Veteran’s Day is celebrated on November 11 and provides an opportunity to celebrate Native American contributions to our nation’s freedom.
Many know about the Navajo Code Talkers who confounded Axis forces in World War II by using their native language as a radio code for the American Army. But did you know that Retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Old Horn-Purdy was one of the first women assigned to a combatant ship in 1999 (http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=123730)?
Joseph James Clark was the first Native American to graduate from the Naval Academy in June of 1917. He served during World War I and World War II where he achieved the rank of Real Admiral. During his impressive naval career, he was awarded Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal (two awards), Army Distinguished Service Medal for service in Korea, Silver Star Medal, Legion of Merit with Combat "V," Commendation Ribbon with Combat "V," Army Commendation Ribbon, and Ribbon with stars for the Presidential Unit Citations to the USS Suwanee, USS Yorktown, and USS Hornet, Victory Medals for World War I and II; American Defense Service Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern (one star), and Asiatic-Pacific (12 engagements) Campaign Medals; and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon (one star). Also, Navy Occupation Service Medal, Korean Service Medal (one star), United Nations Service Medal; and the National Defense Service Medal (http://archive.defense.gov/home/features/2014/1114_native-american/).
Native American Pfc. Ira Hayes was one of four Marines depicted in the famous WWII photo of marines raising the American flag on Iwo Jima (http://archive.defense.gov/home/features/2014/1114_native-american/).
Find more stories about Native American heroes at the DoD’s National Native American Heritage Month website.
November gives us a great opportunity to celebrate Native American Heritage and Heroism!
Texas SHRM