Overview

A true American hero who earned a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, and a Congressional Gold Medal, Brummett Echohawk was also a Pawnee on the European battlefields of World War II. He used the Pawnee language and counted coup as his grandfather had done during the Indian wars of the previous century. This first book-length biography depicts Echohawk as a soldier, painter, writer, humorist, and actor profoundly shaped by his Pawnee heritage and a man who refused to be pigeonholed as an """"Indian artist."""" Through his formative war service in the 45th Infantry Division (known as the Thunderbirds), Echohawk strove to prove himself both a patriot and a true Pawnee warrior. Pawnee history, culture, and spiritual belief inspired his courageous conduct and bolstered his confidence that he would return home. Echohawk's career as an artist began with combat sketches published under such titles as """"Death Shares a Ditch at Bloody Anzio."""" His portraits of Allied and enemy soldiers, some of which appeared in the Detroit Free Press in 1944, included drawings of men from all over the world, among them British infantrymen, Gurkhas, and a Japanese American soldier. After the war, without relying on the GI Bill, Echohawk studied at the Art Institute of Chicago for three years. His persistence paid off, leading to work as a staff artist for several Chicago newspapers. Echohawk was also a humorist whose prodigious output includes published cartoons and several parodies of famous paintings, such as a Mona Lisa wearing a headband, turquoise ring, and beaded necklace. Featuring eight of Echohawk's paintings in full color, this thoroughly researched biography shows how one unusual man succeeded in American Indian and mainstream cultures. World War II aficionados will marvel at Echohawk's military feats, and American art enthusiasts will appreciate a body of work characterized by deep historical research, an eye for beauty, and a unique ability to capture tribal humor.

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9780806148267

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Reviews

Brummett Echohawk is a study in heroism. Today many hunger for real American heroes; this book helps fill that void. It chronicles the remarkable life of a great Oklahoman a Pawnee Indian who stepped out of obscurity onto the battlefields of World War II, then went on to become a nationally known artist, writer, actor, and public speaker. We can all be inspired by this beautifully written account. Walter R. Echo-Hawk, author of In The Courts of the Conqueror and In The Light of Justice.

-Brummett Echohawk is a study in heroism. Today many hunger for real American heroes; this book helps fill that void. It chronicles the remarkable life of a great Oklahoman--a Pawnee Indian who stepped out of obscurity onto the battlefields of World War II, then went on to become a nationally known artist, writer, actor, and public speaker. We can all be inspired by this beautifully written account.---Walter R. Echo-Hawk, author of In The Courts of the Conqueror and In The Light of Justice.

Brummett Echohawk, one of Oklahoma s foremost artists, launched his artistic career on the battlefields of Italy during World War II. Thanks to Kristin Youngbull s exhaustive and extensive research, the war and peacetime achievements of this largely unsung hero have finally been brought to light. Anyone interested in the history of this war, especially the remarkable contributions of American Indians to that conflict, will appreciate this outstanding biography. Herman Viola, Curator Emeritus, Smithsonian Institution

Brummett Echohawk is a study in heroism. Today many hunger for real American heroes; this book helps fill that void. It chronicles the remarkable life of a great Oklahoman - a Pawnee Indian who stepped out of obscurity onto the battlefields of World War II, then went on to become a nationally known artist, writer, actor, and public speaker. We can all be inspired by this beautifully written account. - Walter R. Echo-Hawk, author of In The Courts of the Conqueror and In The Light of Justice.

Author Information

Kristin M. Youngbull holds a Ph.D. in history from Arizona State University.

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