Yet the German military still depended heavily on horses.

Millions of horses were used by European armies during the war for transport, artillery, supply, and movement in places where fuel, roads, or vehicles were limited.

This meant that even in the final phase of a highly mechanized conflict, mounted transport remained part of the battlefield.

Medicine Crow discovered that fact in the most personally significant way possible.

While scouting, he noticed German soldiers with horses and followed them toward a ranch or farm area.

The horses were eventually placed inside or near a shed while the soldiers went into quarters.

Medicine Crow understood what he had found.

One of the Crow war-chief requirements was entering an enemy camp and taking a horse.

He had an opportunity that might never come again.

He asked his captain for time before the planned American attack.