[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 6, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S1706]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   REMEMBERING DR. JOE MEDICINE CROW

  Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the following 
remarks that will be read on my behalf at the funeral of Dr. Joe 
Medicine Crow today be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

       Today I wish to honor Dr. Joe Medicine Crow, a Presidential 
     Medal of Freedom winner for his contributions to the culture, 
     history, and security of the United States, who passed away 
     on April 3, 2016.
       On behalf of all Montanans and all Americans, I would like 
     to thank Dr. Medicine Crow for his service and contributions 
     to the nation.
       It is my privilege to share Dr. Medicine Crow's story for 
     the official Senate Record.
       Thank you for inviting me to share a few words today to 
     honor the life and legacy of Dr. Joe Medicine Crow. I'm sorry 
     I cannot be with you in person.
       I remember when I first met Dr. Joe Medicine Crow, I was 
     immediately inspired. His words resonated deep into the souls 
     of those he touched.
       In 2008, I had the great honor of nominating Dr. Joe 
     Medicine Crow for one of the highest awards given by the 
     United States--the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Honorees 
     are selected for their exemplary contributions to their 
     country's culture, history, and security. I nominated Joe 
     Medicine Crow because he embodied all of these things.
       During World War II, he accomplished the four remarkable 
     war deeds that make a traditional Crow War Chief. His bravery 
     is the kind you read about only in stories. He fought in 
     hand-to-hand combat, and led troops into enemy territory to 
     capture 50 enemy horses.
       And he accomplished these feats for the country that he 
     loved, as so many Native Americans did during World War II, 
     even though their treatment on the home front left much to be 
     desired.
       But Joe Medicine Crow's achievements for his people went 
     far beyond bravery on the field of battle.
       His commitment to education was unmatched and paved the way 
     for generations of Native Americans to achieve their dream.
       We are fortunate, in Montana, to have many reminders of the 
     land and the people who came before us. Joe wasn't just a 
     reminder, he was a shining example. Montanans will be telling 
     the story of Medicine Crow for generations. And Americans 
     across the country will have his work to thank for preserving 
     the rich history, language, and vibrant culture of the Crow 
     Nation.
       Joe received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from 
     President Barack Obama on August 12, 2009, and joined a short 
     and prestigious list of Montanans to receive this honor. His 
     actions and accomplishments ensure that his legacy will 
     reflect the life he lived.
       Joe was a remarkable Montanan. He was a soldier, scholar, 
     and historian, but above all he was a fierce advocate for 
     Native American families. He embodied the warrior spirit of 
     the Crow people, and was a fierce example of America's 
     highest ideals. I'm honored to lend my praise and remembrance 
     of Dr. Joe Medicine Crow.

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