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List of Native American Medal of Honor recipients facts for kids

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The Medal of Honor is the highest award for bravery in the United States military. It's given to soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who show amazing courage. They must risk their own lives in battle, going "above and beyond" what is expected. The President of the United States gives this medal on behalf of the Congress.

This special medal was first created during the American Civil War. It honors those who act with incredible bravery against an enemy. Because of how dangerous these actions are, the medal is often given after the person has passed away. As of 2010, 29 Native Americans have received this very important award.

Brave Native American Heroes

This section lists the brave Native Americans who have received the Medal of Honor. These individuals showed incredible courage and dedication while serving in the U.S. military. Their actions truly went "above and beyond" the call of duty.

     This along with * indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

  • Alchesay

    William Alchesay

  • Elsatsoosh

    Elsatsoosu

  • Pompei Factor- medal of honor 1875

    Pompey Factor

  • Pappy Boyington

    Gregory "Pappy" Boyington

  • Mitchell Red Cloud

    Mitchell Red Cloud

  • Tony K. Burris

    Tony Burris

  • MSgt Woodrow Wilson Keeble

    Woodrow Keeble

Name Tribe/Nation Service Rank Conflict Place of action Date of action Notes
Co-Rux-Te-Chod-Ish Pawnee Army Sergeant Indian Wars Republican River, Kansas July 8, 1869 Was shot while chasing an enemy soldier.
Chiquito White Mountain Apache Army Scout Indian Wars Arizona Territory Winter of 1871–1873 Honored for his actions during battles with Apaches.
Jim White Mountain Apache Army Sergeant Indian Wars
—
 Winter of 1871–1873 Honored for his actions during battles with Apaches.
Machol Apache Army Private Indian Wars Arizona Territory 1872–1873 Honored for his actions during battles with Apaches.
Nannasaddie White Mountain Apache Army Scout Indian Wars Arizona Territory 1872–1873 Honored for his actions during battles with Apaches.
Nantaje White Mountain Apache Army Scout Indian Wars Arizona Territory 1872–1873 Honored for his actions during battles with Apaches.
Alchesay, WilliamWilliam Alchesay White Mountain Apache Army Sergeant Indian Wars Arizona Territory Winter of 1872–1873 Honored for his actions during battles with Apaches.
Blanquet Apache Army Scout Indian Wars Arizona Territory Winter of 1872–1873 Honored for his actions during battles with Apaches.
Elsatsoosu Apache Army Corporal Indian Wars Arizona Territory Winter of 1872–1873 Honored for his actions during battles with Apaches.
Kelsay White Mountain Apache Army Scout Indian Wars Arizona Territory Winter of 1872–1873 Honored for his actions during battles with Apaches.
Kosoha White Mountain Apache Army Scout Indian Wars Arizona Territory Winter of 1872–1873 Honored for his actions during battles with Apaches.
Paine, AdamAdam Paine Black Seminole Army Private Indian Wars Canyon Blanco tributary of the Red River, Texas September 26, 1874 – September 27, 1874 Provided important help to Colonel R. S. Mackenzie during a battle.
Factor, PompeyPompey Factor Black Seminole Army Private Indian Wars Pecos River, Texas April 25, 1875 Along with three others, bravely charged a larger enemy force.
Payne, IsaacIsaac Payne Black Seminole Army Trumpeter Indian Wars Pecos River, Texas April 25, 1875 Along with three others, bravely charged a larger enemy force.
Ward, JohnJohn Ward Black Seminole Army Sergeant Indian Wars Pecos River, Texas April 25, 1875 Along with three others, bravely charged a larger enemy force.
Rowdy Apache Army Sergeant Indian Wars Arizona Territory March 7, 1890
Boyington, PappyPappy Boyington Sioux Marine Corps Major World War II Central Solomons area, Pacific Ocean September 12, 1943 – January 3, 1944 Led his squadron in many missions against a larger enemy force.
Childers, ErnestErnest Childers Muscogee Army Second Lieutenant World War II Oliveto, Italy September 22, 1943 Even though injured, he killed two snipers and attacked two machine gun nests.
Montgomery, Jack C.Jack C. Montgomery Cherokee Army First Lieutenant World War II near Padiglione, Italy February 22, 1944 Alone, he attacked two German positions and captured many enemy soldiers.
Barfoot, Van T.Van T. Barfoot Choctaw Army Technical Sergeant World War II near Carano, Italy May 23, 1944 Alone, he destroyed two machine gun nests, took prisoners, and stopped a tank.
Harmon, Roy W.Roy W. Harmon* Army Sergeant World War II near Casaglia, Italy July 12, 1944 Alone, he attacked three German positions even though he was wounded.
Evans, Ernest E.Ernest E. Evans* Cherokee/Muscogee Navy Commander World War II off Samar, Philippines October 25, 1944 In a huge naval battle, he bravely attacked a much larger Japanese fleet. He sacrificed his life and ship to help defeat the enemy.
Reese, Jr., John N.John N. Reese, Jr.* Army Private First Class World War II Paco Railroad Station, Manila, Philippines February 9, 1945 With another soldier, he attacked a Japanese-held railroad station.
Red Cloud, Jr., MitchellMitchell Red Cloud, Jr.* Ho-Chunk Army Corporal Korean War near Chonghyon, Korea November 5, 1950 He stayed in an open position and kept fighting even after being wounded.
Harvey, RaymondRaymond Harvey Chickasaw Army Captain Korean War near Taemi-Dong, Korea March 9, 1951 He led his men against enemy positions and continued to lead after being wounded.
Burris, Tony K.Tony K. Burris* Choctaw Army Sergeant First Class Korean War near Mundung-ni, Korea October 8, 1951 – October 9, 1951 Alone, he attacked two enemy positions while wounded. He was killed attacking a third.
Keeble, Woodrow W.Woodrow W. Keeble* Sioux Army Master Sergeant Korean War near Sangsan-ni, Korea October 20, 1951 Alone, he attacked three machine gun nests.
George, CharlesCharles George* Cherokee Army Private First Class Korean War near Songnae-dong, Korea November 30, 1952 He covered a grenade with his body to save his comrades.
Williams, James E.James E. Williams Cherokee Navy Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Vietnam War Mekong River, South Vietnam October 31, 1966 Destroyed 65 enemy boats and captured over 1,000 enemy soldiers.
Thornton, Michael E.Michael E. Thornton Cherokee Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Vietnam War South Vietnam October 31, 1972 Under heavy fire, he rescued his seriously wounded officer and towed him for two hours until they were saved.
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