Colonel Clarence Tinker

Colonel Clarence Tinker was a respected Native American military leader and the first American Indian to reach the rank of Brigadier General. During World War II, he served as a commander in the U.S. Army Air Forces, leading bomber missions. Tragically, he was killed in action in 1942 during a mission over Papua New Guinea, becoming the first American Indian to die serving in World War II. His legacy highlights his bravery and dedication to his country, and he is remembered for breaking barriers for Native Americans in the military.