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Dr.
Joseph Medicine Crow
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WASHINGTON In 2009, President Barack Obama presented
Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow with the Presidential Medal of Freedom,
the highest civilian honor bestowed on any individual in the United
States.
Yesterday, Dr. Medicine Crow walked on at the age of 102.
On Monday, April 4, the White House released President Obama's
statement on the passing of Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow. It reads:
"In Crow, you'd say Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow was abacheitche
a good man. The first of his people to go to college and
earn a Master's, he wore war paint beneath his uniform and an eagle
feather beneath his helmet during World War II. His bravery in battle
earned him the Bronze Star from America, the Legion d'honneur from
France, and in 2009, I was proud to honor him with the Presidential
Medal of Freedom.
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Presidential
Medal of Freedom
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YET I SUSPECT HIS GREATEST HONOR WAS ONE HE EARNED FROM HIS
PEOPLE: THE TITLE OF WAR CHIEF THE LAST CROW TO HOLD THAT
DISTINCTION.
Dr. Medicine Crow dedicated much of his life to sharing the
stories of his culture and his people. And in doing so, he helped
shape a fuller history of America for us all. Michelle and I honor
102 years of a life well lived, and our thoughts and prayers are
with his family and the entire Crow Nation."
The U.S. Department of the Interior released Secretary Sally
Jewell's statement on the passing of Dr. Medicine Crow, which reads:
"Joe Medicine Crow was an educator, a veteran, a war chief and
a living legend to so many people, including elders and young people
across Indian Country.
"History flowed through Joe's veins and he lived an extraordinary
life sharing direct oral testimony from his grandfather about
the Battle of Little Big Horn to Native Americans and all who would
listen. His renowned studies of First Americans and contributions
to cultural and historical preservation have been critical to our
understanding of America's history.
"Joe embodies the warrior spirit of the Crow people and his
life was a testament to America's highest ideals. Our thoughts are
with the Medicine Crow family and the Crow tribe during this difficult
time."
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