Counting Coup: Becoming a Crow Chief on the Reservation and Beyond

by Joseph Medicine Crow, Herman Viola

Picture a Crow Indian elder, his wizened eyes catching yours in the ancient flicker of firelight. His mesmerizing stories span the ages, from Custer to World War II to the 21st Century. He is the last traditional chief of his people. He is over 90 years old. Now picture that same man lecturing at colleges nationwide, and addressing the United Nations on the subject of peace.

National Geographic presents the amazing life story of Joseph Medicine Crow, the man who begins life as Winter Man. Trained as a warrior by his grandfather, Yellowtail, he bathes in icy rivers and endures the ceremony of "counting coup"—facing fierce combat with an enemy Sioux boy.

An operation at the local hospital brings the young Crow face-to-face with his worst fears: a Sioux, a ghost, and a white man. He excels at the white man's school and is raised in the Baptist faith. He translates the stories of the elder chiefs, becoming the link to the ancient traditions of the pre-reservation generation. His own dramatic and funny stories span both ages, and the ancient Crow legends are passed on in the storytelling tradition.

Joseph Medicine Crow's doctorate degree was interrupted by the call to arms of World War II. On the battlefields of Germany he earned the ancient status of War Chief by completing the four war deeds required of the Crow warrior.

In 1948 the Crow Tribal Council appointed Joseph Medicine Crow (now called High Bird) their Tribal Historian and Anthropologist.

Counting Coup is a vibrant adventure narrative, bringing Native American history and culture alive for young readers. Joseph Medicine Crow's story illuminates the challenges faced by the Crow people as hurricanes of change raged through America. His epic story and its lessons are an essential legacy for us all.

Genres: History, Biography, Native American, Nonfiction, Cultural, Childrens, Memoir

128 pages, Hardcover

First published February 14, 2006

About the author

Joseph Medicine Crow-High Bird was a Crow historian, author and an enrolled member of the Crow Nation of Native Americans. He was the last war chief of the Crow Tribe. His best known writings on Native American history concern the Battle of the Little Bighorn. He earned both a bachelor’s degree and master degree before 1939. He receive three honorary doctorates. Medicine Crow received the United States' highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, from President Barack Obama on August 12, 2009.

Also published under Joe Medicine Crow.

Reviews

[529_Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joseph Medicine Crow is an amazing man. His life hasn't been easy but he seems to be a positive man. He grows up surrounded by relatives. It's interesting to see that even though he is Native American he is also a Baptist. Joseph is very aware of his culture and practices his cultural customs. He grew up on the Crow Indian Reservation in the state of Montana. While growing up he went to Baptist and public schools. In school he was taunted and teased. He ended up going to an indian boarding school for high school. He also earned his college degree. I was surprised to learn that even during the depression, there was money for people to go to college. I believe that a baptist minister helped get money for Joseph to go to college. He also earned his masters degree. The title comes into play when Joseph is in the army during WWII. After the war Joseph explained what he had done during the war to his friends and family. After they heard all of his accomplishments they decided that he had reached the all four feats (counting coup) to become a chief.

I would like to use this book as a teaching tool for time-lines. I would have my students work in groups to create their own time-lines of Joseph Medicine Crow's life. I could also have my students read "The Crow Indians" and "The Crow." After reading all three books, I would have them work on a venn diagram to compare and contrast the books. You could also read "Buffalo Days" to find out more about the Crow Indians.

[Victoria Deyton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like other reviewers, I wish this book was longer! Joseph Medicine Crow (“High Bird” in Crow) lived a fascinating life, straddling the Indian world and the white world, as well as the old way of life and the new. His storytelling is vivid, yet to the point, which underscores the truly remarkable experiences he lived. A quick and engaging read for anyone interested on Native American history or American West history.

[Bobby Daugherty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as good as I had hoped. He runs through his life experience rather quickly and his modesty about his service is admirable but he was the last Crow warrior chief and that is the main draw for his story.

[Audiobook Accomplice (Gillian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh gosh how I wish this was longer!
My Full Review

[Crista Goluch · Rating 4 out of 5]

2008 American Indian Youth Literature Award Winner.

What I liked about this book was that it told the way of life for a child growing up on a reservation in the early 1900’s. It was nice to hear true accounts from a Native American viewpoint. Grant it, this gentleman was raised for greatness and the decedent of the tribal chief, rather than an average Native American child, it was still interesting to hear about his life.

