The Navajo Code Talkers are the most famous of the Native American soldiers who served during World War II, but they were only a fraction of the approximately 22,000 men and women in uniform. Native Americans served in all services and fought in all the battle zones throughout the world.

World War II had a profound and lasting impact on the thousands of the Native Americans who served. They experienced the ravages of war suffered by all American soldiers, but they also returned home with renewed belief that Native American peoples were entitled to the same rights and opportunities as white Americans. After World War II, many Native American veterans grew more active in fighting for their rights and demanded greater equality.