Fourth of July topics

Impressive ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Garrytown on the Crow Indian Reservation seemed a good topic for my Fourth of July column.

Dr. (Tec-5) Joseph Medicine Crow, was presented the U.S. Bronze Star with valor from the U. S. Army and the French Legion of Honor Medal during the program. Legislation in 1962 permitted veterans to receive awards earned during World War II in later years.

Joe, 94, is the oldest veteran of the Crow Nation. He served with the U.S. Army 411th Infantry Regiment attached to the 103rd Infantry Division following his induction in March, 1943. The 30-year-old soldier was deployed to France in October, 1944. His Indian heritage served Joe well when he was stationed in France, Germany, Austria and Italy. Wartime achievements earned him four coups which were required to become a War Chief back in Montana.

Joe, a slight man with a booming voice showed his sense of humor while recalling his feats in Europe. He led an Army war party and stole enemy's horses by sneaking into a barn at night and rode out on bareback with stampeding horses belonging to German SS officers. Another venture took place at night when Joe led a squad into a combat area and retrieved dynamite. Two Crow War Chief requirements fulfilled were touching an enemy and taking away his weapon in hand to hand combat.

Joe earned the U.S. Army Combat Infantry Badge awarded for meritorious achievement in combat. He was discharged at Camp McCoy, Wis., in January, 1946.

Those of us from the 1940s recall Kilroy. So did Joe. He said they went into one area and found that Kilroy was already there.

It was interesting that the French medal was awarded to this Crow chief. Joe said he had a French connection as his great-great-grandfather was French. Next remark told that his French blood had all been taken away by mosquitoes that morning.

Joe was sincere in stating that returning to one's Lodge at night is the greatest thing on earth. An Indian tradition is to give friends and family gifts when honored. This was described by Joe commenting that when honored, one gives back to the people. He honors his honor by honoring his friends, Joe added.

Members of the Beartooth Chapter of the Patriot Guard Riders, Billings, formed an honor guard and stood at attention for almost two hours.

I was not familiar with this volunteer organization of motorcyclists until Bruce Gietzen showed photos and told of their thousands of hours of volunteer work during a Kalispell Lions Club session. Bruce was president of the Kalispell club when I was president of Columbia Falls Lions Club in 1999. Patriot Guard Riders do not seek publicity.

Becky stopped to interview Morning Star Riders traveling the 45 miles between Busby and Crow Agency later that day. There were 100 riders of all ages representing Sioux and Northern Cheyenne tribes. They were traveling from Ashland to Little Bighorn Battlefield to honor their ancestors.

The world is a small place. One of the riders Becky interviewed, Chuck Eagleman, said he is a Sioux married to a Cheyenne. They reside in Lame Deer, but he said he was formerly from Poplar. Becky asked if he knew the Budaks in Poplar as Lucy (Budak) Popa is a longtime family friend. He asked if that was Lucretia, adding that they rode the same school bus to classes in Poplar. He was in grade school and Lucy was in high school.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.