator of the Year Award.
John maintained an active role in his traditional Kiowa
societies and was a member of the O-Ho-Mah War Dance Society,
Kiowa Gourd Clan, Kiowa Black Leggings Society Ton-Kon-Gah and a
lifetime member of the Kiowa Native American Church. John
carried his message of traditional spiritual ways and believed
in prayer and prayed for all people. He was inspirational in the
passage of the American Indian Religious Act in the 1980's.
He is survived by his wife Geneva Emhoolah of Thornton, CO;
three daughters; Glenna Emhoolah of Carnegie, OK, Deb Emhoolah
and companion Manny Saumpty of Anadarko, OK, Cheryl Cozad and
husband Andrew Cozad of Northglenn, CO. Five brothers; Parker
Emhoolah of Lawton, OK, Farrell Emhoolah of Albuquerque, NM,
Lonnie Emhoolah of Lawton, OK, Michael Emhoolah of Oklahoma
City, OK and Richard Emhoolah of Idabel, OK. Six grandchildren;
Crystal Whiteshield of Billings, MT, Kaylen Tofpi of Carnegie,
OK, Leonard K. Cozad of Denver, CO, Raelene Whiteshield of
Northglenn, CO, John Cozad of Northglenn, CO, Ned Tofpi of
Albuquerque, NM and Ray Eagleboy Whiteshield of Moore, OK.
Fifteen great-grandchildren Arianne Sheka, Matthew Sheka,
Maximus Sheka, Rhiannon Eaglespeaker, Daisy Eaglespeaker, Joslyn
Runningwolf, Josie Runningwolf, Wades Runningwolf, Michaela
Runningwolf, Charlie Whiteshield Rayelee Ann Whiteshield, Gerald
Tahkofper, Alysa Tahkofper, Karlee Tahkofper, and Michael Roger
Tofpi. Two great-great granddaughters; Raine and Blaire. Adopted
relatives; brother Kenny Scabbyrobe family of Whiteswan, WA,
Brother Dennis Bighair family of Garryowen, MT, Son Patrick
Goggles Family of Ethete, WY, Son John Yellowmule of Wyola, MT,
Son Lanny Realbird family of Crow Agency, MT, son Florentine
Bluethunder, and late brother Gail Baker Sr. family. Numerous
other relatives and adopted relatives across Indian Country and
Canada.
He is preceded in death by his parents John and Matilda Emhoolah,
brother Hubert Emhoolah, sister Annette Emhoolah Garza, sister
Doris Emhoolah Jake, cousin Milney Dawes, niece Karen Harrison,
nephew Patrick Emhoolah, nephew Michael Emhoolah and
great-granddaughter Allison Eaglespeaker.
Grant, Saginaw Morgan
A Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War, he was born July
20, 1936, son of Austin Grant Sr. and Sarah Murray Grant, at
Pawnee Indian Hospital, Pawnee, Oklahoma. A member
of the Sac-n-Fox, Iowa and Otoe-Missouria Nations, he was a
big screen and television actor, dancer, and motivational
speaker. He died July 28, 2021.
McGaa, Ed "Eagle Man"
He was born April 16, 1936 on the Pine Ridge Indian
Reservation in South Dakota. He was a member of the Pglala
Lakota tribe and author of popular books on Native American
spirituality and ecology. He was a U.S. Marine Corps
veteran of the Korean War and a decorated Vietnam War veteran.
One of the founders of Democracy Corps, a liberal political
research group. Went on 110 combat missions in Vietnam.
He died August 25, 2017.
Mossman, Douglas Kinilau
Born April 07, 1933 in Honolulu, Hawaii, this native Hawaiian
graduated from Kamehameha schools in 1950 and then served six
years in the military, including action in the Korean War.
From 1959 to 1963 he played security officer Moke on the
television series Hawaiian Eye. In 1974 he became a
series regular on Hawaii Five-O as Detective Frank Hamana.
He made appearances on Magnum P.I., The Brian Keith
Show, The Jeffersons, Hart to Hart, Love
Boat, and Jake the Fatman. He made television
commercials, did charity work, and was president of the Honolulu
Boy Choir. Mossman, the son of Douglas and Mary Napahuelua
Needham Mossman, died on May 18, 2021.
Muldrow, Hal L. Jr.
Major General Hal L. Muldrow Jr., a Choctaw Indian, commanded the
45th Infantry Division's artillery division in the Korean War
from December 10, 1951 to May 22, 1952.
Murphy, Henry R. "Hank"
Hank Murphy was born and raised on the Sycuan Indian
Reservation. He left the reservation at the age of 17 to
join the Marine Corps, but returned and now lives on the Sycuan
Indian Reservation in El Cajon, California. He founded the
Sycuan Fire Department in 1974, served on the Sycuan Tribal
government for more than 30 years, and is a Sycuan Kumeyaay
Indian Elder. As a key Sycuan Councilman, he helped
establish the modern Sycuan Casino in the late 1980s. In
dozens of ways he and his wife Shirley Apple Murphy are
extremely active in promoting a better life for Native
Americans.
O'Jibway, Louis Austin
This Chippewa was a decorated World War II combat veteran and
was serving in the Army Reserves during the Korean War.
From 1952 to 1959 he was periodically called to active duty.
In the Fall of 1951 O'Jibway left his job as a security guard
and went to work for the United States government as a
clandestine paramilitary officer at the CIA. He died in
August of 1965 in a helicopter crash in the Mekong River in
Laos.
Parker, Clifford Gerard
Clifford Gerard Parker, 76, of Cherokee passed away December
1, 2012. Gerard is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee and
formerly served as the Principal Chief, Vice Chief for six years
and as a Tribal Council Member for the Painttown Community for
sixteen years. Gerard served the tribe for more than twenty
years and was a United State Army Veteran of the Korean War.
Gerard is survived by two sisters: Elba Crain and Christine
Parker Buchanan, three brothers: Carroll, Don and Thomas Parker
and children: Forrest Gerard Parker, Joshua Thomas Parker, James
R. Welch, Brad Parker, Gerena Parker and Lori Lambert. Gerard
also has twelve grandchildren and thirty-three nieces and
nephews. Gerard was preceded in death by his parents Flora and
Ben Parker and a daughter, Lisa Parker.
A private funeral service will be followed by a Memorial
Celebration of Life, December 10, 2012 at the Joyce Dugan
Cultural Arts Center, Cherokee Central School. The public is
invited to attend the Celebration of Life which will begin at
1pm. Memorials may be made in honor of Gerard to the Cherokee
Indian Hospital Foundation, Caller Box C-268, Cherokee, North
Carolina 28719.
Secondine, Scott
Scott Secondine is a Shawnee tribal elder and gourd dancer
who is one of six ceremonial elder men at the Shawnee Ceremonial
Grounds. He has served on the tribal business council for many
years and serves as secretary on the Board of Directors of the
Claremore Indian Hospital. Secondine is a Korean War veteran.
Slavin, Roy
A Potawatomi, Slavin was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, in
1933, son of Roy and Irene Slavin. He entered the army at
age 17 in 1950. After basic at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, he
attended and finished electronics school. He was awarded Q
Clearance by the Atomic Energy Commission for a tour of duty at
Eniwetok in the Marshall Islands. He participated in
Operation Greenhouse, a program for thermonuclear testing and
the testing of the first hydrogen bomb. He was eye witness
to four thermonuclear explosions. He was honorable
discharged in March of 1953. From 1966 to 2008 he worked
for the Internal Revenue Service. From 2008 to 2020 he was
legislator for District 1 with the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.
He and his wife Julia were married in May of 1952 and they have
three children, Rod, David, and Verna.
Soldier Wolf, Mark
A member of the Arapaho tribe, he joined the US Marine Corps
and served in the Korean War. His return to the Wind River
Indian Reservation in 1952 was witnessed by his 102-year-old
ancestor, Pretty Nose, who participated in the Battle of Little
Bighorn. Mark Soldier Wolf became a tribal elder.