It was very challenging to follow all of the people that he talked about. The family lineage was very confusing as well as the variety of names for one person such as their ceremonial name vs. legal name vs. earned name as they matured. I think a flow chart of some type would have been helpful.

I really enjoyed looking at the true black and white photos. I was most mesmerized by the image of his grandfather in full ceremonial dress.

This is a great companion book for middle school aged students when discussing historical events from the late 1800’s up until present day.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Counting Coop takes us on a journey through the life of Joseph Medicine Crow, who was born on the Montana Crow Reservation in 1913. He was given the name, Winter Man, in hopes that he would overcome adversity and be strong throughout life and battle. His grandfather, Yellowtail, started training him to become a warrior at the young age of six. Medicine Crow takes us through his life experiences, ranging from his hardships at boarding school, the proud moment he graduated from college, to his heroic actions in World War II.

Counting Coop was a 2008 American Indian Youth Literature Award Winner. The colorful photography and Native American art on the front cover is what initially drew me to this autobiography. This book contains photographs of Medicine Crow’s family, original art from the Battle of Little Big Horn, and a map of the Crow Indian Reservation. This book is recommended for grades 5- 8 and gives a true glimpse into the history of the Crow Indians.

[D.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be perfectly honest, this should probably be considered a kids book. It is certainly not a formal autobiography or memoir. But it reminds me of the tales “Indian George” Alford told when he visited the many scoot troops around Irving in the 70s. I recall him stressing traditional story telling and honoring brave and inspiring people.

Chief Medicine Crow continues that tradition here. He tells his story with humility and humor. He visits some aspects of his life American history and culture made more difficult without commentary as if it were simply a matter of course. He honors his ancestors and many grandparents at every turn.

I would love to read a more scholarly biography of him, but this carries enough feeling of the warrior and the Crow tribe to earn 5 stars.

[George Kasnic · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent account bridging centuries and cultures. Joseph Medicine Crow's was a life well-lived. His respect for his culture and its ways, his accomplishments and examples of how that culture welcomes and recognizes deeds done in whatever framing and environment make this book worth the read alone. But the history present and hearing it in the voice of someone who was there, as well as someone who met and absorbed the stories of chief's who were at Greasy Grass is like hearing from those legends themselves.

[Colleen Schmidt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book about an amazing man. It was good, but it needed a lot of fleshing out of detail. I have found this with other autobiographers. The author seems like a great person who is very humble about what he accomplished and so he does not flesh out the stories, but sticks to the facts. I still recommend it because it is so fascinating to learn how this last of the Crow War Chiefs came into existence by his heroic service during World War II.

[Jerry Borrowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific book. I included Joseph Medicine Crow's story in my book, "Invisible Heroes of World War II" and used this and another book by Chief Crow as part of my research. He is a very good writer with a wonderful story to tell. I learned a great deal about his culture and have the highest respect for his wartime service and the life he led. I highly recommend this book.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir gives a fascinating glimpse into the life of a Crow warrior.

He shares memories, cultural insights, philosophical and ethical touchstones in a way that is truly engaging. Sometimes hilarious and sometimes saddening.

I am so grateful to Joseph Medicine Crow for being so open and vulnerable; for giving me a glimpse into a life that is so near, but so foreign to my own experiences.

[MGB · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story. It provides just the briefest look at what it means to be a Native American. Each vignette reveals another aspect of Joe, now High Bird - but that too is a story. Counting Coup was his way to become Chief. He provides humble descriptions of these events in his life. It is a worthy read.

[Andrew McAuley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I preferred Joe Medicine Crow's (High Bird) other book which I read recently. This is a brief biography which contains much information the author has provided elsewhere.

A very brief read; 120ish pages in fairly large print. Interesting and informative. Ideal to read on a short journey.

[Ms. Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The autobiography of an American hero... This book sheds light on the experiences of the Crow people after the implementation of the reservation system and of Joe Medicine Crow's experience in the service during World War II.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting memoir about growing up on the Crow reservation and becoming a war chief through deeds in WW2. This is written for older children/younger teens though and I wish there was a longer version for adults.

