Veteran James McArthur Honored for Heroic Service in Two Wars

A 91-year-old veteran, James McArthur, has been recognized for his remarkable service during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The member of the Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation was honored on October 30, 2023, at a ceremony organized by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and the Saskatchewan First Nations Veteran Association. During the event, he received a quilt and several gifts commemorating his bravery and dedication to service.

James’s son, Patrick McArthur, shared that his father remains humble about his accomplishments. Upon learning about the honor, James questioned why he was chosen, stating that many others also deserve recognition. Patrick emphasized, “He didn’t go there to take lives. He went there to save lives and that’s what he did.”

Enlisting at just 17, James served as a rifleman in the Korean War from 1951 to 1955. His father signed his enlistment papers, allowing him to join the Regina Rifles D Company of the 2nd Battalion, later transferring to the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, which received the royal designation in 1982. Reflecting on his youth, James recalled, “Back then it was just something to do. It was a transition year.”

After returning from Korea, James worked in construction for nearly a decade before enlisting again, this time with the U.S. Army to serve in Vietnam. At the age of 31, he joined the U.S. Army in 1965, initially applying to be a mechanic but ultimately serving as a medic. “I went to Vietnam in November 1966. I was there and I came back and I went back again in 1968,” he recounted. His service in Vietnam was marked by heroism; he rescued six U.S. soldiers from a burning tank hit by enemy fire, an act that earned him the Army Commendation Medal for Heroism.

At the ceremony, Ira McArthur, James’s other son and the current chief of the Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation, reflected on how his father’s achievements were not fully appreciated during his childhood. He noted that although he was aware of his father’s military service, it was difficult to connect those experiences with everyday life. “I remember one of the big things when I was a little kid, the Rambo movies came out, and my mom would always play those movies over and over and she’d say that’s how your dad was in the army,” he said.

During the honor ceremony, Ira wrapped his father in the quilt, symbolizing the recognition of James’s service as he ages. “They wanted to do something before he moves on to the next camp, I’ll say,” Ira mentioned. James’s humility shines through when he questions why he is honored, acknowledging the many veterans he served alongside who are no longer alive.

James’s family history includes military service as well. Four of his uncles served in the Canadian Army during the Second World War, with two losing their lives in combat. “That’s really something that we keep in the back of our minds,” Ira noted. The family remembers those sacrifices, reinforcing the importance of honoring veterans from their community.

James participates in Remembrance Day ceremonies annually, honoring both his uncles and comrades. His sons express pride in their father’s legacy, with Patrick stressing the need to share stories like James’s to ensure that the sacrifices made by veterans are never forgotten. “There’s not one of us who can fully acknowledge what he did over there, or fully appreciate his time,” he said.

As James McArthur continues to inspire those around him, his story serves as a reminder of the courage and dedication shown by veterans, particularly those from Indigenous communities, who have served their countries with honor and bravery.