Muldrow Veteran Honored

Cherokee Nation officials honored veterans at their tribal meeting last Monday. At the meeting are, from the left, Cherokee Nation Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden, Tribal Councilor Bryan Warner, Lyndon Emberton, U.S. Army veteran Eugene Emberton of Muldrow, Principal Chief Bill John Baker and Aaron Emberton.

The Cherokee Nation honored a World War II veteran and Korean War veteran with the Medal of Patriotism at last Monday’s Tribal Council meeting. The family of a World War II veteran who passed away last month also accepted a medal on his behalf.

Eugene Emberton, 93, of Muldrow, Robert Alberty, 83, of Adair, and the family of the late Mark Cartwright of Pryor received the medal from Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker and Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden acknowledging their service to the country.

Tec 5 Emberton was born Oct. 19, 1922, in Akins.

Emberton was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943 and was the youngest of four brothers, who all served in World War II. He served in China, India and Burma during the China offensive in central Burma. Emberton’s unit was responsible for building and reconstructing roads and bridges that were needed for advancement on the enemy.

After an honorable discharge in 1945, Emberton continued to serve in the Army Reserves until 1952. He earned numerous ribbons and medals for his service, including the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon and World War II Victory Ribbon.

Airman 1st Class Alberty was born Jan. 1, 1932, in Stilwell. Alberty joined the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and was stationed in Europe for more than two years after completing basic training. In Germany and France, he constructed communication lines for telephones and radios on new fighter bases that the United States was building. Alberty completed the final six months of his service in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, where he supervised construction crews building communication lines. He received an honorable discharge in 1955 and earned numerous medals and ribbons for his services, including the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Army Occupation Medal.

Carpenter’s Mate 2nd Class Cartwright was born Aug. 2, 1923, in Pryor and joined the U.S. Navy in 1943. Cartwright served as a gunner on a naval combat ship during World War II. He also helped set up bases and prepare the beaches for troops to come ashore, because the ships could not get close enough to de-board due to the coral reefs near the shore. Cartwright received an honorable discharge in 1945. His wife, Mary, and son, Craig, accepted the award on behalf of the family. 

Each month the Cherokee Nation recognizes Cherokee service men and women for their sacrifices and as a way to demonstrate the high regard in which all veterans are held by the tribe. Native Americans, including Cherokees, are thought to have more citizens serving per capita than any other ethnic group according to the U.S. Department of Defense. To nominate a veteran who is a Cherokee Nation citizen, please call 918-772-4166.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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