Over 17,000 Native Americans registered for military service during World War I. Of these about 10,000 either enlisted or were drafted into the American Expeditionary Force. Three related questions are examined in depth for the first time in this book: What were the battlefield experiences of Native Americans? How did racial and cultural stereotypes about Indians affect their duties? Were Native American veterans changed by their military service?

Indian soldiers prior to World War I -- Indian soldiers and the issue of segregated troops -- The draft and enlistment of American Indians -- Indian soldiers in the American Expeditionary Force -- American Indians as "doughboys" : the influence of stereotypes -- American Indians and other minorities in World War I -- The Indian homefront and the BIA -- Indian veterans in the postwar era.