Twelve Native American veterans from Oklahoma are among a distinguished group of U.S. soldiers who may finally receive longoverdue recognition for their valor in battle. These brave men, who served in conflicts ranging from World War II to Vietnam, are set to have their military records reviewed underaspecialprocessaimed at correcting potential racial orculturalbiasthatmayhave denied them the nation’s highest military award, the Medal of Honor.
The review, part of a federal initiative passed by Congress, mandates the Department of Defense to reassess the combat records of Native American, Asian American,AfricanAmerican, Hispanic and Jewish service members who may have been overlooked due to discrimination. Representative Tom Cole, a member of the Chickasaw Nation and one of the lawmakers who helped champion the review, said it’s about honoring the soldier.
“Native American warriors have a proud tradition of military service that goes back generations,” said Cole. “This is about honoring that legacy and making sure no act of heroism is lost to history just because of who the soldier was.”
Though the Pentagon has not yet released the full list of the 12 Oklahoma candidates, it’s known that most hailed from tribal nations with deep roots in the state, including the Choctaw, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole Nations. Military historians and tribal representatives have worked closely with the Department of Defense to identify potential cases.
Theseincludesoldierswho received the Distinguished Service Cross or other high honors that may have fallen short of the Medal of Honor, despite actions meeting or exceeding the criteria. One such case is that of Sgt. William “Billy” Whitehorse, a Cherokee soldier from Tahlequah who fought in the Korean War.
Whitehorse received the Silver Star for holding his unit’s position under heavy fire for over 24 hours while wounded, allowing dozens of fellow soldiers to retreat safely. His family believes the SilverStarwasacompromise in a system that too often failed to acknowledge Native American heroism.
“He never talked about medals,” said his granddaughter, Rebecca Whitehorse. “But he always talked aboutthemenhefoughtwith. If he gets the Medal of Honor now, it’s for them too.”
Oklahomaishometomore Native American tribes than any other state and boasts one of the highest per capita rates of military service among Native populations. Tribal nations across the state have long advocated for greater recognition of Indigenous contributions to America’s defense.
Gov. Kevin Stitt, a member of the Cherokee Nation, applauded the move.
“Oklahoma’s Native American veterans have given so much to this country,” he said. “This review is a powerful reminder that justice delayed is not always justice denied.”
TheMedalofHonorreview process could take several months or more, as each case is rigorously evaluated by military officials. If any of the 12 Oklahoma candidates are approved, the President of the United States will personally award the medals in a formal ceremony. As the review continues, families, tribes, and fellow veterans wait with quiet hope that valor will be recognized, not just in memory, but in history.