Carl Tsosie was born on the Navajo reservation in Salina Springs, Ariz., in either 1917 or 1919. The exact date was never known. All Tsosie remembered was his mother telling him that he was born during the month of September when the corn had grown very tall. In 1935 he attended the Santa Fe Indian School, graduating in 1938. Tsosie liked the school and enthusiastically participated in the glee, drama, and lettermen’s clubs. He also excelled in athletics as a member of the football and basketball teams, as well as in track and field. Tsosie would later return in the 1960s as a woodworking instructor for the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA).
Tsosie served in the army during World War II, where he participated in the invasion of Normandy. As a staff sergeant, he and his fellow officers met with Generals Eisenhower, Patton, and Montgomery who provided guidance and inspiration for the difficult battle ahead. Tsosie was responsible for the Light Weapons Platoon 359 Infantry Regiment on June 6, 1944, when the invasion began. On July 4th in Saint-Lô, France, he was wounded in battle and sent to a hospital in England.
Tsosie received a Purple Heart for his efforts during the invasion of Normandy. For many years, he was chaplain of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He was also a life member and past Commander of the 372 General Hurly Chapter of World War II veterans in New Mexico. He passed away in Santa Fe of natural causes in 2010.
Service:
European Theater
Fort Bliss Texas, 16 March 1942
Discharge, 28 June 1945, Van Kuys, California, USA
*The preceding content is not intended as a comprehensive biography, but it highlights their significance as a result of military or civilian distinction, lasting achievements, or association with impactful national events. This content was developed by Santa Fe Community College through a Veterans Legacy Program grant. *

CARL TSOSIE SR

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