Native Americans in World War II

There was also at least one indian (a Spokane I beleive) in the first platoon up Suribachi, he was one of the BAR men in the platoon. He may be in pictures of the first flag raising.

 

From my "Castner's Cutthroats". 1st Alaskan Combat Intelligence Platoon (Provisional) thread.
http://www.ww2f.com/war-pacific/266...-combat-intelligence-platoon-provisional.html


Castner's Cutthroats

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Castner's Cutthroats was the unofficial name for the 1st Alaskan Combat Intelligence Platoon (Provisional), also known as Alaskan Scouts. Castner's Cutthroats fought during World War II and were instrumental in defeating the Japanese during the Battle of the Aleutian Islands.

Background

The brainchild of Colonel Lawrence V. Castner, an Army intelligence officer serving in General Simon Bolivar Buckner's Alaskan Defense Command, the band was organized in order to create a unit that was fully functional with only minimal outfitting. [1] Castner chose men skilled at flourishing in the tough conditions of the Alaskan wilderness including the native Aleuts and Eskimos, sourdough prospectors, hunters, trappers and fishermen. Their background in survival and hunting made them ideal scouts. Hard and dangerous men, they often had names in keeping with their unit's nickname, such as Bad Whiskey Red, Aleut Pete and Waterbucket Ben.[1] Appreciating their unique talents, Col. Castner did not enforce standard military procedures on his unit, who gave themselves the name "Cutthroats" in honor of their irregular status. They were given a great deal of freedom in order to get the job done.
The commanding officer chosen to lead Castner's Cutthroats was Captain Robert H. Thompson, a Montana State University football star from Moccasin, Montana. Thompson was hugely popular with his men and developed a deep love of Alaska. After leaving the Castner's Cutthroats, he stayed in Alaska as a guide, hunter and bush pilot until his accidental death in 1955.
He was joined in early 1942 by Lt. Earl C. Acuff, a University of Idaho graduate and rival football player. Acuff had been stationed on a remote Aleutian island to spy on Japanese planes. After several months went by without hearing from him, the army charged Castner's Cutthroats with recovery of his body. When they found him alive and well, he was quickly transferred to the Alaskan Scouts.
"I was living like a king. I was diving for king crab and eating fresh seafood and fowl -- wild ptarmigan, ducks and geese -- for dinner. They told me not to break radio sound unless I saw a Japanese plane, so I didn't. When the Alaskan Scouts came to 'rescue' me, they started thinking that maybe they'd like to stay with me." - Lt Acuff[2]
Mission

Castner's Cutthroats played an integral role in the defense of Alaska during World War II. After the bombing of Dutch Harbor and Japanese invasion of the western Aleutian islands, they headed reconnaissance missions, particularly on the Japanese-occupied islands of Attu, Agattu, and Kiska. They also helped pre-plan landing zones for amphibious assaults on the Japanese-held islands. During the American counterattack, Castner's Cutthroats main mission was to serve as guides and messengers for the army regulars. However, when battle preparations were being made to invade Attu, Agattu and Kiska, they warned the U. S. Army that wheeled vehicles would not function on the permafrost and the men would need to be outfitted with warm gear and plenty of food, a warning that was largely ignored. Consequently, many men owe their lives to Castner's Cutthroats for protecting them from the weather and providing them with food.

Adak Island Landing Strip

One of the major success of Castner's Cutthroats was the building of an airfield on Adak Island. The army had lost several planes, not to the Japanese, but to Alaskan weather. In order to shorten the distance between the Japanese and American air bases, an airfield on Adak Island was proposed and Castner's Cutthroats were sent in to scout for a suitable location. Due to the mountainous terrain of the area, no acceptable site was available. Instead, Castner's Cutthroats dammed a lagoon and drained it to use the sandy bottom floor as a temporary landing strip. Engineers later came in and improved the area.

