Serving in World War I Phoenix Indian School

the war memorial

john b. brown became superintendent in 1915. assimilation continued make progress, reflected in native american participation in military. male students receptive military service after being regimented @ school. in 1912, arizona formed company f in state national guard, first all-indian unit in nation, composed of older pis students , former students. despite not being citizens, many students , alumni volunteered fight in world war i. within 4 months of president woodrow wilson s declaration of war on germany in april 1917, 64 pis students , alumni volunteered serve in army , navy. upon returning border duty near naco, company f became part of 158th infantry regiment, fortieth division. distinguished combat helped change attitudes in washington native americans, leading indian citizenship act being signed law on june 2, 1924.

in direct response successful assimilation, federal government authorized construction of memorial hall , war memorial in 1922. mission revival style structure built $50,000, , students provided of labor. replaced original auditorium – dining hall. memorial hall saw use general assemblies, graduations, , theatrical productions. war memorial, south, commemorated founding of school , service of students.