Untold Stories: Native American Indian Soldiers Who Shaped America's History

There are so many inspiring, beautiful stories about the great heroes of American history which are scarcely ever told. Today’s article is a collection of stories highlighting a few of the brave Native American Indian soldiers of the US Army and Marines who helped shape American history.

There’s Sgt. William Alchesay, a U.S. Indian Scout during the Indian Wars, who “worked closely with Maj. Gen. George Crook” and whose “dedication and bravery was noted and he was cited for his ‘Gallant conduct during campaigns and engagements with Apaches.’ After his service, he became an advocate for his people.”

Then there’s Kayitah, another U.S. Indian Scout who was wrongly imprisoned after successfully delivering an important message to Chief Geronimo (1886). Kayitah, after he was released, stayed in the U.S. Army, remaining a loyal soldier under he was honorably discharged in 1914.

Pvt. Richard Oskison was a member of Teddy Roosevelt’s famous “Rough Riders” during the Spanish-American War, and was wounded at the decisive but bloody Battle of San Juan Hill. Oskison remained active in veteran groups until his death.

Native American Indian “Code Talkers” have been key in U.S. military intelligence operations for over a hundred years. The Choctaw Code Talkers played a key role in World War I, and the Navajo Code Talkers became famous for their intelligence, efficiency, and nigh unbreakable code during World War II.  “The Navajo Code Talkers were treated with the utmost respect by their fellow marines. Major Howard Connor, who was the signal officer of the Navajos at Iwo Jima, said, ‘Were it not for the Navajos, the Marines would never have taken Iwo Jima.’”  Not to mention PFC Ira Hayes, one of the Marines who so famously raised the flag on the blood-soaked soil of Iwo Jima.

Ira Hayes, Kayitah, Richard Oskison, William Alchesay, and the Choctaw and Navajo Code Talkers are only a few of the many Native American Indian soldiers whose stories may be little known, but the effects of whose heroism are still being enjoyed by Americans today.