Equipment

Standard issue for Castner's Cutthroats was a Trapper Nelson pack, hunting knife, .22 caliber target pistol and a sniper rifle, instead of the standard issue Springfield rifle, or M1 Garand. However, when it came to firearms, personal preferences was the deciding factor. Al Brattain, a crack shot, preferred the M1 Garand because its reduced recoil didn't spoil his aim. Trapper Nelson packs held all their supplies for their long mountainous treks. They lived off the land, which allowed them to stay light, unlike most military units of the time. To move from island to island, the men used canoes, from which they fished for salmon. The salmon was dried and stored for the winter, furthering the unit's ability to stay out in the field.

Memorial

In Kuluk Bay, Alaska, the Cutthroats staged a reconnaissance mission. At the spot on the beach where they first came ashore, a plaque has been erected which reads:
"On August 28, 1942, the U.S. Naval submarines, USS Triton and USS Tuna, surfaced 4 miles due east of this beach and disembarked a 37-man U.S. Army intelligence-gathering unit lead by Colonel Lawrence V. Castner. The unit was known as "The Alaska Scout," or more affectionately as "Castner's Cutthroats." Their mission was to gather information about the Japanese troop strength on Adak and to report their findings to the landing force already on its way from Dutch Harbor. No enemy troops were found, and on August 30, a 17-ship landing force with 4,500 men and tons of heavy equipment arrived. Their mission: to build an airstrip and troop staging area in preparation for the retaking of the enemy-occupied Aleutian Islands of Attu and Kiska. "[3]

Castner's Cutthroats - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Two U.S. Marine Navajo "code talkers", signalmen who used a slightly modified version of their native language, send a radio signal during the battle of Bougainville in 1943. The Japanese were never able to break this code.

 

Native American Air Corp Mechanics Dancing During Training Training at Sheppard Field, TX: Pvt. Abraham Little Beaver, Winnebago of Nebraska; Corp. Adam Bearcup, Sioux of Montana; Sgt. Delray B. Echo-Hawk, Pawnee of Oklahoma; Corp. David Box, Sioux of Colorado.

 

North Carolina's American Indians in WWII
http://www.ncmuseumofhistory.org/collateral/articles/f05.indians.wwii.pdf

 

Ira Hamilton Hayes, Corporal, United States Marine Corps

 

Joseph James Jocko Clark, Admiral, United States Navy

 

World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient

Lt. Col. Ernest Childers, US Army



"The American Indian has only one country to defend, and when you're picked on,

the American Indian never turns his back." --Ernest Childers - 2001

Mourning the loss of Ernest Childers

One of five American Indians to receive Medal of Honor passes away

Tulsa, Oklahoma
Sam Lewin 3/18/2005

It has been a difficult time for Indian County as yet another venerable leader has passed away.

Ernest Childers, a Creek Indian from Broken Arrow, died Thursday in Muskogee at the age of 87. His death comes on the heels of the passing of Paulette Tall Chief and David Risling.

Childers was one of five American Indians to receive the Medal of Honor-an honor he garnered for a spectacular act of bravery during World War II. It happened in Italy in 1943, as Childers, a second lieutenant in the 45th Infantry Division, charged along with eight other men toward a German machinegun position. According to eyewitnesses, the group advanced to a rock wall overlooking a cornfield and Childers, already suffering from a broken foot, ordered a base of fire laid across the field so that he could proceed alone. He immediately came under fire from two enemy snipers.

"I felt the heat from the bullets, so I came to the conclusion that they were after me," Childers recalled several years before his death.

Childers returned fire and killed both snipers before advancing to the machinegun positions. He single-handedly took out everyone in the first position, and opened fire along with the others in his unit on the second one, neutralizing that as well.

Childers wasnt done yet. He continued on to a house further up the hill and alone captured an enemy mortar observer.

The exceptional leadership, initiative, calmness under fire, and conspicuous gallantry displayed by 2d Lt. Childers were an inspiration to his men, states the official proclamation awarding him the Medal of Honor.

