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The Wounded Knee Massacre occurred on December 29, 1890, when U.S. Army troops killed an estimated 250 Lakota Sioux, including women and children, at Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota. This event marked the end of the Indian Wars and was a significant moment in U.S. history, symbolizing the violent suppression of Native American resistance and the tragic consequences of U.S. expansionism.
The Medals of Honor were awarded to 20 soldiers for their actions during the Wounded Knee Massacre, which the U.S. government viewed as a military engagement. The medals recognized bravery and service in combat, although the context of the massacre raises ethical questions about the appropriateness of these awards, given the large number of unarmed Lakota casualties.
The soldiers involved in the Wounded Knee Massacre were recognized for their bravery in a combat situation, which included actions such as rescuing wounded comrades and continuing to fight despite personal injury. However, these actions occurred during a massacre against a largely unarmed population, complicating the narrative of heroism associated with the medals.
Public opinion on the Wounded Knee Medals of Honor has become increasingly critical, especially in light of historical reevaluation. Many advocate for rescinding the medals due to the massacre's brutal nature and the suffering inflicted on the Lakota Sioux, reflecting broader societal changes regarding how military actions against Indigenous peoples are viewed.
The Medal of Honor is awarded for acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty during combat. Criteria include demonstrating extraordinary courage, risking one's life to save others, and performing actions that significantly contribute to the mission's success. The historical context of the action is also considered, which can complicate the award's appropriateness.
Lloyd Austin served as the U.S. Secretary of Defense from January 2021 until September 2025. He led a review of the Medals of Honor awarded for the Wounded Knee actions, emphasizing a need for historical accuracy over political correctness. His tenure was marked by efforts to address issues of equity and inclusion within the military.
The Wounded Knee Massacre occurred during a period of intense conflict between the U.S. government and Native American tribes, characterized by broken treaties and forced relocations. This conflict was part of the broader Indian Wars, which aimed to suppress Indigenous resistance to U.S. expansion and resulted in significant loss of life and culture among Native peoples.
Similar cases include the awards given to soldiers involved in other controversial military actions against Native Americans, such as the Sand Creek Massacre. These instances highlight a pattern where military valor is recognized despite the moral implications of the actions taken against Indigenous populations, raising ongoing debates about historical memory and justice.
The decision to allow Wounded Knee soldiers to keep their Medals of Honor has sparked significant public debate and frustration, particularly among Indigenous communities. It raises questions about how the U.S. honors its military history and the narratives that are celebrated, influencing current discussions on reconciliation and the recognition of historical injustices.
Arguments for rescinding the Medals of Honor focus on the moral implications of honoring soldiers for actions that led to the deaths of unarmed civilians. Critics argue that awarding medals for such actions perpetuates a narrative of valor that overlooks the suffering of the Lakota Sioux and fails to acknowledge the historical context of colonization and violence against Indigenous peoples.
