Army.

Crow warriors did not organize themselves through the same ranks, paperwork, command structures, and formal logistics used by twentieth-century infantry divisions.

Yet the underlying test — whether a person could lead others through danger and bring them back after accomplishing a mission — could still exist.

Medicine Crow encountered such a test during combat when American soldiers were cut off and in urgent need of ammunition.

National Park Service accounts describe a situation in which his company had pushed through German lines and then found itself under pressure as enemy forces maneuvered around it.

Ammunition was running low.

The commanding officer needed men who could get through dangerous ground, reach American lines, secure supplies, and return.

Medicine Crow was selected to lead the effort.

The route was not safe.

Mines and enemy fire made movement hazardous.