Stevens, Ernie Sr.
Ernie Stevens Sr., Oneida, served numerous leadership
positions including as executive director of the Los Angeles
Indian Center, the Institute for Community Anti-Poverty
Corporation, the Inter-Tribal Council of California, the Indian
Action Project in Arizona, the American Indian Policy Review
Commission and served on the L.A. Human Rights Commission, He
was First Vice President of the National Congress of American
Indians and the first Staff Director to the Senate Select
Committee on Indian Affairs. He advocated for sovereignty,
self-determination, self-governance and Native rights for nearly
half a century. Serving with the Bureau of Indian Affairs,
Stevens was integral to changing the course of Indian Policy
from an era of termination to tribal self-determination. A U.S.
Marine Corps combat veteran, serving during the Korean War, he
earned the Korean Unit citation and the Korean Service medal
with three battle stars. He was awarded the Leon Grant Spirit of
the Community Award by the Phoenix Indian Center. [Source:
www.indianz.com]
Stevens, John
John Stevens was born August 8, 1933 at Passamaquoddy Indian
Township Reservation in Maine. He is a son of George and
Maria Stevens and sibling of George, Mille, Madeline, Gene,
Benjamin, Richard, Mildred, Rita and Phyllis. He attended
Princeton High School in Princeton, Maine and then enlisted in
the US Marine Corps, serving three years during the Korean War.
After active duty he served six years with the Marine Corps
Reserve. After his military service he became chief of the
Passamaquoddy Tribe, was first commissioner of Indian Affairs
for the State of Maine, and was a tribal councilor. He and
his wife Carol are parents of eight children.
Stillday, Thomas "Tommy" Jr.
Born February 20, 1934 on a Ojibwe reservation, Tommy
Stillday Jr. was the spiritual leader of the Red Lake Nation of
Minnesota. He served in the Army for 12 years and int he
Korean War he was a combat engineer. Stillday was an
expert in the Ojibwe language, a championship grass dancer and a
singer. He used the Ojibwe language to develop codes for
the military. From 1997 to 1999 he was the Minnesota State
Senate chaplain. He died on October 14, 2008 and is buried
in the Family Burial Grounds, Ponemah, Minnesota. He was
survived by his wife Mary Lou, three daughters, three sons, and
numerous grandchildren.
Tanyan, Edwin
Tanyan was the son of Nina and Sally Tanyan. He
graduated from Butner High School near Cromwell, Oklahoma, and
attended Oklahoma City University for two and a half years.
He served in World War II and received a Purple Heart after
being wounded in that war. During the Korean War he
received three Bronze Stars with valor. From 1973 to 1977 and
1985-1989 he was Chief of the Seminole Nation.
Tessier, Robert W.
Born June 2, 1934, Lowell (Middlesex County), Massachusetts, he
died October 11, 1990. Buried in Saint Josephs Cemetery,
Chelmsford (Middlesex County), Massachusetts. Robert Tessier
was an actor primarily known for his powerful build, scowling
face and shaven head. He was an Algonquin Indian who broke into
the acting profession in the late sixties. Typically cast as the
tough guy/villain or Native American (which he was), he was a
mainstay in movies and television in a career that spanned over
twenty years. His first movie role was in the 1967 Tom Laughlin
film, The
Born Losers (the
film which introduced the "Billy Jack" character) in which he
played a biker named "Cueball". Ironically, Robert sported a
full head of hair in this film (despite the name of his
character) and this was also a nickname by which he was
affectionately known by in real life by his friends. He was also
a lifelong motorcyclist (who once performed motorcycle stunts in
the circus) and formed the company "Stunts Unlimited" with
Director Hal Needham. As a young man, Robert Tessier also
received four Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, and a Silver Star
for his military service during the Korean War. (He was a PFC
and a paratrooper in the US Army's 45th ID.) Although Robert
Tessier starred in a vast number of movies and TV roles over his
career, probably two of his best remembered movie roles were as
the menacing, karate-wielding convict, 'Shokner' in the 1974
comedy-drama The
Longest Yard with
Burt Reynolds (whom he counted as one of his friends) and as
'Kevin' in the 1977 mystery-thriller, The
Deep.
He even ventured into the realm of TV commercials during his
career, as Mr. Clean and in a series of commercials in the
eighties for Midas Mufflers in Canada with other high-profile
stars such as Lee Van Cleef, Jack Palance and Bo Hopkins.
(Biography written by Todd Young - with additions by the KWE.)
Wanatee, Donald Wellington Sr.
Donald Wellington Wanatee Sr., 88, of Tama, died on
Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at his home on the Meskwaki Settlement
in rural Tama under the care of his family and UnityPoint
Hospice-Grinnell. Traditional Graveside Services at the McIntosh
Cemetery on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama with Larry
Lasley Sr. as speaker. Head Pallbearer-Wayne Pushetonequa and
Pallbearers-Lucius Bear, Bryant Bear, Richard Wolf, Cordell
Bear, Larnell Bear, Jarvis Bear, Trevor Mauskemo, and Adonis
Lasley. Head Cook- Avis Bear. A Traditional Wake will be held
Thursday evening at the Eagle Clan Ceremonial Building on the
Meskwaki Settlement.
Donald was born on January 4, 1933, in Toledo, Iowa, the son of
Frank David Wanatee Sr. and Jean Adeline (Morgan) Wanatee. He
graduated from Tama High School, attended college at Central,
Luther, Iowa State, and earned a Master's Degree in Social Work
from the University of Iowa. Donald served his country in the
U.S. Navy during the Korean War from 1951-1955 on the USS
Chowanoc.
On May 15, 1970, he married Priscilla Lasley in LeGrand, Iowa.
Donald was a social worker where he was a specialist for ICWA.
He served on the Meskwaki Annual Pow Wow Association, the
Meskwaki Tribal Council, office of the State Archaeologist
Indian Advisory Council, Democratic Committees on the County,
State, and National levels, and served as Executive Director of
the Meskwaki Tribe. Donald was a Meskwaki man who lived a
traditional Meskwaki life. In his spare time, he enjoyed
reading, writing, talking and cartography. Donald loved spending
time with his best friend and wife, Priscilla, his family and
grandkids.
Survivors include his wife, Priscilla; siblings, Elizabeth
Roberts, Marian Davenport, Darrel Wanatee, Frank Wanatee Jr.,
and Sunni Joy all of the Meskwaki Settlement; children, David
Clark II, Dawn Suzanne, Heather, Donnielle, Donetta, Donica,
Donnae, and Donald Jr. all of the Meskwaki Settlement;
grandchildren, Christopher, Carolyn, Caitlin, Clarissa, Thane,
Quinn, Megan, Jay Jr., Jaycob, Jaylynn, Loveena, Viviana, and
Natalia; and many great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death
were his parents, and siblings, David Clark, Ethelyn, and
Frances.
[KWE Note: Source: Kruse~Phillips Funeral Home, Toledo, Iowa,
and Findagrave website.]
Whitebird, Albert L. Sr.
Chief of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa,
Albert Whitebird attended grade school at Odanah and high school
in Flandreau, South Dakota. Born December 5, 1926, he
enlisted in the Navy and was honorably discharged after four
years of service. When the Korean War broke out he again
joined the military, this time in the US Army. He received
a Silver Star for heroic action in the Korean War. He
married Hazel Frances Bashina (1934-2019) in 1955 and they were
the parents of eight children. He was the great-great
grandson of Chief Wa-bish-Ke-benais (Whitebird). He died
August 15, 1975, and is buried in Bad River Cemetery.
Back to Page Contents
Native American Females - Korean War Veterans
Arviso, Shirley M.
Shirley M. Arviso, a Navajo of the Bitter Water Clan, served
in the Navy from 1953 through 1963. She was the Communications
Officer in charge of a group of people who decrypted classified
messages. [Source: Native American Heritage Programs website.
