In 1813, when the Cherokees raised 636 men to aid Americans fighting the Creeks, Junaluska personally recruited over 100 men. At the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, his actions turned the tide when he swam the Tallapoosa River, retrieved Creek canoes, and ferried the Cherokees to the rear of the Creeks. He is also credited with saving Andrew Jackson's life during this battle.