Karuk tribal member Lee Hover was among World War II veterans who had not spoken to anyone about his experiences in the war; however, when Chag Lowry asked him if he would, that gave Hover the opportunity to do so and, more specifically, to relate experiences had by an American Indian enlistee.

Hover and Helen, his wife of 63 years, live just outside Arcata. They married during the war.

Lowry, who also serves as program officer for the Humboldt Area Foundation-based Native Cultures Fund, has written and published a 270-page book, “The Original Patriots: Northern California Indian Veterans of World War Two.”

Lowry interviewed nearly 60 Northern California American Indian veterans and included more than 150 photographs in the book. He also provided sections on the California Gold Rush, American Indian boarding schools, reservations and political definitions, as well as brief history lessons on both world wars.

The book is available at Arcata’s Northtown Books and Eureka’s Borders Books and the Northern California Indian Development Council gift shop. Books cost $43 each and funds will help pay for a second printing in another year. More information or orders can also be directed by e-mail to Lowry at ova@humboldt1.com.

“A lot of us are gone already,” 83-year-old Hover said. “I think people should kind of know what went on. I was to sea three times during the war.”

Lowry, also an Arcata-area resident, is of Yurok, Mountain Maidu and Pit River tribal ancestry. He said he had 14 family members who were in the military during World War II. But, he said, he can’t recall in his school studies or in movies or books American Indian veterans being included in war compilations.

He began research and interviews for the book in late 1999.

Lowry and Hover were first introduced through Hover’s work as a carver and Lowry’s interest in that, as well as Hover’s extensive basketry collection, which he donated to Eureka’s Clarke Historical Museum.

“Lee taught me the ability to forgive,” Lowry said last week during an interview conducted at the Hovers’ home.

Hover enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December 1941, while he was still in high school. He never finished school.

He fought in the Pacific Theater and was stationed aboard the USS Dewey. Among his stations was serving as gunner’s mate apprentice during the battle of Midway. He fought in Guadalcanal. He also went to Iwo Jima.

In terms of battles, Hover said, there was one in particular that was demonstrably difficult, and not only because his physical life was on the line.

During Guadalcanal, the Dewey downed a Japanese plane, leaving its five men in the water. The Dewey skipper asked them to surrender. One of them, the pilot, drew a weapon and shot at the skipper.

Hover shot all five men.

“Certain people wouldn’t speak to me after that,” he said.

Hover said this was an instance where he felt he was regarded not just as a soldier, but also as an Indian. And, with that, he was regarded by some as a person who would shoot to kill.

“That was the only time I felt accused of being an Indian,” Hover said.

Hover said he believes there is a stereotype about native men being “warriors.”

“It took a lot of people behind me to put me where I was during the war,” he said.

Following the war, Hover became an apprentice carpenter and then went into construction, as well as worked in local mills.

“He came back and he did things in his life and I respect that in him to the utmost,” Lowry said. “It’s not always fun to share these things; it’s not always easy.”

Just before this interview, Lowry had made a book presentation at the American Indian Academy at McKinleyville High School.

“For them to open up and see some of their own people, some of them their family members — it is very empowering,” he said.

Hover said he believes in the United States, whether or not he is always pleased with those in power.

Lowry referred to the jump-dance necklace Hover wore during the interview as a way of showing Hover’s connection with this country.

“The necklace that Lee is wearing symbolizes our ceremonies and our connection to this land,” Lowry said. “That’s what is most important, so I really respect (that).”

Hover said he feels a connection that doesn’t necessarily agree with or decry the U.S. government. He said he is proud of his war service.

“This land has been our land for a long time,” Hover said. “I really didn’t think of it at that time; I think now I would do it again because I don’t think we would get along very well with another kind of government.”