Lenape (Delaware Indian) culture and contributions.]
Corbine, Buena Beatrice "Kitty" (later Province)
Born July 26, 1930, Corporal Corbine was a daughter of David
and Nellie Nickence Corbine of Wisconsin. She served in
the US Army during the Korean War. Kitty Province died
January 30, 2001 in Cleveland, Ohio. Her brother Pfc.
Fredrick Allen "Fritz" Corbine was killed in action in the
Korean War. The Corbines were Chippewa Indians from Lac
Courte Oreilles Reservation in Wisconsin.
Fender, Verna
Verna Fender
|
She joined the Navy during the Korean War and trained at
Bainbridge, Maryland. She was severely injured in basic,
and was sent to a Navy hospital for rehab. After recovery
she returned to Bainbridge to complete her training and was then
assigned to a base in San Diego. For three years she
worked in berthing and sectioning, supply and ordnance.
[Source: Native American Heritage Programs website. Lenape
(Delaware Indian) culture and contributions.]
King, Anna Jacobs "Jake"
Of Muscogee (Creek) heritage, Anna was 24 years old when she
joined the Army Nurse Corps. She was accepted into the
training program on January 1, 1950. When the Korean War
broke out she was sent to an evacuation hospital in Korea that
received patients from the MASH units on the front lines.
She returned to the United States in July 1951 and continued in
the Nurse Corps. In the late 1970s she served in Panama.
Anna King was from Okmulgee, Oklahoma.
Lovelady, Marjorie Montgomery
Born in Springfield, Missouri, she joined the Army and had
basic training at Ft. Lee, Virginia in 1950. She received her
wings during paratrooper training with the 82nd Airborne of the
3rd Army Unit 3420 at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. From 1950 to
1954 she worked with MASH units at Pusan, Seoul, Chosin, and
other sites. She was discharged on February 16, 1954. Her
Cherokee name was "Many Tears".
Peshlakai, Sarah Mae
A member of the Navajo tribe from Crystal, New Mexico, she
enlisted in the Women's Army Corps in 1951 and served until
1957. She trained as a medical specialist and was assigned
to Yokohama Army Hospital in Japan where she helped to care for
casualties from the Korean War front. [Source: Native
American Heritage Programs website. Lenape (Delaware Indian)
culture and contributions.]
Reeves, Julia Helen Nashannay
Mrs. Reeves, a Potawatomie, received her nurse's training at
Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She
enlisted in the army nurse's corps and then 2nd Lieutenant
Nashannay was assigned to the 52nd Evacuation Hospital in New
Caledonia during World War II. She also was assigned to
temporary duty on the hospital ship Solace. In 1943
she was assigned to the 23rd Station Hospital. After
leaving the military she married, but returned to active duty
during the Korean War, serving with the 804th Station Hospital
in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Rexroat, Ola Mildred "Millie"
Born August 29, 1917 in Ogden, Kansas, she was a daughter of
Ulysses Stewart Rexroat (a white man) and Clara Peck (an Oglala
Lakota). Millie was from the Pine Ridge Indian
Reservation. She worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs
at a reservation in Gallup, New Mexico, and at the National War
College in Washington, D.C. She received a pilot's license
and joined the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPS) in 1944.
Her job as the ONLY Native American WASP in World War II was to
tow targets from her aircraft as target practice for aerial
gunnery cadets. The WASP program was short-lived, but
Millie went on to serve in the military during the Korean War.
She was later an air traffic controller for the Federal Aviation
Administration. Millie, whose nickname in the WASPS was
"Sexy Rexy", died June 28, 2017 at the age of 99 in Hot Springs,
South Dakota. She is buried in Arlington National
Cemetery.
Ross, Pearl
Pearl Ross, a member of the Arikara Tribe from the Fort
Berthold Reservation, joined the Air Force in 1953, and trained
as a medical specialist. Her first assignment was to the Air
Force hospital in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Pearl was then assigned to
Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, where she worked in the 865th
Medical Group at SAC HQ. During the Vietnam era, she saw many
men who had been wounded in the combat theater. Pearl
volunteered for overseas duty, but was turned down because the
Air Force was hesitant to send women to Vietnam. [Source:
Native American Heritage Programs website. Lenape (Delaware
Indian) culture and contributions.]
Schulz, Eldora Lydia "Jenny" Drumbeater
Born December 12, 1930 in Onigum, Minnesota, daughter of
Thomas F. and Erma E. Beaulieu Drumbeater, she was a member of
the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and a US Army veteran of the
Korean War. Jenny married Chesley Waldo Schulz and they
had a daughter, Pepi Andrea Schulz. Jenny died November
08, 2015 and is buried in Abundant Life Memorial Gardens, New
Albany, Indiana.
Thayer, Beatrice "Bea" Coffey
A member of the Reno Sparks Indian Colony, Bea Coffey served
in the Army during World War II and into the 1970s. She
was a member of the Army of Occupation in Germany and was in
Germany when the Berlin Wall went up.
Back to Page Contents
Code Talkers Who Served in the Korean War
Thanks to some 800 members of the Navajo Nation, the United
States could send radio messages with an unbreakable code.
That code was the native language of the Navajo. Members of
other tribes were also code talkers in World War II and the Korean
War. Some World War II Code Talkers served in Korea, but not
necessarily as code talkers.
Bedoni, Sidney
Born March 10, 1923 in Navajo Mountain, Utah (Salt and
Bitterwater Navajo clans), he enlisted in the Marine Corps and
became a Navajo code talker during his service in World War II
(October 20, 1942-January 18, 1946). He reenlisted in the
military, this time joining the Army to serve in the Korean War
April 21, 1948 to October 23, 1952. He died June 08, 2014.
Begay, Thomas H.
Known as a "windtalker", Begay served in the 5th Division,
U.S. Marine Corps in World War II. He was on Iwo Jima from
February 17 to March 27, 1945. This Navajo also served in
the Korean War. Thomas H. Begay was just 16 years old when
he enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces. During the Battle of Iwo
Jima, Private First Class Begay transmitted hundreds of secret
messages over the radio network in 1945. He then served in the
U.S. Army during the Korean War as a parachutist, glider-man and
in combat.
Hawthorne, Roy Sr.
He joined the Marine Corps at age 19 and during World War II
he was a code talker. Later he joined the Army and served
in Korea, although not as a code talker. He died in April
of 2018 at the age of 92. From Findagrave: "A Navajo Code
Talker who used his native language to confound the Japanese in
World War II has died. The Navajo Nation says Roy Hawthorne Sr.
died Saturday April 21. He was 92. Hawthorne was the vice
president of the Navajo Code Talkers Association. During World
War II, he served with the 1st Marine Division in the Pacific
Theatre. After World War II he joined Army, served in the Korean
War and was promoted to corporal. “We acknowledge Navajo Code
Talker Hawthorne’s service to our nation and to the United
States of America, as well as the sacrifices of his family,”
Vice President of Navajo Nation Jonathan Nez said. “One of the
projects he worked hard for was to create a museum for the
Navajo Code Talkers – we will continue working on this in his
honor and in honor of all Navajo Code Talkers.” Hawthorne was 17
when he enlisted in the Marine Corps. After attending Camp
Pendleton for several months for training, he was first shipped
to Guadalcanal, which was then secured by the Americans. Later,
he fought in the Battle of Okinawa. “When I was inducted into
the Marine Corps and I raised my hand and swore allegiance to
the United States of America, and I became a Marine, that’s when
I became somebody. That’s when the whole world realized it
wasn’t true that the Native Americans were non-achievers. That
they were achievers,” Hawthorne said in a videotaped interview.
