Few people have lived a life as hardcore and fulfilling as that of Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow. He attended college and became the first member of his tribe to obtain a master's degree. While working on his doctorate, he taught at the Chemawa Indian School. Then, World War II broke out and everything changed.
Medicine Crow started working at a naval shipyard in Washington before enlisting in the Army in 1943. He became an infantry scout assigned to the 103rd Infantry Division and was almost immediately sent to Europe. In keeping with Crow traditions, he went into battle donning red war paint under his uniform and a sacred eagle feather under his helmet.
Also in line with tradition, he set out to complete the four required tasks in becoming the \"War Chief of the Crow Indians,\" a title reserved for only the most hardened warriors who have proved their worth with death-defying feats of combat. The requirements were as follows:
1) Lead a successful war party on a raid.
2) Capture an enemy weapon.
3) Touch an enemy without killing them.
4) Steal an enemy's horse.
And accomplished all four. In the middle of World War II.