Native American Studies

An overview of the Code Talkers who fought for the U.S. during WWI. These Code Talkers included Choctaw Code Talkers, as well as Native Americans from a number of different Indian Nations. The WWI Code Talkers would create a template for the U.S. Code Talkers in WWII.

An overview of the Comanche Code Talkers, by the U.S. Army Heritage Center Foundation, describing their experiences in Europe during WWII, with a particular focus on Charles J. Chibitty. The article described how the Code Talkers operated in Europe and some of the battles that they fought in.

A series of 32 biographies of American Indian Metal of Honor recipients, as hosted by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. From the Indian Scouts on the plains to gallantry in Vietnam, the biographies cover the depth and breadth of Indigenous heroism. The article includes the citation, which describes the actions of the veteran.

Ira Hayes was an Akimel O'odham (Pima) Indian who was best known for being one of the 6 flag raisers on Mount Suribachi, during the Battle of Iwo Jima. While Hayes was praised by the country for his service, like many veterans, he was haunted by what he experienced during the war. He would end up dying from alcoholism, probably related to PTSD. This article, from the Museum of Native American History describes his story from his birth, to his service during WWII, to his early death.

Lori Ann Piestewa was a Hopi Indian and veteran of the Iraq War. She served as part of the 507th Maintenance Company, a support unit that transported water, supplies, and other non-combative help to combat units. She would be killed in 2003, during an ambush on her convoy, becoming the first Native American Woman to die in combat for the U.S. Her story would go on to inspire other women and Native Americans to join the U.S. military, leading to women taking more active roles in the military. As of 2025, Piestewa Peak in Phoenix, Arizona is named after her.