Native Americans make up the highest per-capita commitment of any ethnic population to defend the United States. However, the honored flag, during the ceremony, will be that of First Lieutenant Pascal Cletus Poolaw Sr. Poolaw is America's most decorated American Indian Soldier with 42 medals and citations. During his service, Poolaw earned four Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars, and three Purple Hearts, one for each of the wars in which he fought - World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. He was killed in active combat while saving members of his unit in Vietnam.