Childers first brush with military service came when he joined the National Guard while still at Chilocco Indian Agriculture School in 1937. His service ended when he retired in 1965 at Fort Sill.

Childers was proud of his Indian heritage and the contribution Native Americans make the armed forces.

"The American Indian has only one country to defend, and when you're picked on, the American Indian never turns his back, he said in 2001.

He also spoke out against racism, saying, I am also witnessing disturbing situations involving certain people who call themselves Americans. Even though as a Native American I have darker skin than some Americans, that doesn't mean that I'm any less patriotic than any other American. Even during those times in our history when Native Americans were persecuted and discriminated against, we still volunteered for military service. Remember, Native Americans didn't even receive the vote until after World War I, yet we served in military actions because, when all is said and done, we are loyal, patriotic Americans. I am appalled that people who call themselves Americans are attacking and killing other Americans simply because of their hair and skin color. We all need to realize that we must join together, not become divisive. Being an American means that you are of many diverse heritages.

Childers was reported as being in failing health in recent years. News of his death led administrators at Ernest Childers Middle School in Broken Arrow to observe a moment of silence.

"Oklahoma has lost a genuine hero with the passing of Lt. Col. Ernest Childers," said Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry. "His life was and is a true inspiration.




http://www.medalofhonor.com/ErnestChildersObit.htm

 

Native American Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients



American Indian Medal of Honor Recipients

In the 20th century, five American Indians have been among those soldiers to be distinguished by receiving the United States' highest military honor: the Medal of Honor. Given for military heroism "above and beyond the call of duty," these warriors exhibited extraordinary bravery in the face of the enemy and, in two cases, made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Many Native Americans have played a vital role in making America what it is today. For this reason, our country honors Native Americans during the month of November.

A presidential proclamation has set aside November as National American Indian Heritage Month every year since 1994.

Long before the first European settlers arrived, American Indians from numerous tribes throughout what is now known as North America inhabited the land. Free to practice their cultures and traditions, Native Americans lived off of the land and in harmony with nature. At that time, wildlife and enemy tribes posed the greatest dangers. However, the arrival of the first settlers brought a new danger.

As European settlements grew into colonies and colonies to states, many American Indians were forced west by Americans, and eventually onto reservations. Often they were stripped of their land, their culture, and individual ways of life as their new neighbors forbade them to practice their own form of government and religion.

Since European settlement, American Indians have distinguished themselves in numerous ways -- one of which is military service. In the 20th century, five American Indians have received the United States highest military honor: the Medal of Honor. Awarded for their military heroism above and beyond the call of duty, these warriors exhibited extraordinary bravery in the face of the enemy. They are; Jack C. Montgomery, a Cherokee from Oklahoma; Ernest Childers, a Creek from Oklahoma; Van Barfoot, a Chocktaw from Mississippi; Mitchel Red Cloud Jr. , a Winnebago from Wisconsin; and Charles George , a Cherokee from North Carolina.

Jack C. Montgomery . A Cherokee from Oklahoma, and a First Lieutenant with the 45th Infantry Division Thunderbirds. On 22 February 1944, near Padiglione, Italy, Montgomery's rifle platoon was under fire by three echelons of enemy forces, when he single-handedly attacked all three positions, taking prisoners in the process. As a result of his courage, Montgomery's actions demoralized the enemy and inspired his men to defeat the Axis troops.

Ernest Childers . A Creek from Oklahoma, and a First Lieutenant with the 45th Infantry Division. Childers received the Medal of Honor for heroic action in 1943 when, up against machine gun fire, he and eight men charged the enemy. Although suffering a broken foot in the assault, Childers ordered covering fire and advanced up the hill, single-handedly killing two snipers, silencing two machine gun nests, and capturing an enemy mortar observer.

