Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story Identification Number: 200311619057
Story by Lance Cpl. Monroe F. Seigle
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii(Nov. 7, 2003) -- During the assault on Iwo Jima, Pfc. Ira Hayes, a full-blooded Pima Indian with the 5th Marine Division, along with five other Marines, raised Old Glory on the volcanic peak of Mount Suribachi in the midst of heavy gunfire.
An Associated Press photographer created one of the most inspiring and recognized war photographs in American history by capturing the image of this heroic flag raising on film.
During the month of November, the culture and history of brave warriors such as Hayes will be celebrated during Native American Heritage Month aboard MCB Hawaii, with a variety of eye-opening and educational events for base residents of all ages.
Native American military history goes as far back as every American war in which American soldiers and Marines have participated. Several of the conflicts occurred before Congress passed the Indian Citizenship Act in 1924 granting United States Citizenship to Native Americans. Since then, several great leaders have emerged with Native American blood flowing through their veins.
Army Maj. Gen. Clarence L. Tinker, whom Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Okla., was named, is a well-known figure from World War II. He served in World War I as a lieutenant, and in 1926 became the military attach? for aviation at the American Embassy in London. In that same year, a mechanical figure caused the plane he was piloting to crash. Tinker survived the crash and rescued a Navy commander from the burning wreckage and earned the Soldiers' Medal for bravery.
During World War II, Tinker was placed in charge of the Hawaiian Department of the Army Air Forces. Shortly after the battle at Midway, Tinker determined the Japanese control of Wake Island threatened the American stronghold of Midway. It was on June 6, 1942, when he led a squadron of LB-30 bombers from Hickam Field to Midway Island. From there, the planes flew to Wake Island, but Tinker's plane never made it. Tinker was not believed to have been piloting the bomber at that time, and there is still speculation about the cause of the plane's crash. For leading that dangerous mission, Tinker was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.
Forty years after the end of World War II, Raymond Nakai, a former Navajo code talker, expressed his feelings about Native American participation in World War II.
"Many people ask why we fight the white man's war. Our answer is that we are proud to be Americans. We're proud to be American Indians. We always stand ready when our country needs us."
From art to agriculture, science to soldiering, all Americans have learned and benefited from native peoples, and the contributions made by Native American Indians are immeasurable.
While the historical images of Native Americans should be studied and respected, it is important to remember that those images are just that: history. The modern Native American Warrior is a proud member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard, who, like any other member of the Armed Forces, will protect and defend the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. If history is any indication, Native Americans will do so with unsurpassed courage, honor and devotion to duty.
"MCB Hawaii is proud to celebrate the rich heritage of all our Native American service members who have made positive contributions to our military," said Gunnery Sgt. Milton White, equal opportunity advisor with Headquarters Bn., MCB Hawaii. "We look forward to opening the Marines' and Sailors' eyes to the culture and history in which the Native Americans represent."
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