“That’s what makes me very proud of the fact that we were chosen
to do this specific task. And so we did.” Hawthorne was one of
the most visible survivors of the group. He appeared at public
events and served as vice president of a group representing the
men. Code Talker Hawthorne was preceded in death by his wife,
Jayne Hawthorne. He is survived by five children and 13
grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 26 at
5:00 p.m. at Rollie Mortuary in Tse Bonito, N.M., followed by a
funeral service on Friday, April 27 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at
Tsé Si áni Baptist Church in Lupton, Arizona"
Nez, Chester
The last of the 29 Navajos who developed a code that stumped
the Japanese during World War II has died. Chester Nez, of
Albuquerque, New Mexico, died Wednesday morning of kidney
failure, said Judy Avila, who helped Nez write his memoirs. He
was 93. Before hundreds of men from the Navajo Nation became
Code Talkers, 29 Navajos were recruited to develop the code
based on the then-unwritten Navajo language. Nez was in 10th
grade when he enlisted, keeping his decision a secret from his
family and lying about his age, as did many others. "It's one of
the greatest parts of history that we used our own native
language during World War II," Nez told The Associated Press in
2009. "We're very proud of it."
Of the 250 Navajos who showed up at Fort Defiance — then a U.S.
Army base — 29 were selected to join the first all-Native
American unit of Marines. They were inducted in May 1942. Nez
became part of the 382nd Platoon. Using Navajo words for red
soil, war chief, clan, braided hair, beads, ant and hummingbird,
for example, they came up with a glossary of more than 200 terms
that later was expanded and an alphabet. Nez has said he was
concerned the code wouldn't work. At the time, few non-Navajos
spoke the language. Even Navajos who did couldn't understand the
code. It proved impenetrable. The Navajos trained in radio
communications were walking copies of the code. Each message
read aloud by a Code Talker was immediately destroyed. "The
Japanese did everything in their power to break the code but
they never did," Nez said in 2010.
After World War II, Nez volunteered to serve two more years
during the Korean War. He retired in 1974 after a 25-year career
as a painter at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Albuquerque.
Nez was eager to tell his family about his role as a Code
Talker, Avila said, but he couldn't. The mission wasn't
declassified until 1968. The accolades came much later, and the
Code Talkers now are widely celebrated. The original group
received Congressional Gold Medals in 2001, and a movie based on
the Code Talkers was released the following year. They have
appeared on television and in parades and routinely are asked to
speak to veterans groups and students. Nez threw the opening
pitch at a 2004 Major League Baseball game and offered a
blessing for the presidential campaign of John Kerry. In 2012,
he received a bachelor's degree from the University of Kansas,
where he abandoned his studies in fine arts after money from his
GI Bill ran out.
Despite having both legs partially amputated due to diabetes
and being confined to a wheelchair, Avila said Nez loved to
travel and tell his story. "He always wanted to go, he loved
meeting people," she said. "And with something like kidney
failure, it comes really gradually. At the end, he was really
tired." [Source: Findagrave] (Born: 1/23/1921. Died
6/04/2014)
Pinto, Guy
Pinto was born October 13, 1923, son of Jay and Esther Pinto.
He was a Navajo Code Talker in the Marine Corps during World War
II and the Korean War. He died July 1, 2000 in
Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is buried in Greenlawn Cemetery,
Farmington, New Mexico.
Red Elk, Roderick
Born January 23, 1923, he was a World War II Code Talker for
the Army. He also served in the Korean War. His wife
was Helen Mae Jackson Red Elk. Roderick died September 25,
1997 and is buried in Deyo Mission Cemetery, Lawton, Oklahoma.
Shay, Charles Norman
An elder of Maine's Penobscot tribe, Shay served in the Army
in World War II and Korea. He earned a Bronze Star, Silver
Star, and Legion of Honor award.
Soldier Wolf, Mark
He was an Arapaho tribal elder who served in the US Marine
Corps during the Korean War.
Wanatee, Donald W. Sr.
Well-known for his advocacy of Native American Indians,
Wanatee was a member of the Meskwaki tribe. During the
Korean War he served in the Navy aboard the USS Chowanoc,
where he taught five fellow shipmates the Meskwaki language as
code used in test shots. [See Notables section for further
details.]
Back to Page Contents
Alaskan Native American Korean War Fatalities
Demoski, Edward
Corporal Demoski was born in Alaska in 1931, son of Peter and
Melinia Derendoff Demoski. He was a Koyukon Athabascan
Native American. He was serving in A Company, 1st
Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division when he
was killed in action at the Chosin Reservoir. He was the
brother of Justine Demoski and Mrs. Phillip Albert.
Harris, Paul
Sergeant Harris was born November 03, 1920, the son of
William Kanosh Harris and Annie Eldermar (possibly Altermar)
Harris. He was a Native American Tlinget. He was
serving in C Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd
Infantry Division, when he was captured at the Chongchon River,
Kujang area on November 26, 1950. He died while prisoner
on February 04, 1951. There is a monument to him in the
Evergreen Cemetery, Juneau, Alaska.
McLeod, Walter L.
Walter was born July 8, 1929 in Ketchikan, Alaska, son of
Walter L. and Marian Bell McLeod. His mother was a Native
American, Haida Tribe. Walter was serving in A Company,
1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division,
when he was killed in action at Changnyong, Korea. He is
buried in Bay View Cemetery, Ketchikan, Alaska. He
enlisted in the army on November 04, 1946 and was a World War
II/Korean War veteran.
Back to Page Contents
Native Hawaiians Killed in the Korean War
[KWE Note: The following paragraph was written by Robert C.
Schmitt and appeared in the Hawaiian History Journal, Volume
32 (1998):
"Personnel with a pre-service residence in Hawai'i who served
in the Korean conflict were estimated at 25,000. Those killed in
battle during that war numbered 403. Those with non-mortal
wounds, 923. Data for non-battle deaths by states are
unavailable."
Fatality List [incomplete]
Aki, Clarence Halona
He was born January 24, 1924 in Pearl City, Hawaii, son of
Samuel and Alice Aki of Lahauna, Maui, Hawaii. He enlisted
in the Army on January 30, 1946 and later served in the Enlisted
Reserve Corps. He was recalled to active duty in the
Korean War. He was serving in Headquarters Battery, 555th
Field Artillery Battalion (105mm), 5th Regimental Combat Team
when he was taken prisoner of war near Pongam-ni, South Korea,
in the Pusan Perimeter on August 12, 1950. He was survived
by a son Thomas, who was 1 1/2 years old at the time his father
went missing. Thomas later served in the Army 1966 to
1970. From 1967 to 1970 he served with the 1st Cavalry
Division (Airborne) in Vietnam. Clarence Aki was a
Chinese-Hawaiian.
Akina, Frederick Keala
Private Akina was born May 12, 1931, a son of Enos Kealohanui
Akina (1899-1995) and Mary Ah Hun Nawai Akina (Chong)
(1903-1972). His siblings were Samuel (1919-2010), Paul
(1920-2009), Andew F. (1936-1953), and Vincent L. (1927-1981).
Frederick was killed in action near Kumsong, Korea, on June 17,
1952 while serving in L Company, 3rd Battalion, 40th Infantry
Division. He is buried in Makawao Veterans Cemetery,
Makawao, Maui, Hawaii. He was Hawaiian.
Apao, George
Born June 30, 1929, he was serving in the 9th Infantry
Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division when he was killed in
action on March 01, 1951 in Korea. He is buried in the
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu. He
was the brother of David Apao (1925-1997). He was
Hawaiian.
Apo, August Lawrence
Born August 31, 1933, Private Apo was serving in D Company,
1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division when
he was killed in action in Korea on September 26, 1952. He
is buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
He was Hawaiian.
Asau, Albert Harry
Private First Class Asau was born February 15, 1930. He
was serving in G Company, 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment,
24th Infantry Division when he became missing in action on March
8, 1951. He was later presumed dead. There is a
marker for him in East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery, Hilo, Hawaii.
