Many Americans know something about the Navajo code talkers in World War II—but little else about the military service of Native Americans, who have served in our armed forces since the American Revolution, and still serve in larger numbers than any other ethnic group. But, as we learn in this splendid work of historical restitution, code talking originated in World War I among Native soldiers whose extraordinary service resulted, at long last, in U.S. citizenship for all Native Americans.

The origins of Native American code talking --The Eastern band of Cherokee Indians -- The Oklahoma Choctaw -- The Oklahoma Choctaw after the war -- The Oklahoma Cherokee, Comanche, Osage, Sioux, and Ho-Chunk -- Recognition -- The legacy of Native American code talkers in World War I.