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 for military officers. It was started in 1896 by officers from the United States Army. These officers had served in conflicts against Native American tribes from the time of the American Revolution up to the late 1800s.

What is the OIWUS?

The OIWUS is like a club for people who served in the military. It was created in 1896 by Colonel Bernard J.D. Irwin. He was a brave soldier who received the Medal of Honor. The group was founded at Fort Sheridan, which is near Chicago.

Why was it started?

The OIWUS was made to be similar to other military groups, like the Society of the Cincinnati. Its main goals are:

• To help its members connect with each other.
• To keep the history of the Indian Wars alive. These were conflicts between the U.S. military and Native American tribes.

What are the goals of the OIWUS?

The main goals of the OIWUS are to:

• Remember the brave actions of the U.S. military during conflicts with Native American tribes.
• Collect and share historical information. This includes stories of heroic service and dedication during these conflicts.

Who can join the OIWUS?

When the OIWUS first started, members were:

• Original Companions: Officers who had served in the conflicts themselves.
• Hereditary Companions: Their male descendants (sons, grandsons, etc.).

How membership changed

Over time, the original officers passed away. So, only hereditary members remained. More recently, the rules for joining have changed. Now, descendants of soldiers who served in conflicts with Native Americans, even as far back as the early 1600s, can be considered.

Current membership rules

Today, Hereditary Companions can be:

• Direct family members (like children or grandchildren) of the original members.
• Commissioned Officers in the United States Armed Forces. They must be direct family members of enlisted soldiers who would have qualified as original members.

Also, gentlemen who are direct family members of people who fought against Native Americans in a military unit under the British Crown before June 14, 1776, might be able to join. Joining the OIWUS is by invitation only.

Notable Members

Many important military leaders have been members of the OIWUS. Here are some of them:

• Lieutenant General Nelson A. Miles - He received the Medal of Honor.
• Lieutenant General Samuel Baldwin Marks Young - He also received the Medal of Honor and was a U.S. Army Chief of Staff.
• Major General Zenas R. Bliss - Another Medal of Honor recipient.
• Major General Frederick D. Grant - He was the son of President Ulysses S. Grant.
• Major General Leonard Wood - He received the Medal of Honor.
• Brigadier General Bernard J. D. Irwin - He was one of the founders and a Medal of Honor recipient.
• Colonel George Burnett - A Medal of Honor recipient.
• Major Robert Carter - He also received the Medal of Honor.

See also

• Society of the Cincinnati
• Aztec Club of 1847
• Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States