Background
Jay Morago was born in Sacaton, Arizona, to parents, Jay R. and Florence Morago, on June 17, 1917.
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Jay R. Morago
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Education
He attended Arizona State College, which is now known as Arizona State University.
Career
Morago served as the Governor of the Gila River Indian Community from 1954 until 1960. Morago served as a sergeant in the 158th Bushmasters Regiment of the Arizona National Guard during World World War World War II He saw active duty in the Pacific Ocean theater of World World War II in the Noemfoor, Philippines, Dutch East Indies and New Guinea campaigns during the war. Morago became the first Governor of the Gila River Indian Community in 1954.
Morago led an effort to secure water rights for the Gila River Indian Community from the state and federal governments during the 1950s.
He also helped to establish and draft the 1960 constitution for the Gila River Indian Community. Additionally, Morago served on the Gila River Farm Board.
Morago remained active in the Gila River Indian Community after leaving office. He worked professionally as a water master for the United States federal government until his retirement.
Jay Morago died at the age of 90 at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 14, 2008, after a long struggle with cancer.
His funeral was held at the Saint Anthony Catholic Mission in Sacaton, the capital of the Gila River Indian Community. He was buried at the Saint Anne Cemetery in Santan, Arizona. Morago"s wife was the late Mary Catherine Morago.
Achievements
Membership
He remained active in veterans" affairs for the rest of his life, becoming a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter in Coolidge, Arizona, and the Ira Hayes American Legion Post in Sacaton. He held the governorship of the reservation, which includes members of both the Akimel O"odham and Maricopa tribes, until 1960.
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Born
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Died
March 14, 2008 (aged 90) -
Nationality
United States
Education
Awards
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Bronze Star Medal; Purple Heart Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed, while serving, on or after April 5, 1917, with the U.S. military.The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed, while serving, on or after April 5, 1917, with the U.S. military.