Why Native Men Served A Country That Had Fought Their Nations

Joseph Medicine Crow’s military service becomes more meaningful, not less, when placed inside the complicated history of Native participation in the United States armed forces.

The simple patriotic version says that Native men answered America’s call in wartime because they were Americans like everyone else.

The cynical version says that service proved how completely federal assimilation had succeeded.

Neither explanation is sufficient.

Native people entered U.S. military service for many reasons.

Some felt patriotic attachment to the United States.

Some viewed service through older warrior traditions.

Some followed relatives or friends.

Some saw military life as employment or opportunity.