Medicine Crow an Advocate for American Values

As was widely reported, Joseph Medicine Crow, a chief of the Montana Crow Tribe of Montana and a Native American historian, died in a hospice in Billings on April 3 at the age of 102.

Medicine Crow was raised on a Crow reservation near Lodge Grass, Mont. As part of the greatest generation, he served in World War II and reputedly wore war paint beneath his uniform and a sacred feather beneath his helmet. He earned the position of war chief by such acts of bravery as stealing enemies’ horses and engaging in hand-to-hand combat with a German soldier, whose life he ultimately spared.

His grandfather was a scout for General George Armstrong Custer, and he was the last living person to have heard direct oral history of the Battle of Little Bighorn. In 1939, he became the first person in his tribe to receive a master’s degree, followed by several honorary doctorates. He was honored by the White House with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009, the highest honor awarded to a civilian.

When on his book tour for “Counting Coup” with National Geographic, the author related a telling fact: In Crow culture, transgender people are considered “Two-Spirit,” and Medicine Crow was proud of an adult grandchild who chose to live with two genders.

As The Associated Press reports, Medicine Crow became the official historian for the Crow Tribe shortly after returning from service in World War II.

Gov. Steve Bullock said Medicine Crow was an inspiration to his tribe and others. “Joe was a Crow war chief, veteran, elder, historian, author and educator. His legacy will forever serve as an inspiration for all Native Americans — and all Montanans.”

In his book “Counting Coup,” Medicine Crow wrote that “warfare was our highest art, but Plains Indian warfare was not about killing. It was about intelligence, leadership and honor.”