TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation honored two Cherokee veterans with the Medal of Patriotism during the January meeting of the Council of the Cherokee Nation.
David Hall of Sallisaw and Loyd England of Welling were recognized by Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner and Secretary of Veterans Affairs S. Joe Crittenden, acknowledging their service and sacrifice to this country.
David Matthew Hall joined in the United States Army on July 30, 1985. After completing basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he was stationed at Camp Greaves in Korea with the 19th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. During his 12-month tour, Hall successfully completed 36 live missions and earned three Army Achievement Medals. Hall was then assigned to Fort Polk, Louisiana, where he served with the 3rd of 6th Infantry Brigade, 5th Infantry Division. There, he worked in the S-3 Department as Brigade Commander of Support before taking on the role of squad leader. Later, he was transferred to the 5th Division Headquarters as the driver for the Assistant Division Commander of Support. During his time there, Hall participated in several successful missions, including a four-month desert training exercise at Fort Irwin, California.
On July 30, 1989, Hall left active duty and reported to the Oklahoma National Guard, where he served as a Sergeant with the 18th Infantry Brigade, 45th Infantry Division, for three years. Following the unit's dissolution, he transferred to the 120th Engineer Battalion in Stilwell, OK, where he served for an additional two years. Hall was honorably discharged on June 18, 1994. His service was recognized with the Good Conduct Medal and Army Achievement Medal, among other commendations.
Loyd Lee England joined the United States Air Force on Aug. 17, 1965, and was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. Initially serving as a motor pool driver, England later cross-trained as a Field Maintenance technician, working on aircraft equipment. In 1968, he was deployed overseas to Guam on New Year’s Day, where he worked on boom loading equipment. He was honorably discharged on July 17, 1969. Throughout his service, he earned several awards, including the National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and the Air Force Medal.
Each month the Cherokee Nation recognizes Cherokee service men and women for their sacrifices and as a way to demonstrate the high regard in which all veterans are held by the tribe. Native Americans, including Cherokees, are thought to have more citizens serving per capita than any other ethnic group according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
To nominate a veteran who is a Cherokee Nation citizen, call 918-772-4166.