Joe Medicine Crow

Joe Medicine Crow (1913–2016) was a Crow historian, author, and war chief who documented Crow history and served as a U.S. Army scout during World War II.

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Plenty Coups: A Crow chief whose leadership guided his people through the transition to life on a reservation. Medicine Crow recorded the history of this influential Crow leader.
Apsáalooke: The name Crow people use for themselves, commonly translated as “children of the large-beaked bird.” Medicine Crow’s work documented the history and traditions of the Apsáalooke.
From the Heart of the Crow Country: A book by Joe Medicine Crow presenting Crow history and culture through essays and historical accounts. It gathers Medicine Crow’s writing on Crow history, identity, and traditions.
Presidential Medal of Freedom: The highest civilian award of the United States, honoring significant contributions to national interests or security. Medicine Crow received the medal in 2009 for his work as a historian and cultural leader.
Robert Yellowtail: A Crow leader who served as superintendent of the Crow Indian Reservation and advocated for tribal rights. Yellowtail and Medicine Crow were prominent Crow figures who preserved tribal history and identity.
Crow Indian Reservation: A reservation in south-central Montana that is the homeland of the Crow Tribe. Medicine Crow was born and raised within the Crow homeland.
Counting Coup: Becoming a Crow Chief on the Reservation and Beyond: Joe Medicine Crow’s autobiography, recounting his upbringing, education, military service, and Crow war deeds. The autobiography is his fullest account of the experiences behind his war-chief status.
Bronze Star Medal: A U.S. military decoration awarded for heroic or meritorious service in a combat zone. Medicine Crow received the Bronze Star for his service as a U.S. Army scout in World War II.
Franklin D. Roosevelt: The 32nd president of the United States, serving from 1933 to 1945. Roosevelt presented Medicine Crow with the Bronze Star for his World War II service.
Crow Peace Chief: A Crow leadership role associated with diplomacy, community responsibility, and maintaining peace. Medicine Crow’s title of war chief was distinct from the Crow peace-chief tradition.