Native American women have long upheld a proud tradition of military service, showcasing resilience, leadership, and a deep sense of duty. From the Revolutionary War to modern conflicts, their contributions are woven into the fabric of U.S. military history, reflecting both personal and cultural pride.
A Legacy Rooted in History
Native American women began serving alongside men in pivotal moments of U.S. history. During the Revolutionary War, Tyonajanegen, an Oneida woman, fought valiantly at her husband’s side in the Battle of Oriskany in 1777. Her courage set the stage for countless other women to follow.
Fast-forward to the Spanish-American War in 1898, four Sioux nuns served as Army nurses, marking the first instance of Native women on active duty. Tragically, one lost her life while serving in Cuba, receiving military honors in recognition of her sacrifice.
The Early 20th Century
In World War I, 14 Native American women joined the Army Nurse Corps, treating soldiers on the battlefield and in hospitals. Charlotte Edith Anderson Monture, a Mohawk nurse from Canada, volunteered for the Corps in 1917.
She served in France, providing critical care during some of the war’s most harrowing battles. Her dedication continued long after the war, as she returned to her community to practice nursing until her passing at age 106.
Expanding Roles During World War II
The contributions of Native American women expanded significantly during World War II, with 800 serving in uniform and thousands supporting the war effort on the home front. Among them was Margie Williams, a Lakota Sioux, who expressed the pride Native women felt wearing the U.S. military uniform.
Two notable figures:
- Marge Pascale, an Ojibwe, joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Corps (WAAC) in 1943, driven by the promise of stability and purpose.
- Ola Rexroat, an Oglala-Lakota, became the only Native American woman to serve as a pilot with the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), towing targets for aerial gunners and making aviation history.
Breaking Barriers in Modern Conflicts
The legacy of service continued seamlessly into the late 20th and 21st centuries. Pioneers like Marine Corps Pvt. Minnie Spotted-Wolf, the first Native American woman to enlist in 1943, paved the way.
Consequently, by the 1980s, Native women served in diverse roles: Eskimo Scouts in the Alaska National Guard, patrolling remote areas, and as trailblazers in other military branches.
In Iraq and Afghanistan, Native American women took on combat and leadership roles. Lori Piestewa, a Hopi, became the first Native American woman killed in action on foreign soil during the Iraq War in 2003.
Her bravery inspired the renaming of a mountain in Phoenix, Arizona, now known as Piestewa Peak.
Contributions Beyond the Battlefield
Today, Native American women in the military embody leadership and cultural pride, exemplified by individuals like Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Trinity Sells.
During a heritage ceremony aboard the USS George Washington in 2018, she carried a protection arrow passed down through her family, symbolizing a blend of tradition and modern service.
Two takeaways from their Service:
- Their service honors both individual ambition and a collective cultural legacy.
- They continue to inspire diverse generations of Americans, showcasing the importance of representation and resilience.
A Tradition of Pride and Dedication
The military service of Native American women highlights their courage, adaptability, and the enduring values of their heritage. They have not only contributed to the defense of the United States but have also served as cultural ambassadors, ensuring their stories remain a vital part of the nation’s narrative.
Through centuries of service, Native American women have proven that their role in U.S. military history is not just a chapter—it’s a cornerstone of our shared legacy.
Sources: THX News & US Department of Defense.