He was Hawaiian.
Kaho'ohanohano, Pfc. Anthony
See Medal of Honor section.
Pilila'au, Herbert Kailieha
Born October 10, 1928, Pfc. Pilila'au was killed in action on
Heartbreak Ridge. [See Medal of Honor section of this
page.] He was a son of William Kaluhi Pililaau and Abigail
K.K. Pililaau. His siblings were brothers William Jr., James,
Antone, Albert, Edward, Moses, Melvin, and Robert, and sisters,
Abigail Pilillaau Basso, Agnes Pililaau Kim, and Mercy Pililaau.
He was Hawaiian.
Torres, Roberto Rodrigues
Back to Page Contents
Remembering Our Native American Veterans
[KWE Note: Join us in honoring living and deceased Native
American Korean War veterans who survived the Korean War by
contacting Lynnita@thekwe.org.]
Adams, George Edwin
A veteran of the US Navy, Adams served from 1940 to 1964.
He participated in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam
War. Born in California but later living in Ohio, he was
an American Indian (Cherokee and Blackfoot) and Alaskan Native.
Adams, Jerome
A Devil's Lake Sioux, Private First Class Adams served with
the Army's 2nd Infantry Division. He was evacuated after
receiving gunshot wounds in the back, chest and arms, and also
shrapnel wounds in his legs.
Anoatubby, Gene
A Chickasaw, he is a Korean War veteran and retired Assembly
of God minister.
Apauty, Curtis
He was a fireman first class during the Korean War and a
Comanche.
Atchavit, Robert A.
He was a sergeant in the Korean War and a Comanche.
Bad Cob, Sylvester
He was a World War II and Korean War veteran.
Baker,
Bell, Melvin Kealoha Sr.
Born in Hilo, Hawaii on January 25, 1920, Bell began his
career in the military as a radioman for the Coast Guard.
Master Chief Bell's active military service was from 1938 to
1958. He died September 09, 2018 in Westminster,
California, and is buried in Riverside National Cemetery,
Riverside, California.
Benedict, Charles "Chuck"
A member of the Turtle Clan, Benedict served in the Army in
1955-1956. He received a medical discharge because he was
deaf in one ear after artillery discharged near him.
Big Bear, George Louis
Born July 04, 1933 in White Earth, Minnesota, he died August
29, 1993 in Hennepin County, Minnesota. He is buried in
Saint Theodores Cemetery, Pine Point, Minnesota. He was
the son of Charles and Katherine Rock Big Bear. He served
in the Army in Korea.
Brave, Charles Curtis
Born August 14, 1932 in Pawhuska, this half Cherokee/half
Osage was drafted into the army in 1953. After basic
training at Fort Leonard Wood, he was shipped to Korea with
Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment.
He was a driver of a tanker truck that brought food, ammunition
and other supplies to the men fighting on Old Baldy. He
was discharged as a private first class in December of 1954.
After the war he worked with heavy equipment and then as a
commercial union carpenter. From 1990 to 2007 he did
mission work in Brazil helping to build churches.
Brave Heart, Joseph P.
Born December 07, 1927 in Kyle, South Dakota, he was a
private in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. He died
January 19, 1991 in Hot Springs, South Dakota. He is buried in
Saint Stephen Catholic Cemetery, Kyle.
Brave Heart, Stephen Charles
He was born October 25, 1934 and served in the Navy during
the Korean War. He died March 15, 1992 and is buried in
Saint Stephen Catholic Cemetery, Kyle.
Brewer, Ross
A member of the Ogala Sioux Tribe, Brewer served in a Ranger
Company during the Korean War. He was wounded there.
Bull Tail, John
Of Crow Indian heritage, John was wounded on Bloody Ridge in
Korea while serving with the 45th Infantry Division. He
recovered and continued to serve in the Army.
Clark, Albert Jr.
Master Sergeant Clark served in the US Air Force from 1951 to
1972. He was a member of the Comanche tribe.
Clark, William "Bud"
Born in Yakima, this Colville Tribal elder grew up in Kewa.
On April 12, 1945 he joined the Navy and served in World War II.
He then reenlisted, this time joining the Marine Corps from
August 1, 1950 through the Korean War. He was honorably
discharged September 10, 1958.
Curry, Marvin "Joe"
A member of the Seneca Nation of Indians' Snipe Clan, he
joined the US Navy and had two tours of duty in the Korean War
and one tour of duty in the Vietnam War.
Damon, Gilbert
Funeral services for Gilbert Damon, 85, of Sawmill, Arizona,
will be held today, April 21, at 10 a.m. at the St. Michaels LDS
Church in St. Michaels, Arizona, with Lafe Damon officiating.
Viewing will take place one hour prior to service at 9 a.m.
Burial will follow at the Fort Defiance community cemetery.
Gilbert was born June 20, 1930, in Fort Defiance, into the
Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People), born for Tódich’ii’nii
(Bitter Water Clan). He died April 15, 2016, in Payson, Arizona.
Gilbert, a Korean War veteran, attended BIA Indian School in
Fort Defiance, Albuquerque Indian School, and Chilocco Indian
School in Chilocco, Oklahoma. He was employed with Navajo Forest
Products Industry for 20-25 years. He enjoyed football, sports,
running, hunting, and fishing. He was a silversmith and family
man who loved his children. Gilbert is survived by his sons,
Marcus J. Damon and Damian C. Damon; stepsons, Vince Shirley and
Cyril Shirley; daughters, Crystal R. Damon and Theresa Damon;
brothers, Thomas J. Damon and Lafe Damon; sister, Nora Damon-Halona;
and five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Gilbert is
preceded in death by his parents, John and Clara Damon; brother,
Thomas J. Damon; and sister, Doris E. Damon-Gomez. Pallbearers
will be Brandon Begaye, Aaron Begay, Ryan Grey, Matthew George,
Damian Damon, and Victor Yazzie. Honorary pallbearers will be
Cyril Shirley and Dean Bryant.
Dawes, Hubert Sr.
Of Crow Indian heritage, Dawes served in the US Navy before
and during the Korean War. He went on patrol and salvage
missions off the Korean coast while serving aboard the USS
Current (ARS-22) and USS Hitchiti (ATF-103).
Douglas, Glen
This Lakes-Okanogan served in World War II, Korea and
Vietnam. He was born near Penticton, British Columbia on
February 1, 1927. He joined the US Army in May of 1944 and
served with B Company 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st
Battalion, in Belgium during World War II. He then served
in Korea, where he was injured by a grenade on July 17, 1953 in
the Chorwon Valley. He served in the Vietnam War from June
1959 to May 1960 as an intelligence analyst with a special
forces team.
Emhoolah, John
This Kiowa/Arapaho enlisted in the National Guard in 1950.
His unit was activated as the 45th Infantry Division during the
Korean War. Emhoolah served as a forward observer for the
158th Field Artillery.
Freeman, Everett
A member of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, Freeman was
born in 1931 in Battle City, California. He died November
30, 2010, Corning, California He joined the Navy in 1949.
Gardner, Billy G.
Retired Sergeant Major Gardner, a Choctaw, served in the Army
for 25 years, with two tours of duty in Korea and one in
Vietnam.
Garneaux, Moses
A Sioux Indian, Moses was captured during the Korean War but
escaped.
George, Keller
An Oneida Indian (Wolf Clan representative), Keller served in
the US Army in Korea and later joined and retired as a staff
sergeant from the Air Force where he was a radar operator.
Air Force for 22 years.
Giago, Tim (Nanwica Kcji-Stands Up for Them)
Tim is a retired editor and publisher of Native Sun News
and is a Korean War veteran.
Goldburn, Lee
He was a Korean War veteran.
Gorman, Clarence N.
A Navajo Korean War veteran from Chinle, Arizona
Green, George
Cherokee from Claremore, Oklahoma
Guitierez, Leo
He was an engineman 3rd class on the USS Grapple, ARS-7.
