Native Americans in World War II

The history of Native Americans in the United States is complex, marked by resilience amid adversity. During World War II, Native Americans played an essential role in the nation’s fight against global tyranny, showcasing exceptional courage, ingenuity, and loyalty. Despite long-standing challenges, an estimated 25,000 Native Americans served in the U.S. military during the war, with many volunteering even before being subject to the draft.

Before the war, Native Americans faced numerous hardships. Reservation infrastructure and economic development lagged significantly behind national standards. Access to quality education was limited, and employment opportunities were scarce. In 1939, the average annual income for Native American males was just $500, far below the national average of $2,200.
Despite these challenges, Native Americans demonstrated remarkable patriotism after the attack on Pearl Harbor. While some were drafted, many volunteered willingly, eager to defend their homeland and prove their commitment to the United States.

Native Americans served across all branches of the military during World War II, participating in critical battles across the globe. From the Pacific theater to Europe, their contributions were significant.
One of the most iconic moments involving a Native American serviceman occurred during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Ira Hayes, a Marine from the Akimel O’odham community in Arizona, became one of the six men immortalized in the famous photograph, “Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima.” This image symbolized the bravery and resilience of American forces and became an enduring emblem of the war effort.
Native Americans were also among the first casualties of the war. The community’s first known loss occurred during the attack on Pearl Harbor, highlighting their early involvement in the conflict. Native soldiers fought in major campaigns, including the Philippines, Normandy, and Okinawa, leaving an indelible mark on the Allied war effort.

In addition to combat roles, Native Americans made unique contributions to the war effort through the creation of an unbreakable military code based on the Navajo language. This innovative system played a pivotal role in the success of Allied operations in the Pacific.
The idea for using the Navajo language as a military code originated with Philip Johnston, a civilian familiar with the language due to his upbringing among the Navajo. Johnston recognized the potential of the language’s complexity to create an uncrackable code. With its tonal qualities and unique syntax, Navajo was virtually impossible for non-speakers to understand, making it an ideal tool for secure communication.

In early 1942, the U.S. Marine Corps recruited bilingual Navajo speakers to develop and implement this new code. These individuals, known as Navajo Code Talkers, translated critical military information into their native language, ensuring secure transmissions that baffled enemy forces.
To adapt the language for military use, the Code Talkers invented creative terms for equipment and strategies. For example:
• Britain became “between waters” (toh-ta).
• Germany was referred to as “iron hate” (besh-be-cha-he).
• Grenades were called “potatoes” (ni-ma-si).
• Dive bombers were nicknamed “chicken hawks” (gini).
This combination of linguistic complexity and innovation ensured that the Navajo Code became the only oral military code in history never to be broken by enemy forces.

The contributions of the Navajo Code Talkers were vital to the Allied success in major battles such as the Battle of Midway and the island-hopping campaigns across the Pacific. Their ability to transmit and decode messages quickly and securely gave American forces a significant tactical advantage.
Despite their critical role, the contributions of the Navajo Code Talkers remained classified for decades after the war. It wasn’t until 2001 that their heroism was formally recognized when they were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States.

Native American women also played a vital role during World War II. Many served as nurses, providing critical care to wounded soldiers both at home and abroad. Others worked in war industries, contributing to the production of munitions and supplies that supported the war effort. Their involvement demonstrated the collective commitment of Native communities to the nation’s defense.

By the end of World War II, more than one-third of Native American men aged 18-50 had served in the military. Their service went beyond combat; it marked a turning point in the perception of Native Americans as integral contributors to the nation’s success.
For many Native servicemen, military service provided new opportunities. Returning veterans often used the GI Bill to pursue higher education and vocational training, enabling them to contribute to their communities in new ways. However, they also returned to the enduring challenges of poverty, discrimination, and underfunded infrastructure on reservations.

The contributions of Native Americans during World War II exemplify courage, ingenuity, and patriotism. From the battlefields of Iwo Jima to the secret transmissions of the Navajo Code Talkers, Native servicemen and women left an indelible legacy. Their sacrifices not only helped secure victory in one of history’s most significant conflicts but also paved the way for greater recognition of Native Americans as vital members of the U.S. military and society.
As their stories continue to inspire, it is essential to honor their memory and ensure their contributions are never forgotten.