Order of the Indian Wars of the United States facts for kids

The Order of the Indian Wars of the United States (OIWUS) is a special group started in 1896. It was created by officers from the United States Army who had served in conflicts against Native Americans. These conflicts happened from the time of the American Revolution up to the late 1800s.

What is the OIWUS?

The OIWUS is like a club for people connected to these historical military events. It was founded by Colonel B.J.D. Irwin at Fort Sheridan, which is near Chicago. The group was designed to be similar to other military societies in America, like the Society of the Cincinnati.

The main goals of the OIWUS are to help its members connect with each other and to keep the history of the "Indian Wars" alive. These "Indian Wars" refer to the many conflicts between the U.S. military and Native American tribes.

Why Was It Formed?

The OIWUS was formed to remember the brave actions of the U.S. military during these conflicts. It also aims to gather and share historical information about the heroic deeds and dedication shown during these times. They want to make sure these stories are not forgotten.

Who Can Join?

When the OIWUS first started, members were mostly veteran officers who had served in these conflicts. They were called "Original Companions." Their male descendants could also join, and they were called "Hereditary Companions."

Over time, the "Original Companions" passed away, and the group was mainly made up of "Hereditary Companions." More recently, the rules for joining have changed. Now, membership can include descendants of soldiers who served in conflicts with Native Americans as far back as the early 1600s.

Today, "Hereditary Companions" can be:

• Direct descendants of the original members of the Order.
• Officers in the United States Armed Forces who are direct descendants of honorably discharged soldiers who would have qualified as original members.

Sometimes, gentlemen who are descendants of people who fought Native Americans while serving under the British Crown (before June 14, 1776) can also be considered for membership. Joining the OIWUS is by invitation only.

Notable Members

Many important military leaders have been members of the OIWUS. Some of them even received the Medal of Honor, which is a very high award for bravery.

• Lieutenant General Nelson A. Miles - A top general in the U.S. Army and a Medal of Honor recipient.
• Lieutenant General Samuel Baldwin Marks Young - Another U.S. Army Commanding General and Medal of Honor recipient.
• Major General Zenas R. Bliss - A Medal of Honor recipient.
• Major General Joseph T. Dickman
• Major General Frederick D. Grant - The son of former U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant.
• Major General James Parker (Medal of Honor) - A Medal of Honor recipient.
• Major General Leonard Wood - A Medal of Honor recipient.
• Major General Hugh L. Scott - A Chief of Staff for the U.S. Army.
• Major General William W. Wotherspoon - Another U.S. Army Chief of Staff.
• Brigadier General Thomas Lincoln Casey, Sr. - The Chief Engineer for the U.S. Army.
• Brigadier General William Preble Hall - A Medal of Honor recipient.
• Brigadier General Frederick Phisterer - A Medal of Honor recipient.
• Brigadier General Marion Maus - A Medal of Honor recipient.
• Brigadier General Bernard J. D. Irwin - A Medal of Honor recipient and one of the founders.
• Colonel Charles Heyl - A Medal of Honor recipient.
• Colonel Herbert Jermain Slocum - A cavalry officer.
• Major John O. Skinner - A Medal of Honor recipient.