Order of the Indian Wars of the United States

 Overview

 

Original Companions were Commissioned Officers of the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, and of State and Territorial Military Organizations who, subsequent to June 14, 1775; engaged in the service of the United States, in any military grade whatsoever, in conflicts, battles or actual field service against hostile Indians within the jurisdiction of the United States, or whose service was within the zone of any recognized Indian Campaign.

 

Hereditary Companions are (1) the direct lineal or collateral descendants of Original Companions, or (2) Commissioned Officers of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, including their federally organized reserve components, who are direct lineal descendants of honorably discharged enlisted men who had the qualifications requisite for eligibility for membership as Original Companions, save that of having been commissioned.

 

Furthermore, membership may be considered for those individuals who are lineally descended from those individuals, of any rank, who engaged in combat against Indians serving in a military unit under the British Colonial Crown, prior to June 14, 1776.

 

Membership in the Order of the Indian Wars of the United States is strictly by invitation only.

 

Constitution

Article II

 

OBJECTS. The objects of this Society shall be to perpetuate the memories of the services rendered by the military forces of the United States in their conflicts and wars against hostile Indians within the territory or jurisdiction of the United States, and to collect and secure for publication historical data relating to the instances of heroic service and personal devotion by which Indian warfare has been illustrated.

 

Qualifying Campaigns

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Follow this link to a list and extensive chronology of the Indian campaigns which qualified Original Companions for membership in the Order.  Those individuals were Commissioned Officers of the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, and of State and Territorial Military Organizations who, subsequent to June 14, 1775; engaged in the service of the United States, in any military grade whatsoever, in conflicts, battles or actual field service against hostile Indians within the jurisdiction of the United States, or whose service was within the zone of any recognized Indian Campaign.

Membership may also be considered for those individuals who are lineally descended from veterans, of any rank, who engaged in combat against Indians serving in a military unit under the British Colonial Crown prior to June 14, 1776.  This includes, but is not limited to, the New England Pequot War of 1636-37, King Phillip's War of 1675-77, the Pueblo Rebellion of 1680, and the French and Indian War of 1754-63.