[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 1, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S438]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MAJOR DAVID MONIAC

  Mr. TUBERVILLE. Madam President, I rise today to honor the 200th 
anniversary of Major David Moniac, the first Native American to 
graduate from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
  Today, I would like to share the inspiring story of Major Moniac. He 
was born in 1802 and lived near present-day Pintlala, within Montgomery 
County, AL. Several of Moniac's family members were members of the 
Creek Nation and influenced passage of the Treaty of New York in 1790, 
which declared peace between the Creek Nation and the United States. 
This treaty is significant as it contained an important provision for 
the U.S. Government to educate four young Creek Native Americans. 
Twenty-seven years later in 1817, David Moniac was accepted into the 
U.S. Military Academy under this provision at only 16 years old.
  Despite facing an uphill battle due to his age and being the only 
minority at West Point, Moniac persevered. He went on to graduate in 
the year 1822 as a brevet second lieutenant in the 6th U.S. Infantry 
Regiment.
  In 1836, Moniac answered the call of the U.S. military, to fight for 
our Nation and aid the Army in the Second Seminole War occurring in 
Florida. Moniac was named captain and proceeded to organize a unit of 
Creek Volunteers from Alabama to serve. During the war, this impactful 
Alabamian demonstrated true leadership as he commanded an assault on a 
Seminole stronghold and earned a promotion to major in October 1836. 
One month later, in November 1836, Major Moniac was killed by a musket 
volley at the Battle of Wahoo Swamp while he was leading a charge of 
Creek Volunteers. Moniac's death marked the end of the battle.
  Major Moniac was laid to rest at a cemetery in Bushnell, FL, near the 
site of the Battle of Wahoo Swamp. To remember his incredible courage 
and bravery, the inscription on his grave marker states, ``He was as 
brave and gallant a man as ever drew a sword or faced an enemy.''
  On November 21, 2021, Governor Kay Ivey presented the Alabama 
Distinguished Service Medal to Major Moniac's family at the Alabama 
State Capitol. The Distinguished Service Medal recognizes exceptionally 
meritorious service to the government in a duty of great 
responsibility.
  Today, we honor Major David Moniac for his impact and the 
transformational change that he led as he paved the way for other 
Native Americans to receive admission to West Point. His legacy 
continues to make not only my home State of Alabama proud and grateful 
for his leadership but our entire country. It is a privilege to honor 
Major Moniac today in Congress 200 years later commemorating his 
service and sacrifice.

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