Weckeah (Roberta Claire) Bradley
Private, U.S. Marine Corps

Weckeah (Roberta Claire) Bradley was born on 5 February 1920, the fifth of 10 children of Edward Hatch and Mary (Putsi) Clark. Only a year separated Weckeah from her nearest sister, so her Aunt Alice (Topseup) took over her care and she was rarely separated from her for the rest of Aunt Alice's life. One of a handful of Comanche students who began to attend Lawton Public Schools in the 1920s, Weckeah did not speak English when she entered the first grade. However, a kind teacher allowed her to stay inside during recess, drawing on the blackboard, while the teacher read to her from a brand new book called "Winnie-The-Pooh." Although money for school books was tight, Weckeah was a good student and managed to graduate from high school. After graduation Weckeah went to nursing school. After earning her LPN license, she went to work at the Min-No-Aya-Win IHS Clinic in Cloquet, MN.

During World War II, because her brother Louis served in the Marine Corps, Weckeah wanted to join as well. Unfortunately the U.S. Marine Corps had no women's auxiliary so she opted for the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAACs) instead. However, as soon as the Marines developed a female branch, she left the Army for the Marine Corps.

Weckeah (Roberta Claire) Bradley is the first known-Comanche woman to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. She served with WAAC Detachment SU 1741 Station Component, in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps from 2 October 1942 to 25 August 1943.

She then served with the U.S. Marine Corps at AWRS-19, Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, NC, as a messenger at New River and Cherry Point, from 17 December 1943 to 26 September 1945.

Private Bradley was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and the Honorable Service Lapel Button.

Post-Military Life

During a brief marriage, she had her son, Robert, and soon after was reunited with, and married William B. Bradley, Jr. [Honoree Record ID 227500], the young Army career-soldier who was the love of her life. Bill adopted Robert and their marriage produced two more children; daughters Cynthia and Hawana.

Promoting Indian art lead her to see a need to educate Comanches, and non-Indians, about Comanche history and culture. She worked hard at that task for over 30 years, traveling to schools throughout Oklahoma and giving educational presentations for groups ranging from military wives to museums. She also taught Comanche cultural classes to Indian children every summer through the Johnson O'Malley Program with her dear friend Eunice Tosee.

In 1980, Weckeah became a Comanche Children's Court Judge; work that meant a great deal to her. She traveled around the United States on the court's behalf, meeting members of many Indian nations. She continued on the court into the 1990s.

A busy woman, Weckeah had many other accomplishments. She was a traditional cradle maker who contributed to The Brown University Press book on Kiowa and Comanche Cradles. She made beautiful beadwork and loved to socialize.

Death and Burial

Weckeah (Roberta Claire) Bradley died at home, with her family by her side, On 18 January 2014. She is buried at Highland Cemetery in Lawton, Comanche County, OK.

This Honoree Record was prepared with the valuable assistance of Lanny G. Asepermy, Sergeant Major, U.S. Army (Ret.) [Honoree Record ID 227117], Historian for the Comanche Indian Veterans Association in Lawton, OK. Photo is courtesy of SMG Asepermy.