About First Warrior
Documenting the Images and Legends of America's Forgotten War Veterans
Ernest Childers
Congressional Medal of Honor
Oliveto, Italy 1943
Billy Walkabout
Vietnam
Steve Brown
B-17 Nose Gunner 1942
Less
than 26 years after the battle of
Wounded Knee and before the American Indian was granted U.S. citizenship,
including the right to vote, more than 12,000 men and four women enlisted
to fight in WWI. This patriotism would be demonstrated again in
WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. American Indian men and women claim a
higher military enlistment rate than any other ethnic group. Of
the 42,000+ who served in Vietnam, 90 percent volunteered.
Yet these patriotic veterans are America’s ‘forgotten warriors’. Many
of their direct ancestors died at the hands of the U.S. Military and these
modern-day warriors have continuously faced prejudice and racism from
their fellow citizens. They were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice—to
face America’s enemies on foreign battlefields, to fight and die protecting
and preserving every American’s right to freedom.
The
First Warrior Project is archiving the images and stories of one
hundred American Indian War Veterans to represent the tradition of Indian
warriors and illuminate the heritage of America’s First People—the First
Warriors. The exhibit presents dramatic, photographic images
of the individual soldiers accompanied by a short narrative of their personal
heroism. Click Gallery.
The legends of these respected soldiers will transcend ethnic boundaries.
For the first time in American history honor and recognition will be bestowed
upon all of our Indian Warriors.
Not just for the American Indian, but for people, and veterans of the world.