He was an engineman 3rd class. He served in the Navy for
four years during the Korean War.
Hackler, Martin Hughes
Member of the Potawatomi Nation and Korean War veteran.
Hembree, Ivan
A resident of Bunch, this Cherokee served in the Korean War.
Holy Rock, John
An Oglala Sioux, he was a World War II and Korean War
veteran.
Jumping Elk, Everard David
Born March 19, 1934 in South Dakota, he was a sergeant in the
Army during the Korean War. He died January 10, 2001 in
Roanoke County, Virginia and is buried in Bethel Cemetery, Eagle
Rock, Virginia. SGT Everard David Jumping Elk was the son
of Thomas Jumping Elk and Blanche Isabelle Brings Pipe. He was
from the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. He married Marie
West on 11 Dec 1957 and Sandra Vaughn Keogh Steele on 1 May
1999.
Kellehan, Sidney
Cherokee
Keller, George
This Oneida Indian served 22 years in the Army and Air Force.
Killingsworth, D.C.
A Choctaw, Killingsworth was born March 18, 1928 in
Whitesboro, Oklahoma. He served in the U.S. Army during
World War II and in the US Air Force during the Korean War.
He died May 12, 1997 in Talihina, Oklahoma, and is buried in
Whitesboro Cemetery.
Kirk, Oliver Leo Sr.
Originally from Ganado, Arizona, Oliver Kirk was wounded in
the Korean War. He served in the US Army from March of
1953 to April 1955. After military service he was a Navajo
police officer for 34 years. He and his wife Maggie Jane
Kirk were parents of 13 children and they had 37 grandchildren.
Oliver Kirk Sr. died November 28, 2019.
Lane, Charles
Cherokee
Lazor, Howard Luther
A member of the Wolf Clan, he served in the Army during the
Korean War.
Loudner, Donald E.
Loudner, a Hunkpati Sioux from South Dakota, was born March
18, 1932 on the reservation in South Dakota. He
volunteered for the Army on August 1, 1950 and took basic at
Camp Carson, Colorado. His two older brothers were sent to
Korea, but Donald was not allowed to go there because he was the
third son in the military. He trained in New Jersey in
communications and from 1950-1983 he was an instructor in the US
Army in Alaska, the Lucien Islands, and Japan. He was
given a commission as a CWO and retired after 33 years.
Lowry, Leonard
Lieutenant Commander Lowry was born May 16, 1920 in Milford,
California. He served in World War II, the Korean War and
the Vietnam War. He was a decorated veteran, earning a
Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, and the Legion of
Merit. He died August 17, 1999 and is buried in Susanville
Cemetery, Susanville, California.
Marcellais, Clarence J.
Private First Class Marcellais, a Chippewa, landed at Pusan
in July 1950 with the Army's 24th Infantry Division. He
was wounded by a mortar shell when the North Koreans tried to
overrun an artillery battery near the Naktong River. Less
than a year later, while on patrol near Chipyong-ni, he was hit
in the left leg by sniper fire, and a leg had to be amputated at
the knee.
Martin, George
Ojibwe Elder George Martin was an Air Force Korean War
veteran. He was a Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe originally
from the Whitefish Community of the reservation in Wisconsin.
Medicine Tail, William
Of Crow Indian heritage, William served as a gunner aboard
the USS Bausell and Anderson during his tour of
duty with the Navy in the Korean War.
Monroe, Harris Joseph
A PFC in the Army, this Native American was a guided missile
crewman during the Korean War era.
Moses, Ray
A Tulalip, Ray was serving in the 14th Infantry Regiment,
25th Infantry Division with his brother Walter when Walter was
killed in action on May 29, 1953. He was a tribal
storyteller and historian.
Muldrow, Hal
Muldrow, a Choctaw, served in the field artillery during
World War II. In Korea he was commander of the 45th
Infantry Division's field artillery. He was promoted to
major general in 1952. He was the commander of the 45th
Infantry Division, Oklahoma National Guard, until he retired in
1960.
Oakley, Ellsworth R. Jr.
A member of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, Oakley served in the
187th Airborne Infantry Regiment in Korea.
Oxendine, Hughie
This Korean War and Vietnam War veteran was killed in action
in Vietnam on December 25, 1967. From Findagrave:
"Staff Sergeant Hughie Oxendine was a casualty of the Vietnam
War. As a member of the Army, SSG Oxendine served our country
until December 25th, 1967 in Khanh Hoa, South Vietnam. He was 35
years old and was married. It was reported that Hughie died from
Malaria. His body was recovered. Hughie was born on August 3rd,
1932 in Lumberton, North Carolina. SSG Oxendine is on panel 32E,
line 059 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. He
served our country for 14 years. SSG Hughie Oxendine 35, who
died Christmas Day in Vietnam, will be conducted at 3pm Sunday
at Tabernacle Baptist Church. Burial will be held in Oxendine
Family Cemetery with full Military Honors. He is survived by his
wife Mrs Vivian Dale Oxendine of Route 4, Lumberton; one
daughter, Norma Dale; three sons, Michael, Andrew and Stevie,
all of the home. five brothers; Proctor, J.W., Hilbert Oxendine,
all of Route 4, Lumberton, James H Oxendine of Charlotte. Hughie
Oxendine was born in Robeson County, North Carolina son of the
late John H and Effie J Oxendine. One of 9 kids that was raised
in a rural farming area prior to enlisting in the US Army in
1951. His tours consisted of Ft Bliss TX, Ft Huachuca AZ,
Schofield Barracks HI, Ft Chaffee AR, one tour Wildflicken
Germany and four tours in Viet Nam.
He married his childhood sweetheart Vivian D Locklear and
together they had 3 sons (Michael, Andy, Steven) and one
daughter (Norma). A member of the Native American tribe "Lumbee"
his co-workers frequently referred to him as "Chief" and/or
"Country". His hobbies consisted of hunting, fishing, sports and
spending time with family. He served as a Supply Specialist with
Headquarters, Advisory Team 34, MACV Advisors, MAC-V. He served
with Headquarters, Advisory Team 34, MACV Advisors, MAC-V. He
was awarded The Army of Occupation Medal, The Vietnam Service
Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The
National Defense Service Medal(s) and The Good Conduct Medal(s)."
Pewewardy, Garner
He was a chief electrician's mate during the Korean War.
He is a Comanche.
Phillips, Theodore (Ted)
Theodore (Ted) Phillips (Turtle Clan) was a staff sergeant in
the Army serving in World War II and the Korean War. Born in
1925, he enlisted in the Army while in his teens and remained in
active service until 1945. He was called up again as a reservist
to go to Korea. Ted was on the medic ambulance crew that went
into the concentration camps. He helped take the survivors out
of the camps, bringing them to medical facilities. Ted was also
a survivor of the Battle of the Bulge. [Source:
Oneidaindiannation.com]
Poolaw, Horace
This member of the Kiowa tribe was a photographer who
documented the Kiowa community during World War II, the Korean
War and Vietnam War.
Redeye, Nicholas T.
A member of the Cayuga tribe, Iroquois of New York State,
Lieutenant Redeye served in the Navy from 1947 to 1958. He
served in World War II and the Korean War.
Rowland, Eugene
Born and raised on Pine Ridge Reservation, he served in the
US Army during the Korean War. On November 18, 1950 he
became a prisoner of war and was kept at Camp Number Five.
He was set free on August 08, 1953.
Sawaquat, Lewis
Staff Sergeant Sawaquat, a native of Michigan, enlisted in
the Army at age 18. He served in the 387th Field Artillery
Battalion in Korea with the II ROK Corps from 1953-56. He
was an Ottawa.
Scott, Bill
Born in 1933, he was the oldest son of Louis and Pearl Carter
Scott. A member of the Chickasaw Nation, he joined the
Army National Guard at the age of 17 in January 1950. He
was assigned to Company G, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th
Infantry Division, and sailed to Korea in December 1951.
