Wisconsin History Day By Day


Related Web Sites:
Mitchell Red Cloud, Jr. Wins the Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor

American Indians and the Korean War

Michell Red Cloud Jr. (Wikipedia)

Five Area Men Gain Medal of Honor


Read More About It

"Fire and Ice: The Korean War, 1950-1953" by Michael J. Varhola

"Local Medal of Honor winners are rare heroes," La Crosse Tribune, Nov. 11, 2003


Vocabulary:

Medal of Honor


Interesting Fact:

Red Cloud was the great-grandson of Chief Winneshiek.


Study Questions:

  • What did Red Cloud do in the Korean War to distinguish himself to be awarded the Medal of Honor?
  • Why was Red Cloud buried in the Decorah cemetery near Black River Falls in 1955 when he was killed in 1950?
  • How many men from Wisconsin have been awarded the Medal of Honor? How many Native Americans?


    U.S. historical events that occurred on March 26:

    1874: American poet Robert Frost is born.
    1892: American poet Walt Whitman dies.



  • March 26

    March 26, 1955: Mitchell Red Cloud, Jr., a Winnebago Indian (Ho-Chunk) from Black River Falls and a Korean War hero, was buried on this date after being killed in the Korean War. Red Cloud, born on July 2, 1924, received the Medal of Honor for his actions in Korea. Over 132,000 people from Wisconsin served in the military during the Korean War with 729 being killed.


    Wisconsin History Day By Day homepage
    January - December calendar page