Van Barfoot . A Choctaw from Mississippi, and a Second Lieutenant in the Thunderbirds. On 23 May 1944, during the breakout from Anzio to Rome, Barfoot knocked out two machine gun nests and captured 17 German soldiers. Later that same day, he repelled a German tank assault, destroyed a Nazi fieldpiece and while returning to camp carried two wounded commanders to safety.

Mitchell Red Cloud Jr. A Winnebago from Wisconsin, and a Corporal in Company E., 19th Infantry Regiment in Korea. On 5 November 1950, Red Cloud was on a ridge guarding his company command post when he was surprised by Chinese communist forces. He sounded the alarm and stayed in his position firing his automatic rifle and point-blank to check the assault. This gave his company time to consolidate their defenses. After being severely wounded by enemy fire, he refused assistance and continued firing upon the enemy until he was fatally wounded. His heroic action prevented the enemy from overrunning his company's position and gained time for evacuation of the wounded.

Charles George. A Cherokee from North Carolina, and Private First Class in Korea when he was killed on 30 November 1952. During battle, George threw himself upon a grenade and smothered it with his body. In doing so, he sacrificed his own life but saved the lives of his comrades. For this brave and selfless act, George was posthumously award the Medal of Honor in 1954.

Native American Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients - American Indian Medal of Honor Recipients

 

Navajo code talkers, Camp Pendleton, CA., USMC official photo.

 

Born in Waubay, South Dakota, Keeble moved to Wahpeton, North Dakota as a child. When he was old enough, Keeble joined the North Dakota National Guard and, in 1942, shipped out to the South Pacific with the North Dakota 164th Infantry Regiment.

On the island of Guadalcanal, Keeble saw some of the most intense combat of WWII. In late October 1942, Keeble - known by his fellow soldiers as Chief - was wounded in an attempt to rescue his comrades. He was recognized for his actions and awarded his first Bronze Star and the first of his four Purple Hearts.

At age 34 he went to war again in Korea where he earned the Distinguished Service Cross, three more Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star and a Silver Star for his courage.

The action for which he is now being awarded the Medal of Honor was described by the soldiers in the platoon he was leading. In November 1951 and in December 1951 every surviving member of his company signed a letter recommending Keeble for the Medal of Honor. In both cases, the paperwork was lost somewhere between the battlefield and the Defense Department.​

 

Looking at the stories here it looks like more Native Americans went to the Pacific then to Europe. At least as groups.

 

