American Indians Serve in the U.S. Military in Greater Numbers Than Any Ethnic Group and Have Since the Revolution

On this Memorial Day holiday, as we remember those who have given their lives in service to our country while protecting the freedoms and ideals we hold dear, many of our fellow Americans remain unaware of the major contributions Native Americans have made to our nation's armed forces. In fact, American Indians serve in their country's armed forces in greater numbers per capita than any other ethnic group, and they have served with distinction in every major conflict for over 200 years.

Best known are the Native American Code Talkers who served in World Wars I and II. Theirs is a remarkable story and their contributions were vital to our success, but there are countless other Native Americans who have served in the U.S. military who deserve recognition. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, as of 2012 there were over 22,000 American Indians and Alaska Natives on active duty, and the 2010 Census identified over 150,000 American Indian and Alaska Native veterans. 27 Native Americans have been awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military honor.

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