Shay, Charles Norman
A member of the Penobscot tribe in Maine, Shay served as a
combat medic in World War II with the 1st Infantry Division.
He was taken prisoner of war. During the Korean War he was
a combat medic with the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry
Division.
Shaw, Andy
A member of the Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe, he joined the Army
in 1948. He was stationed in Japan with the 21st Infantry
Regiment, 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Division when the Korean
War broke out. His company was shipped to Korea, and he
was taken prisoner of war there. He survived the Tiger
Death March.
Soldier Wolf, Mark
Later an Arapaho tribal elder, he served in the Marine Corps
during the Korean War.
Springer, Jack F. Sr.
Jack F. Springer, Sr., passed away on Saturday, October 15,
2016. Born on February 28, 1925, the son of Frank and Lillian
(Cleveland) Springer, he was a proud Native American, as well as
a World War II and Korean War Veteran.
Jack was an underwater demolition frogman attached to the 1st
Marine Division deployed in the South Pacific. He was a proud
and lifelong member of the Marine Corps League. He received the
Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation, 4 Battle Star Asiatic
Pacific, World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Award, Navy
Expeditionary Medal, Navy Commendation medal for Valor and
Combat Device, N.Y.S. Conspicuous Service Cross, Korean Service
Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corp Medal.
Jack was known around the area for his many accomplishments, his
career included being Sheriff’s Deputy as well as a Sergeant in
the Hudson Falls Police Department, where he served as security
for Ronald Reagan, while he was in our area. As a steel worker,
he helped build the Twin Bridges and was foreman during the
building of G. Roswell Earl Towers.
Jack was an avid outdoorsman and a licensed Adirondack hunting
guide, for over 50 years. Jack was a Mason for 62 years. He was
a Masonic Member first with the Sandy Hill Lodge, then the Glens
Falls Lodge and later the Herschel-Argyle Lodge 508 Free and
Accepted Masons, totally 62 years. Additionally, he was a
Shriner for 50 years. He was also a member of the American
Legion Post 574 for 68 years.
Jack was one of the original founders of the Kingsbury Fire
Department. His family members were the original owners of
Springer Sanitation. Jack and his brother were also proprietors
of Central Moving and Storage.
He was predeceased by his parents, his two sisters: Mildred
Barlow and her husband, Loren and Marion Benard and her husband
Laurent, brothers: Frank and Fred Springer, his beloved horses,
Meagan and Babe, his best friend and dog, Buddy.
He is buried in Moss Street Cemetery, Kingsbury, New York.
Full military honors were provided by American Legion Post 574
along with Patriot Guard.
[Source: Findagrave]
Stewart, David J.
Of Crow Indian heritage, David served in the 955th Field
Artillery Battalion in the Army during the Korean War.
Stewart, SFC William
This Crow saw action with the 45th Infantry Division.
He was wounded during the battle for Christmas Hill.
Tafoya, George
Private First Class Tafoya was born April 23, 1934 in
Milliken, Colorado. He was serving as a member of I
Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment when he was declared
missing in action on July 19, 1953.
Tahhahwah, Edward Sr.
Corporal Tahhahwah, a Comanche, was a driver for the port
commander in France during the Korean War. He served in
the Army.
Tahsequah, Meech
Lieutenant Colonel Tahsequah was a Comanche born October 27,
1918. He was the son of George Tahsequah and Pansy SapCut
Craig and the foster son of Charles and Vera Komah of Walters,
Oklahoma. His wife was Evelyn L. Tahsequah of Lawton,
Oklahoma.
"Lieutenant Colonel Tahsequah was a decorated veteran of
World War II. In Korea, he was a member of the 3rd Maintenance
Squadron, U.S. Air Force. On December 6, 1950, he a passenger a
B- 26B Invader bomber assigned to the 8th Bomber Squadron, 3rd
Bomber Group. The aircraft ran out of fuel and crashed 30 miles
north of Susa. The crew bailed out. He was listed as Missing in
Action and was presumed dead on February 28, 1954. Native
American Comanche. Born Lawton, Oklahoma, lived in Oklahoma,
Kansas, and Texas.
DPAA: Late in the afternoon on December 6, 1950, a B-26 Invader
(tail number 44-34222) departed Iwakuni Air Base, Japan, with a
crew of three. The briefed mission was a night intruder
operation north of Seoul, Korea. Due to a solid cloud cover over
most of Korea, they were forced to drop their payload based on
an estimated time of arrival and began searching for targets of
opportunity. Unable to see any terrain features, the pilot
decided to return to base by way of Seoul and Teagu. Inclement
weather interfered with navigation and radio equipment
throughout the flight, making it difficult to stay on course.
When the fuel was almost exhausted, the pilot was able to
contact two ground stations in Japan, which provided a course to
Japan. Unfortunately, before the Invader could reach land, the
engines cut out and it became necessary to bail out. The next
day, the navigator was rescued. Rescuers were unable to locate
the pilot or the gunner, and both men remain unaccounted-for."
[Source: Korean War Project]
"On 14 July 1941, Tahsequah became the first Comanche to
enlist into the US Army Air Forces as an Air Cadet. He trained
as a pilot at Tarrant Field Airdrome, Fort Worth, TX, with the
Army Air Forces Flying Training Command for B-24 Liberator and
B-26 Marauder Bombers. After his training he was assigned to the
376th Bombardment Group, known as the “Liberandos” and based in
Egypt. They focused on destroying enemy airfield and port
facilities along Axis supply lines between Italy and North
Africa. Long-range raids were then made against oil refineries,
marshaling yards and ordinance factories in Hungary, Austria,
Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia.
On 1 August 1943, the 376th Bombardment Group participated in
one of the most daring raids in the war; Operation Tidal Wave, a
raid against Ploiesti, Romania’s nine oil refineries that were
furnishing petroleum-based fuel to the Axis powers. The bombing
run was made at treetop level. With 53 aircraft and 660 aircrew
lost, it was the worst loss ever suffered by the USAAF on a
single mission, and its date was later referred to as "Black
Sunday." Five Medals of Honor and numerous Distinguished Service
Crosses were awarded to crew members participating in Operation
Tidal Wave. Tahsequah was the recipient of one of the DFCs after
successfully returning his B-24D Liberator bomber and crew to
its base in Libya.
Following the liberation of North Africa in late 1943, the 376th
moved to San Pancrazio, Italy, where they participated in an
accelerated campaign against Axis targets in southern Europe and
the Balkans. Sorties extended as far a Vienna, Austria, and
Regenburg, Germany. The 376th destroyed 220 enemy aircraft
during aerial combat, lost 169 aircraft and suffered 1,179
causalities. Lt Col Tahsequah flew 31 combat missions totaling
over 300 combat hours. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying
Cross three times and also received three Purple Hearts for
wounds he sustained.
In Korea, Lieutenant Colonel Tahsequah was a member of the 3rd
Maintenance Squadron, U.S. Air Force. On 6 December 1950, he was
a passenger in a B-26B Invader bomber assigned to the 8th Bomber
Squadron, 3rd Bomber Group. The aircraft ran out of fuel and
crashed 30 miles north of Susa, Korea. The crew bailed out. The
Navigator, Capt Jack Lewis, who bailed out said, “Tahsequah and
the other crewmember, SSgt Claude McFee also bailed out before
crashing.” It was thought at one time that Lt Col Tahsequah was
a prisoner of war as his name was mentioned by North Korean
propaganda. Capt Lewis was rescued on 21 May 1951. Tahsequah was
listed as Missing in Action and was presumed dead on 28 February
1954.
