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Sharing Navajo heritage

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Dia Molnar, a Navajo woman, tells the history of the Navajo nation at a Native American story telling event Nov. 15 here. Molnar wore a traditional Navajo dress made by her aunt and traditional jewelry made by another Navajo member. (U.S. Air Force Photo By Kendra Williams)

Sharing Navajo heritage

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Kyle Hefner, a member of Boy Scout Troop 305, and son of Ron Hefner, a civilian with U.S. Strategic Command, and Henry Larweh, a cub scout in Pack 91, son of Maxwell and Patience Larweh, look at some Navajo made items at a Native American story telling event at the library here Nov. 15. Briana Rehm, who is half Navajo, assisted the boy scouts in their understanding of the Navajo culture both past and present. (U.S. Air Force Photo By Kendra Williams)

Sharing Navajo heritage

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Brianna Rehm takes a copy of the Navajo alphabet around the room for the audience to view up close during a presentation at a Native American story telling event at the library here Nov. 15. Ray Hefner, a member of the Eagle Eye Patrol and U.S. Strategic Command government civilian, looks closely through the book. This event helped the Boy Scouts fulfill the requirements for one of five badges or tickets for diversity. (U.S. Air Force Photo By Kendra Williams)

Native Americans embody warrior spirit

Published Nov. 18, 2008
By Courtesy of
National American Indian Heritage Committee

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Native Americans embody warrior spirit
Native Americans have participated with distinction in United States military actions for more than 200 years. Since its inception, five Native American service members have earned our nation's highest award for heroism above and beyond the call of duty, the Medal of Honor. Following is the Medal of Honor citation of 1st Lt. Jack C. Montgomery, a Cherokee from Oklahoma.

Below are excerpts from his citation:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 22 February 1944, near Padiglione, Italy. Two hours before daybreak a strong force of enemy infantry established themselves in 3 echelons at 50 yards, 100 yards, and 300 yards, respectively, in front of the rifle platoons commanded by 1st Lt. Montgomery.

"The closest position, consisting of 4 machine guns and 1 mortar, threatened the immediate security of the platoon position. Seizing an Ml rifle and several hand grenades, 1st Lt. Montgomery crawled up a ditch to within hand grenade range of the enemy.

"Then climbing boldly onto a little mound, he fired his rifle and threw his grenades so accurately that he killed 8 of the enemy and captured the remaining 4. Returning to his platoon, he called for artillery fire on a house, in and around which he suspected that the majority of the enemy had entrenched themselves.

"Arming himself with a carbine, he proceeded along the shallow ditch, as withering fire from the riflemen and machine gunners in the second position was concentrated on him.
"He attacked this position with such fury that 7 of the enemy surrendered to him, and both machine guns were silenced. Three German dead were found in the vicinity later that morning.

"1st Lt. Montgomery continued boldly toward the house, 300 yards from his platoon position.

"It was now daylight, and the enemy observation was excellent across the flat open terrain which led to 1st Lt. Montgomery's objective. When the artillery barrage had lifted, 1st Lt. Montgomery ran fearlessly toward the strongly defended position.

"As the enemy started streaming out of the house, 1st Lt. Montgomery, unafraid of treacherous snipers, exposed himself daringly to assemble the surrendering enemy and send them to the rear. His fearless, aggressive, and intrepid actions that morning, accounted for a total of 11 enemy dead, 32 prisoners, and an unknown number of wounded.

"That night, while aiding an adjacent unit to repulse a counterattack, he was struck by mortar fragments and seriously wounded.

"The selflessness and courage exhibited by 1st Lt. Montgomery in alone attacking 3 strong enemy positions inspired his men to a degree beyond estimation."