WASHINGTON - AUGUST 12: U.S. President Barack Obama (L) struggles to present the Medal of Freedom to Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow - High Bird (R) during a ceremony at the White House August 12, 2009 in Washington, DC. The Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States. Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow - High Bird was presented the medal for his valiant service in World War II where he was awarded the status of Crow War Chief, and his renowned studies of the First Americans and contributions to cultural and historical preservation have been critical to our understanding of America�s history.
WASHINGTON - AUGUST 12: U.S. President Barack Obama (L) struggles to present the Medal of Freedom to Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow - High Bird (R) during a ceremony at the White House August 12, 2009 in Washington, DC. The Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States. Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow - High Bird was presented the medal for his valiant service in World War II where he was awarded the status of Crow War Chief, and his renowned studies of the First Americans and contributions to cultural and historical preservation have been critical to our understanding of America�s history. Also pictured at lower right is actor Sidney Poitier.
President Barack Obama reaches around the head dress of Chief Joseph Medicine Crow to place a 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom around his neck, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington.
Chief Joseph Medicine Crow looks at his 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom after President Barack Obama placed it around his neck, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington.
Crow Chief receives Medal of Freedom
By MARY CLARE JALONICK
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — A 95-year-old Crow Indian who went into battle wearing war paint under his World War II uniform has been awarded the nation's highest civilian honor.
Wearing a traditional headdress, Joe Medicine Crow on Wednesday received the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House. The award was clasped around his neck by President Barack Obama.
"Dr. Medicine Crow's life reflects not only the warrior spirit of the Crow people, but America's highest ideals," Obama said as he introduced him and called him "a good man" in the Crow language.
Medicine Crow broke tradition and briefly spoke after Obama gave him the medal, telling the president he was "highly honored" to receive it.
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