National

Author documents war service of California tribal members






The late Glenn Moore, a member of the Yurok Tribe, served in World War II as did three of his brothers. Photo from Yurok Language Project / University of California Berkeley

The stories of 80 California Indians who served in World War II can be found in a unique book.

Author Chag Lowry, a member of the Yurok Tribe, interviewed the veterans for Original Patriots : Northern California Indian Veterans of World War Two. They represent the Yurok, Hoopa, Maidu, Washoe and other tribes who served overseas from 1939 to 1945.

"When World War Two came along I was already in the service," the late Yurok veteran Glenn Moore, Sr. said in the book. "At that time they told you if you’re drafted they put you where they want you. If you enlist you get to choose where to go."

Moore wasn't the one from his family who fought in WWII either. Three of his brothers also served -- his older brother, Bennett, was killed in the Pacific Theater.

Overall, 90 percent of the men on the reservation served during the war, according to a press release from the tribe. Along with other veterans, they will be honored at an event at the Yurok Country Visitor Center today. Lowry and three WWII veterans will be on hand for the ceremony.

Get the Story:
Yuroks to honor WWII vets at visitor center (The Del Norte Triplicate 11/11)

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