Hidden Discrimination : Edwin Wilber and Stereotypes of the Native American Soldier

Abstract

Native Americans have been involved with warfare for thousands of years. When the colonization of the New World began, Native Americans fought to retain their land. These fights lasted for more than one hundred years, spanning multiple conflicts with the colonists, British, and French. The Native American warriors would side with the belligerent that posed a lesser threat to their lives, doing everything they could to keep what they deserved. Eventually, Native Americans would be recruited by American militias, typically being used as scouts based on their understanding of the land on which the war was being waged. As time progressed the United States military continued employing Native American soldiers for duty, and even though the terrain in these wars has changed, the Native American was still being used as a scout based on the assumption of an innate ability to understand terrain. This assumption by the military has led to many Native American casualties in war, due to being placed on the front lines. One particular Native American soldier who has lived this stereotype is Edwin J. Wilber, a Menominee Indian from Keshena, Wisconsin. Edwin served in the Korean War as a scout and received two Purple Hearts during his tour of duty. Edwin had not been formally trained in scouting prior to his deployment, but based on his race, Edwin was made a scout and was placed in harms way multiple times.