World War I cemetery in Europe

W6921. [Untitled]. 1921, [Europe]. Joseph K. Dixon, photographer.

The Great War was promoted at the time as the war to end all wars. A hundred years later, it is horrifyingly obvious that it was not the final war.

Instead it was a new kind of war—introducing devastating new weapons and strategies, taking place on three continents and at sea, and killing over 15 million participants and civilians.

We pay tribute here to two soldiers who exhibited exceptional skills and courage during their service.  These two represent thousands of other Native Americans who served in World War I, representing their cultures and their country. 

     While taking active part in the battle at Chateau Thierry latter part of

July 1918 I was gassed and just barely escaped, this world war in which

I took part is something that will be in my memory forever, I know

I might get killed yet I know that I ought to do something for my country

as we Indians are the real Americans.

- Owen Hates Him, Cheyenne River Sioux. Enlisted in Pierre, South Dakota on April 21, 1917.  The United States declared war on Germany on April 4, 1917.

Questionnaires:

Elson M. James

Walter R. Sevalier 

Photographs:

Elson M. James