Marcus Oatmans heroic charge up a Philippine hillside in 1945 was echo of grandmothers act in 1877

Marcus Oatman, a veteran of the U. S. Army, demonstrated extraordinary courage in 1945 when he charged a Japanese machine gun nest on a Philippine hillside, reminiscent of his grandmother's bravery during the Nez Perce War in 1877. He faced relentless gunfire, recalling that he "battled about 35 of them single-handed," and attributed his survival to a vision from his youth. Oatman, 78, plans to honor his fallen comrades in a parade in Washington, D.

C. , marking the dedication of the World War II Memorial. His grandmother, Pey-naw-halp-pawit, had reassured his sisters of his strength before he left for war. During four and a half months of combat on Luzon, Oatman led an assault that saw him face heavy enemy fire without sustaining injury. He described the sounds of battle vividly, detailing the near misses of bullets that often struck his helmet.

Oatman’s narrative highlights the contributions of Native American soldiers and the personal legacies that shaped their experiences. His story remains a testament to bravery across generations.