Ernest Childers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ernest Childers
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Childers, at left, with General Jacob L. Devers shortly after receiving the Medal of Honor
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| Born | February 1, 1918 Broken Arrow, Oklahoma |
| Died | March 17, 2005 (aged 87) |
| Place of burial |
Floral Haven Memorial Gardens, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1937–1966 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit | 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Ernest Childers (February 1, 1918 – March 17, 2005) was a brave American soldier. He was an officer in the United States Army. Childers received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award a soldier can get in the U.S. military. He earned this medal for his amazing courage during World War II. He was also the first Native American to receive this honor since the 1800s.
Contents
Ernest Childers' Life and Heroism
Early Life and Joining the Army
Ernest Childers was born in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. This was on February 1, 1918. He was a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. He went to the Chilocco Indian Agricultural School. This school was in north-central Oklahoma. Interestingly, another Medal of Honor winner from World War II, Jack C. Montgomery, went to the same school.
In 1937, Ernest Childers joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard. He became part of the 180th Infantry Regiment. This regiment was part of the 45th Infantry Division.
Heroic Actions in World War II
When the U.S. entered World War II, Childers was sent to Europe. By September 22, 1943, he was a second lieutenant in Italy. His unit was fighting near a town called Oliveto Citra.
On that day, Lieutenant Childers showed incredible bravery. He was alone when he found two enemy snipers. He quickly took them out. Then, he attacked two enemy machine gun nests by himself. He also captured an artillery observer. An artillery observer helps direct big guns. For these heroic actions, he received the Medal of Honor. He got the medal seven months later, on April 8, 1944.
Later Life and Legacy
Childers continued to serve in the Army. He reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. He then retired from the military. He passed away at age 87. He was buried in Floral Haven Memorial Gardens in his hometown of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
Before he died, a middle school was named in his honor. It is called Ernest Childers Middle School. It is part of Broken Arrow Public Schools and teaches students from 6th to 8th grade. Also, a medical clinic in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is named after him. It is the Ernest Childers Out Patient Clinic.
See also