His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the
Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial." [Source:
Military Hall of Honor website]
Tall Bear, Alvin
Alvin Tall Bear, age 86 passed away on March 30, 2014 at the
Oklahoma City Veteran's Medical Center. A wake service is
scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 3rd at Swearingen
Funeral Home Chapel in Konawa, Oklahoma, and a Funeral Mass is
scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 4th at Sacred Heart
Catholic Church in Konawa. Fr. Adrian Vorderlandwehr, O.S.B.
will officiate. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Catholic
Cemetery. Pallbearers are Robert R. Tall Bear, II, Jimmy Jordan,
Jim Moon, Mark Noteware, Paulo Gonzales, and Jamie Cervantes.
Honorary Pallbearers are Sylvester Alley and Danny Echohawk.
Alvin was born on March 3, 1928 in Pawnee, Oklahoma to Floyd
Tall Bear and Lillian (Kihega) Tall Bear. He attended Chilocco
Indian School and attended A&M College. He married Johnnie Mae
Rhodd on February 14, 1952 in Bentonville, Arkansas. Alvin was
the owner and operator of Recon Construction and was a member of
the American Legion and the VFW in Shawnee. He was the decedent
of Chief White Cloud, and he was the last living hereditary
chief of the Iowa Nation. He was also active in many committees
with the tribe throughout the years.
Alvin entered the U.S. Marine Corps in 1948 and was a veteran of
the Korean War. As Staff Sergeant, he was a high ranking drill
instructor and a recipient of the nations fourth highest service
medal, The Silver Star. The award was presented to him for his
action during the First Marine Division's great push toward
Chunchon, in the spring of 1951. Disregarding his own wounds,
Sgt. Tall Bear took command of his platoon after its leader was
wounded and led the platoon on to take several objectives before
he himself fell from the loss of blood. As an amateur boxer, he
represented San Diego in the Golden Gloves Championship Matches
in Los Angeles during his first tour of duty.
He is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Johnnie Mae Tall
Bear of the home; four sons, Alvin Tall Bear, Jr. of St. Louis,
Oklahoma, Mike and Loretta Tall Bear of St. Louis, Oklahoma,
John Tall Bear of Lexinton, Oklahoma, and Robert R. Tall Bear
also of St. Louis; three sisters, Marlene Echohawk of
Albuquergue, New Mexico, Lou Lerma of El Reno, Oklahoma and
Carolyn Levi of El Reno; three grandchildren, Estee Nicole
Cervantes, Jennifer Tall Bear, and Robert R. Tall Bear, II; and
seven great grandchildren, Alyssa Cervantes, Letecia Cervantes,
Aidan Cervantes, Orion Cervantes, Kayson Bear Shirey, Isaiah
Tall Bear, and Cody Tall Bear.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Lillian Tall
Bear; one brother, DeForest Tall Bear; and one grandchild, Misty
Love Tall Bear and a new-born brother.
Tall Bear, Freddie
Born August 30, 1931, he died December 08, 1956. He is
buried in Clinton Indian Cemetery, Custer County, Oklahoma.
He served in the 179th Infantry in Korea. He was survived
by his widow, sons Wauchope and Fredrick Jr., three brothers and
a sister.
Tall Bear, William Delos "Bill" Sr.
William Delos “Bill” Tall Bear, Sr., of El Reno, Oklahoma,
was born on January 27, 1935 to Christine Tall Bear in Hammon,
Oklahoma and passed away September 1, 2020 in Yukon, Oklahoma at
the age of 85 years, 7 months and 4 days.
Bill was raised in Hammon, Oklahoma. He attended Concho Boarding
School until enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in
February 1952. In the Marines, he served in the Korean War. He
was stationed in Japan, California, and Hawaii during his
military career before he was honorably discharged in November
1959. He moved back to Oklahoma, and married Minnie “Lucille”
Drunkard. They had one daughter, Ramona, before moving to San
Francisco, California. While in California, they welcomed a son,
Bill, Jr., before moving back to Oklahoma where they made their
home at Deer Creek. They went on to have 3 more children:
Christopher, LaDonna, and Ralph. Lucille passed away in 1984.
Bill later married Evelyn Chimburas in 1996 where they resided
in Whiterocks, Utah until 2003. They bought a home in El Reno,
Oklahoma.
Bill was a master welder and was a founding member of Oklahoma
Indian Nation Gourd Clan and Buddy Bond Color Guard. He enjoyed
going to powwows, gourd dancing, and going to the casino. He was
an excellent beadworker and created many one-of-a-kind pieces.
Bill would say his biggest accomplishment, though, was his large
family. He enjoyed having get-togethers for every occasion and
holiday. He was a family-centered man who will be greatly missed
by both friends and family.
Bill is survived by his 5 children and their spouses: Ramona of
Colorado Springs, Colorado, Bill, Jr. and Kathleen of Thomas,
Oklahoma, Chris and Donna of Norman, Oklahoma, LaDonna of
Weatherford, Oklahoma, Ralph and Tisha of Deer Creek, Oklahoma;
fifteen grandchildren: Rachael, Janet, Robert, Daniel, Cody,
Teisha, Cera, Kaya, Chris, Pavenah, Minnie, Kitty, Walk Up,
WinterSky, and Trevor. He was a great-grandfather to nineteen
children.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Christine, two sisters,
Lesa and Florence, and a brother, Fredrick, grandparents Walk Up
and Florence (Black Wolf) Tall Bear, great-grandfather Black
Wolf, and wives Minnie “Lucille” and Evelyn.
Taylor, Selbert
Cherokee
Turns Back, Frederick
Of Crow Indian heritage, Frederick served with the 24th
Signal Company of the 40th Infantry Division in Korea.
Wahkinney, Raymond "Rusty"
Sergeant Wahkinney was born August 10, 1932. During the
Korean War he was a member of the Oklahoma National Guard.
He served three years in Korea with the 158th Field Artilleery
Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. He died February 9,
2007, and is buried in Little Washita Indian Cemetery, Comanche
County, Oklahoma.
Wallis, Hosea
Cherokee
Wheelock, Glen
A member of the Turtle Clan, he served in the Army during the
Korean War.
White Buffalo, Norman Sr.
A Sioux Indian, Norman was captured during the Korean War but
escaped.
Wilber, Edwin J.
This Menominee Indian from Shawano, Wisconsin received two
Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star in the Korean War. He is
the subject of an educational work entitled, "Hidden
Discrimination: Edwin Wilber and Stereotypes of the Native
American Soldier" authored by Nicholas J. Pelant.
Edwin enlisted in the Army on July 26, 1950. During the
Korean War he served in King Company, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st
Cavalry Division.
Wilson, Burnham John
Born July 24, 1937, Burnham died December 14, 2015 in Cass
Lake, Minnesota. He is buried in Prince of Peace Cemetery,
Cass Lake, Minnesota. During the Korean War he served in
the Navy. He was also a Vietnam War veteran.
Wind, Cecil Dale
Ojibwe. He was born July 15, 1928 in Minnesota, son of
Levi Wind Sr. and Mattie Show Wind (1905-1932). Cecil Dale
Wind died June 15, 1989 in Beltrami County, Minnesota and is
buried in Old Agency Onigum Cemetery, Onigum, Minnesota.
He served in the Army during the Korean War. [See also
George Francis Wind Sr.]
Wind, George Francis Sr.
Born July 12, 1930 in Cass County, Minnesota, he was the son
of Levi Wind Sr. (1893-1967) and Alice G. Gwinn Wind
(1903-1992). He served in the Army during the Korean War.
His siblings and half-siblings were Cecil Dale Wind, Eugene Levi
Wind (1935-1966), Alvin J. Wind (1938-1993), Theodore W. Wind
(1940-1992), Sharon L. Wind (1946-1998), Levi Wind Jr.
(1914-1969), Theresa Wind Johnston (1917-2004), Caroline "Kay"
Wind-Cloud, Mary White, Myrtle Munnell, Chuck Gwinn, and Anna
Johnson.
Winder, William
A member of the Wolf Clan, he served in the Army during the
Korean War.
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