Shoshone in World War II


Like many Indian nations, many members of the Northwestern Shoshone, Washakie Community left during World War II. In 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "This generation has a rendezvous with destiny." When Roosevelt said that he had no idea of how much World War II would make his prophecy ring true. Over seventy years later, Americans are remembering the sacrifices of that generation, which took up arms in defense of the Nation. Part of that generation was a neglected minority, Native American Indians, who flocked to the colors in defense of their country. No group that participated in World War II made a greater per capita contribution, and no group was changed more by that war. During World War II more than 44,000 Native Americans saw military service. They served on all fronts in the conflict and were honored by receiving numerous Purple Hearts, Air Medals, Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Stars, Silver Stars, Distinguished Service Crosses, and three Congressional Medals of Honor.
In spite of years of inefficient and often corrupt bureaucratic management of Indian affairs, Native Americans and stood ready to fight the "white man's war." American Indians overcame past disappointment, resentment, and suspicion to respond to their nation's need in World War II. Native Americans responded to America's call for soldiers because they understood the need to defend one's own land, and they understood fundamental concepts of fighting for life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness. Native Americans also excelled at basic training. Maj. Lee Gilstrop of Oklahoma, who trained 2,000 Native Americans at his post, said, "The Indians are the best damn soldiers in the Army." Their talents included bayonet fighting, marksmanship, scouting, and patrolling. Native Americans took to commando training; after all, their ancestors invented it.
So the government of the United States found no more loyal citizens than their own "first Americans." When President Roosevelt mobilized the country and declared war on the Axis Powers, it seemed as if he spoke to each citizen individually. Therefore, according to the Indians' way of perceiving, all must be allowed to participate. About 40,000 Indian men and women aged 18 to 50, left the country and reservations for the first time to find jobs in defense industries. This migration led to new vocational skills, increased cultural sophistication, and awareness in dealings with non-Indians. Many members went to work in the defense industries, and others went to war. For some, it was a chance to see the world, for others, a chance to improve their lives with a steady income.
Women took over traditional men's duties on the reservation, manning fire lookout stations, and becoming mechanics, lumberjacks, farmers, and delivery personnel. Indian women, although reluctant to leave the reservation, worked as welders in aircraft plants. Many Indian women gave their time as volunteers for American Women’s Volunteer Service, Red Cross, and Civil Defense. They also tended livestock, canned food, and sewed uniforms. By 1943, the YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association) estimated that 12,000 young Indian women had left the reservation to work in defense industries. By 1945, an estimated 150,000 Native Americans had directly participated in industrial, agricultural, and military aspects of the American war effort.
For Native Americans, World War II signaled a major break from the past. Many Northwestern Shoshones in the military made a decent living for the first time in their lives. By 1944, the average Native American’s annual income was $2,500, up two and one-half times since 1940. Military life provided a steady job, money, status, and a taste of the modernizing world.
The war, therefore, provided new opportunities for the Northwestern Shoshone, and these opportunities disrupted old patterns. The wartime economy and military service took thousands of Native Americans away from the reservations. Many of these Native Americans settled into the mainstream society, adapting permanently to the cities and to a non-Indian way of life. Moreover, thousands returned to the reservation even after they had proved themselves capable of making the adjustment to white America.
World War II became a turning point for both Native Americans and Caucasians because its impact on each was so great and different. Whites believed that World War II had completed the process of Indian integration into mainstream American society. Large numbers of Indians, on the other hand, saw for the first time the non-Indian world at close range. It both attracted and repelled them. The positive aspects included a higher standard of living, with education, health care, and job opportunities. The negatives were the lessening of tribal influence and the threat of forfeiting the security of the reservation. Indians did not want equality with whites at the price of losing group identification. In sum, the war caused the greatest change in Indian life since the beginning of the reservation era and taught Native Americans they could aspire to walk successfully in two worlds.
A good deal of credit must go to the Native Americans for their outstanding part in America's victory in World War II. They sacrificed more than most, both individually and as a group. They left the land they knew to travel to strange places, where people did not always understand their ways. They had to forego the dances and rituals that were an important part of their life. They had to learn to work under non-Indian supervisors in situations that were wholly new to them. But in the process, Native Americans became Indian-Americans, not just American Indians.



NW Band of Shoshone Nation

 

"Maj. Lee Gilstrop of Oklahoma, who trained 2,000 Native Americans at his post, said, "The Indians are the best damn soldiers in the Army." Their talents included bayonet fighting, marksmanship, scouting, and patrolling. Native Americans took to commando training; after all, their ancestors invented it."

How many of the Native Americans were used as scouts or commandos?

 

Pfc. Carl Gorman on Saipan, 6/27/44 ​

 