[Emily Kimball · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m in awe of this man.

[Dustin · Rating 3 out of 5]

glad I read it, but it's really just stream-of-consciousness, which isn't what I wanted

[AF Archuleta · Rating 5 out of 5]

The autobiography of an American hero

[Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent first hand story of the Crow tribe and its people and traditions.

[Kendall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stories of a Crow Indian straddling traditional and western lives, including serving the US army on the WWII battlefields.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!! I truly learned a lot about Native American customs and traditions!

[Susan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Primary source about the Crow history and traditions. Illustrations and insights from his perspective, including educational efforts on the reservation.

[James C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how his Grandfather trained him to become a warrior.

It is certainly evident that life is a process. All the events that occurred before World War II prepared Joseph Medicine Crow for the events that would make him Crow war chief.

[Richard WSUV]

Published in 2006, this traditional literature book is great for students learning about other cultures, especially North American aboriginals and the issues surrounding attempts at assimilation into European culture.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Counting Coup: Becoming a Crow Chief on the Reservation and Beyond, is an autobiographical account of the life of Joseph Medicine Crow. Through the years he has also been known by other names, Winter Man and High Bird. Joseph’s story begins by explaining that in order to be a Crow Chief, a person must count coup, or complete four war deeds. These deeds are completed by Medicine Crow while he is serving in WWII. Born in 1913, he also writes about his 90+ years on the Crow Reservation in the southeast corner of Montana. Throughout his book, he tells the reader about various events in his life, as well as his extensive family. In the Crow Nation, almost anyone can call you a relative, or adopt you, even if they are not related by blood. I did find this a bit confusing to follow, as Joseph had a lot of grandparents. One of his “Grandfathers” was White Man Runs Him, a scout for General Custer and a witness to the Battle of Little Bighorn.

I found this to be a very authentic book, since it is based on firsthand knowledge. It was interesting to read his version of the events at Little Bighorn, as told to him by his grandfather, as well as to learn what his life on the reservation was like. It was interesting when I compared this book to the Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian. Both stories talk of the extreme poverty and the poor educational system. Yet this book does not address the alcoholism, depression, and hopelessness that is found in Alexie’s book. While the second book is fiction, I think that Joseph Medicine Crow, edited a lot out to reach a younger audience. I think the weakness of this book would be that I felt that it jumped around a lot and skipped large chunks of time. In 5 pages he went through high school, college, and into the army.

This book is appropriate for 4th grade and up. The language is easy to understand and there isn’t anything that would be shocking to a younger reader. This would make an excellent book to include as a different version of Little Bighorn, or as part of American History. It could also be an excellent biography that is different than the biographies that are read most often.

On a side note, I was a future librarian, I was surprised at the widely varied call numbers for this book. I was curious why Naperville Public Library had it as a 978, Western US. Upon further research, I found it listed as a 970-North America and 921-Biography, as well as Juvenile Biography. I would have put it in the Biography category.

