1923-2012 2011 Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame Inductee
Dr. Barney Old Coyote, Jr., (ChiipKalishtahchia, translated from the Apsaalooke/Crow as White Bison Calf), worked for and reached the highest levels of achievement in war and peace. When he was eighteen years old, Barney Old Coyote enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps shortly after the Pearl Harbor bombing and became the most decorated Native American in World War II. After the war, he continued his education, becoming a revered teacher in the areas of conservation, land management, agricultural engineering, Native American studies, with bilingual education in high schools, colleges, and adult education.
His World War II military career is marked by high distinctions. Barney was listed in the Stars and Stripes magazine as a recipient of the Soldiers Medal. His military record consists of combat and non-combat medals including the Air Medal with oak clusters, the Silver Star with cluster, Campaign Medals and several Battle Stars. In 1988, he and his brother, Henry, were co-recipients of the prestigious National Service Award bestowed by the Vietnam Veterans Coalition. Two Congressional medals authorized by the U.S. Mint were presented to Barney, because Henry had died ten days before notification of the award. In November of 1999, Barney was an invited guest of the Secretary of the Army as a keynote speaker at the Pentagon and was again awarded recognition for outstanding military service. He has been recognized in the U.S. Capitol Building for his service as a “Code Talker,” and has received distinction as a World War II Flying Ace.
In 1964, Barney was appointed as a special assistant to the Secretary of the Interior under Lyndon B. Johnson. His responsibilities included developing model conservation programs and development and training associated with the Job Corps. For his outstanding work at the Department of Interior, Barney received the Distinguished Service Medal.
Barney helped pioneer the opening of trade routes to the Pacific Rim and was the founder and board member of the Montana International Trade Commission, the Center for Development of Indian Law, and the National Alliance of Businessmen.
In 1970 Barney began a long and successful association with Montana State University (MSU) when he was recruited to begin the University’s Native American Studies program. In 1973 Barney resigned his post to become the founder and first president of the first nationally chartered American Indian National Bank. After a few years, he returned to MSU as an adjunct professor in the Native American Studies Department and during that time wrote the catalog and the course outlines for the Little Big Horn College’s Crow Studies Program. His legacy continues to inspire, reflecting his dedication to his country, his community, and his cultural heritage.