Surveys the training, tools, and strategies of Native American warriors from both large and remote tribes, examining their equipment, disparate combat techniques, and influence on European and American technology.

"Native Americans have willingly served in the U.S. military during every one of its wars, and their numbers in the armed forces today exceed the percentage of any other ethnic group. What inspires these young people to enlist? One factor is the opportunity to continue a proud warrior tradition in which the deeds of battle are considered the highest form of bravery - a cultural context that is detailed in Warriors in Uniform." "Author Herman J. Viola sets this story against a chronology of conflict from the 1770s to the present, revealing the roles of Native Soldiers in America's two wars with Britain, the poignant reason 15,000 American Indians wore Confederate gray, and the distinction with which they have served in both world wars as well as Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq." "Illustrated with archival images, exhibit-worthy photo essays, and artifact galleries from museum events nationwide, this special edition of Warriors in Uniform holds fascination for everyone interested in history, culture, biography, and art, as well as deeper truths, for all of us, about the way we view one another as fellow citizens of the nation and the world."--BOOK JACKET.

For thousands of years, Plains Indians and their ancestors have occupied the vast region that stretches from the Mississippi river to the Rocky Mountains and from the Canadian plains to the Gulf of Mexico. Today, peoples such as the Blackfoot and Sioux still live in groups bound by language and shared rituals. From about 1800, one of the most important units beyond the extended family was the 'warrior society' - a social, political and ritual group that engaged in warfare and organised ceremonial life. The societies played a prominent role in battles, offering members the opportunity to gain honours through individual acts of bravery such stealing horses, capturing women, and taking scalps during war raids. These societies, however, have a rich ritual life that was marked by a strong sense of spirituality. In their ceremonies society members made use of objects such as pipes, rattles, and headdresses, as these were significant to their shared ideas of ritual and honour. Through a selection of unique objects from the British Museum's collection, this beautifully illustrated little book explores the world of the warriors of the North American Plains. Here are exceptional examples of feather headdresses, shields, moccasins, painted hides, scalps, pipes, tomahawks, and traditional and contemporary costumes. Many of these items may seem initially familiar from popular culture, but their deeper ritual significance is revealed by the author. A perennially popular subject, this book will appeal to young and old alike.

Richly illustrated with historical photographs and paintings, Spirit of the Indian Warrior presents the thoughts of some of history's greatest warriors and tribal leaders. It offers an intimate window into the cultural values of courage, loyalty, and generosity. These values remain strong among their proud descendants. And the words of the Indian warrior continue to live on and inspire the people of America's First Nations, as well as people across the world.

"Crossing the Pond also chronicles the unsuccessful efforts of Nazi propagandists to exploit Native Americans for the Third Reich, as well as the successful efforts of the United States government and the media to recruit Native Americans, utilize their resources, and publicize their activities for the war effort. Attention is also given to the postwar experiences of Native American men and women as they sought the franchise, educational equality, economic stability, the right to purchase alcohol, and the same amount of respect given to other American war veterans."--BOOK JACKET.

"Much of the inspiration for this book has stemmed from the unique things I experienced during my four years of sun dancing. For instance, I learned what the warrior path was truly about, which had nothing to do with what I had been in movies, heard in music or read in books. It wasn't about being destructive or the toughest person in the neighborhood or any other media-stained image. In my moments of terror, pain and loneliness, I realized that this ceremony wasn't self-serving."-- Taken from preface.