TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation honored two veterans with the Medal of Patriotism during the September meeting of the Council of the Cherokee Nation.
Ernest David Cloud, of Pryor, along with Sequoyah Hall, of Wagoner, were recognized by Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Secretary of Veterans Affairs S. Joe Crittenden for their service and sacrifice to the country.
Cloud entered into the United States Marine Corps on Feb. 11, 1969, his Military Occupational Specialty included serving as a Warehouse Clerk. Cloud was deployed to Vietnam on Oct. 21, 1970. He was honorably discharged on Sept. 2, 1973.
During Cloud’s service, he was awarded with the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service with 1 Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Navy Achievement Medal with Combat “V” and two Meritorious Mast.
“I want to thank Cherokee Nation for this incredible honor, the way we are recognized now didn’t happen when we came back home,” said Cloud. “The heroes are the ones still on foreign soil and we should remember them.”
Hall enlisted into the United States Army on March 9, 1969, he served alongside Company B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Calvary and 1st Calvary Division in Vietnam from August 1969 to October 1970. He was recognized for his heroic service on April 21, 1970, when his unit was attacked, Hall was injured but maintained his composure and forced the enemy to withdraw. He was honorably discharged in September of 1972.
Over Hall’s career, he was awarded with the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.
Each month, the Cherokee Nation recognizes service men and women for their sacrifices and to demonstrate high regard in which all veterans are held by the tribe. Native Americans, including Cherokees, serve higher per capita than any other ethnic group according to the U.S. Department of Defense.