Mitchell Red Cloud Jr.

Mitchell Red Cloud Jr. was a Native American soldier of the Ho-Chunk nation who served in both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army. He first enlisted in the Marine Corps during World War II, serving in the Pacific Theater, including combat on Guadalcanal and Okinawa, and rose to the rank of Sergeant.

Following the outbreak of the Korean War, Red Cloud enlisted in the U.S. Army and was deployed to the Korean Peninsula as a Corporal with the 24th Infantry Division. On November 5, 1950, near Chonghyon, North Korea, he was serving as a lookout when he single-handedly detected and sounded the alarm for a surprise Chinese assault.

Despite being repeatedly and critically wounded, Red Cloud refused medical attention and had himself tied to a tree to maintain a firing position. His accurate and sustained weapon fire delayed the enemy advance long enough for his company to organize a defense and evacuate their wounded. For these actions, which cost him his life, he posthumously received the Medal of Honor.