This was my original entry for this item:
David Chapman sent me this picture of a ring worn by members of the 86th Division during WW II. David discovered this from a news report on a reunion of the 86th Division in St. Louis. In an interview, a member of the 86th stated that he didn't know where the name originated. I suspect they did not choose their name based on the comic book series, but it would be interesting to find out.
Then on 3/1/00, Keith Brooks, Secretary, 86th Blackhawk Division Association, sent me the following information:
BLACK HAWK, the original, and Black Hawk as personified in the officers and men of the 86th Infantry division. This is a picture of the old Indian warrior from whom the fighting 86th took its name. Back in 1837, a delegation of Sauk (or Sac), and Fox Indians, headed by Chief Keokuk went to Washington where, on October 21 of that year, they made a treaty ceding to the United States most of their land in Iowa. Keokuk was accompanied by Black Hawk, whose adventures and warlike character had made him a conspicuous public figure, so much so that the celebrated artist, Charles King, painter of many well-known Indian portraits, induced him to sit for the portrait. The result was this picture, which became one of the celebrated McKenney and Hall collection of Indian portraits. Beneath the original painting is the inscription "MA--KA-TIAME-SHE-KIA-KIAH - Black Hawk, a Sauke Brave".
Thanks to David and Keith for showing us that real soldiers fought for freedom during World War II under the name Blackhawk.
Back to Blackhawk Media Page
All characters, pictures, and related indicia on these pages are the property of DC Comics. All text is ©1998-2001 Dan Thompson, except where otherwise noted. This homepage is not intended to infringe on the copyright of DC Comics to its characters, but was created out of gratitude to all the wonderful writers, artists, and editors who created the Blackhawks.