*HARMON, ROY W.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C, 362d Infantry, 91st Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Casaglia, Italy, 12 July 1944. Entered service at: Pixley, Calif. Birth: Talala, Okla. G.O. No: 83, 2 October 1945.
Citation:
He was an acting squad leader when heavy machinegun fire from enemy positions, well dug in on commanding ground and camouflaged by haystacks, stopped his company's advance and pinned down 1 platoon where it was exposed to almost certain annihilation. Ordered to rescue the beleaguered platoon by neutralizing the German automatic fire, he led his squad forward along a draw to the right of the trapped unit against 3 key positions which poured murderous fire into his helpless comrades. When within range, his squad fired tracer bullets in an attempt to set fire to the 3 haystacks which were strung out in a loose line directly to the front, 75, 150, and 250 yards away. Realizing that this attack was ineffective, Sgt. Harmon ordered his squad to hold their position and voluntarily began a 1-man assault. Carrying white phosphorus grenades and a submachine gun, he skillfully took advantage of what little cover the terrain afforded and crept to within 25 yards of the first position. He set the haystack afire with a grenade, and when 2 of the enemy attempted to flee from the inferno, he killed them with his submachine gun. Crawling toward the second machinegun emplacement, he attracted fire and was wounded; but he continued to advance and destroyed the position with hand grenades, killing the occupants. He then attacked the third machinegun, running to a small knoll, then crawling over ground which offered no concealment or cover. About halfway to his objective, he was again wounded. But he struggled ahead until within 20 yards of the machinegun nest, where he raised himself to his knees to throw a grenade. He was knocked down by direct enemy fire. With a final, magnificent effort, he again arose, hurled the grenade and fell dead, riddled by bullets. His missile fired the third position, destroying it. Sgt. Harmon's extraordinary heroism, gallantry, and self-sacrifice saved a platoon from being wiped out, and made it possible for his company to advance against powerful enemy resistance.
​

 

Sgt Roy W. HarmonBirth: 1915
Talala
Rogers County
Oklahoma, USADeath: Jul. 12, 1944, Italy
Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. One of six Native Americans to be awarded the Medal during World War II. Born in Oklahoma, he enlisted from Pixley, California. He was serving with Company C of the 362nd Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division, near Casaglia, Italy, when he performed the deeds for which he was awarded CMOH. From his citation: "Sergeant Harmon was acting squad leader when heavy fire from enemy positions stopped his company's advance and pinned down one platoon. Ordered to rescue the beleaguered platoon, he led his squad along a draw to the right of the trapped unit against three key positions. When within range, his squad fired tracer bullets in an attempt to set fire to the three haystacks which were strung out in a loose line directly to the front, 75, 150, and 250 yards away. Realizing that this was ineffective, Sergeant Harmon ordered his squad to hold their position and began a one man assault. Carrying white phosphorus grenades and a submachine gun, he crept to within 25 yards of the first position. He set the haystack afire with a grenade and when two of the enemy attempted to flee from the inferno, he killed them. Crawling toward the second he was wounded; but he continued to advance and destroyed the position. He attacked the third machinegun and about halfway to his objective, was again wounded. He struggled ahead until within 20 yards of the nest, where he raised himself to his knees to throw a grenade. He was knocked down by direct enemy fire. With a final, magnificent effort, he again arose, hurled the grenade and fell dead, riddled by bullets. His missile fired the third position, destroying it." He was also awarded the Purple Heart. (bio by: Paul F. Wilson)


Search Amazon for Roy Harmon

Burial::
Florence American Cemetery and Memorial
Florence
Toscana, Italy
Plot: Plot A Row 4 Grave 37
Maintained by: Find A Grave
Record added: Oct 1 2006
Find A Grave Memorial# 15952774

 

J.C... I miss his contribution to this forum

What an excellent thread. I had an itchin to get educated on codetalkers throughout our Nations great involvment in World War II. Upon reading this thread, I have gained a heartfelt honor to these men and women who so willingly served! Not just Navajo, but many other tribes and Natives who passionately served. There is a quote I picked out of this article that hit home:

Native Americans responded to America's call for soldiers because they understood the need to defend one's own land, and they understood fundamental concepts of fighting for life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness.

I love this statement and call of duty... not to mention their keen sense of endurance and warrior mind. Their presence on the battlefield I'm sure was nothing less of awe inspiring and motivational. It's all about growth right?? well this my friends is a thread worth the read and appreciation. My hat is off, and a salute is given to all Native American Indians who so graciously served our Nation.

all the best,

Jem aka Mark

 

I'm writing a story that involves the Navajo code talkers in WW II. I've read lots of sources on the Net, but I have some questions that these sources don't answer. Can anyone help me with my questions?

Rob