Korea and Vietnam
During the Korean War (1950–1953), battle-hardened Native American troops from World War II were joined by American Indians newly recruited to fight on foreign soil. Approximately 10,000 Native Americans served in the U.S. military during this period. Seven American Indians and Native Hawaiians received Medals of Honor for their bravery and sacrifice in Korea.
Fighting to prevent a communist takeover
The Korean War began in June 1950, when Communist North Korean troops crossed the 38th parallel dividing the Korean Peninsula. For the next three years, American forces – including approximately 10,000 American Indian soldiers – along with troops from 15 other nations, fought to prevent a Communist takeover. Considered a “police action” because Congress issued no formal declaration of war, the Korean War was nevertheless bloody and brutal. Some 33,739 American soldiers died in battle, including 194 Native Americans.
Native Americans demonstrated their patriotism again during the Vietnam era. More than 42,000 Native Americans fought in Vietnam, more than 90 percent of them volunteers. Among the nearly 60 thousand names of individuals killed or missing in action on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall are 232 identified as Native Americans or Alaska Natives.
Like many other Vietnam veterans, American Indians were often deeply traumatized by what they experienced. When the veterans returned, many found solace and healing in their communities’ ceremonies and honors. Many also joined political organizations, such as the American Indian Movement and the National Indian Youth Council, to work for social justice and change.
Honoring Oneida veterans
Who bravely served during the Korea and Vietnam Wars
Keller George
A retired Master Sergeant who served 22 years in the Army and Air Force, emphasizes that the continuous military service of Oneida people since the Revolutionary War reaffirms the validity of treaties signed with the U.S. government.
George, comes from a family with a long history of military service, defending the United States is synonymous with defending ancestral Oneida lands, honoring the obligation made by their ancestors "to share the fruits of victory or be buried in a common grave." He is proud that the significant military contributions of the Oneida are finally being recognized.
Vaughn “Chip” Isaacs (Turtle Clan)
Vaughn “Chip” Isaacs (Turtle Clan) is a Vietnam Veteran who served two tours (1966-1969) as a long-range reconnaissance patrol specialist with the Army Rangers, and he is featured in the book War Paint.
Following a family and Oneida tradition of military service, Chip enlisted for stability after leaving school to support his siblings, finding pride in serving his country. Despite later losing his voice due to throat cancer caused by Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam, he continues to live life positively and is honored annually by the Oneida Indian Nation.
Robert Johnson (Turtle Clan)
Robert "Bob" Johnson (Turtle Clan) served in the Marine Corps in Vietnam as a member of a helicopter crew that was hit and disabled while attempting a rescue mission, but they were safely rescued hours later.
Following his Vietnam service, Bob became a crew chief for a helicopter training unit before becoming the number-one crew chief on the detail that maintained Marine One, the helicopter used by the President of the United States. He served under three presidents: Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Gerald Ford.
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Educational resources
A closer look at Haudenosaunee customs directly from Oneida Indian Nation Members.