2008 American Indian Youth Literature Award Winners

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming memoir for young people about growing up on the Crow reservation in the teens and twenties. When Medicine Crow was a boy, his maternal grandfather, Yellowtail, drilled him in many of the values and skills of pre-reservation Crow warrior culture, and this book concludes with an adult Joe Medicine Crow performing, during his WWII infantry service in Germany, the four combat deeds (counting coup on an enemy, taking another warrior's weapons, stealing a horse herd and leading a war party) necessary for him to become the last Crow war chief. I first learned about Joseph Medicine Crow when he told the astonishing story of his war deeds in Ken Burns' The War.
I read this as a quick follow-up to The Dying Grass . I became newly fascinated by the Crow (Absaroka) Nation, who were traditional allies of the Nez Perce and whom I, in childish infatuation with the bellicose Lakota, had always judged harshly for being servile, "sits-by-the-fort" Indians. Custer's chief Crow scout (and, according to Crow kinship structure, grandfather to Joe Medicine Crow) was, after all, named White Man Runs Him . I did not, in my naivete, understand that the Lakota were every bit as imperialistic as the Americans, and that, in scouting for the Bluecoats, the Crow were applying the universal principle that "the enemy of my enemy is my friend."
Race and power are subtexts throughout Medicine Crow's narrative of his childhood on "the rez," but he never foregrounds the politics. He very effectively shows rather than tells the systemic injustice. Medicine Crow, who later became the first Crow man to graduate from college, tells a story about skipping the last day of school one year to have a picnic with a friend. He misses his final exam and is forced to repeat the year and it is a sad and typical example of the despair and indifference both he and the adult "authorities" in his life feel about his non-existent economic future. But Medicine Crow doesn't deal explicitly with any of that. He just tells an idyllic little story about eating weenies in the mountains and sneaks in the consequences almost as an afterthought.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joseph Medicine Crow, a full member of the Crow nation, is one of the most famous American Indians of the past century. His honors include the Presidential Medal of Freedom (which he got in 2009), and the Bronze Star (in 2008). He was even interviewed by famous historian Ken Burns for the World War II documentary The War (2007). In 2006, Joe Medicine Crow, as he is ‘officially known’, published his autobiography, Counting Coup, which begins with the amazing story of his walking barefoot through the snow every day to make his feet ‘tough’, the same way his warrior ancestors had done so for centuries, before moving to the reservation. Joe also talks about his relatives’ memories about the Battle of Little Bighorn (many of them were there in 1876!), his experiences at different schools (both good and really bad), and even his first hospital visit, where he met a ghost! The action really picks up when Joe leaves college, joins the army, and goes to Europe to fight Germans in World War II, and later when he returns home to a hero’s welcome and an unexpected surprise. Through it all, readers will enjoy this accessible, revealing, and engaging look at what it means to be an American Indian in the United States of America, from someone who has lived it for almost 100 years. The four pages of illustrations, which include Joe wearing a traditional Crow headdress, help ‘put a face’ to the story and should not be missed.

[528_Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Opinion: This book was very hard to follow. The transitions are irregular, the stories jump around, and the amount of family members are hard to follow. The part I liked most was the information about his schooling and time in Germany as a soldier. It was nice to see him be successful in his journey. I felt it wasn't as depressing of an environment as The True Diary of a Part Time Indian. That's not to say, he didn't have obstacles to overcome, but he was an amazing person and focused the story on the more positive side of things.

Grades: 7+

Summary: This is the story of Joseph Medicine Crow who was born in 1913. We learn about his experience in the Baptist school, the transition to white school, his extended family, and his eventual transition to college. After college, we learn about Crow’s time in the US Army fighting in World War II.
The time spent in Germany, in the Army, were some of the most important events in Joseph’s life. Although he was submerged in the “white world” he was still able to “count coup” and become an Crow Chief.

Red Flags: Minor violence

School Connections:
- WWII
- History of why reservations were created
- Current location of reservations
- Crow Native American study

[Amanda Herman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an autobiographical chapter book about a Native American man who grew up as part of Whistling Water Clan, one of the ten clans of the Crow nation in the southeastern corner of Montana. Crow discusses his family structure, the traditions of the Crow nation, and his childhood on the reservation and going to a Baptist school. He discusses how his clan wanted a school like the white people where the children could learn not only the Native American traditions but also learn like the “white people.” His experience in school led him to be wary of white teachers but to this day, he holds onto the Baptist religion that he was taught. The book gives a great insiders look into what life on the reservation was like. The challenges and also the reasons for celebration of the culture. While the book centers on how he became a chief, it also tells the story of a man from a who became the first Crow Indian to graduate from college and went on to fight for the United States in the army during WWII. He is truly a man who holds onto his Native American beliefs but has been able to adapt to living in the “white world.”

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really great details & stories in here. Medicine Crow accomplished the four war deeds that make one a Crow chief, for ex, without consciously realizing it while fighting in WWII (the only Indian in his unit)--and first learned to use a bow & arrow and canoe as a summer camp counselor in New Hampshire. Many of his grandfathers were present at the battle of Little Big Horn, and he describes his elders’ transition to the reservation life imposed on them in their later years. Medicine Crow was the first male Crow to graduate from college (a female Crow graduated two years before him!). Clear simple prose, an engaging & rewarding read. Will recommend to middlegrade kids in search of an autobiography, biography, or nonfiction book.