Co-Rux-Te-Chod-Ish facts for kids

Co-Rux-Te-Chod-Ish (English: Mad or Angry Bear) was a brave Pawnee Scout. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in the United States military. He earned this special award for his actions during the Indian Wars in the western United States. Co-Rux-Te-Chod-Ish was the very first Native American to be given the Medal of Honor.

The Story of Mad Bear

Co-Rux-Te-Chod-Ish, also known as Mad or Angry Bear, was born around 1847 in Nebraska. He grew up as a member of the Pawnee tribe. Later, he joined the U.S. Army as an Indian Scout in Columbus, Nebraska.

On July 8, 1869, Mad Bear was involved in a chase. He was pursuing a Cheyenne Dog Soldier near the Republican River in Kansas. During this chase, he was thrown from his horse. To make things worse, another member of his unit accidentally shot him. Mad Bear was badly injured.

There was some confusion about his Medal of Honor award. Frank North's brother, Luther North, thought there might have been a mix-up. He believed that Mad Bear's name was confused with another Pawnee Scout, Co-Tux-A-Kah-Wadde (Traveling Bear). Traveling Bear was recognized for his brave actions at the Battle of Summit Springs on July 11, 1869. Luther North thought Traveling Bear might have mistakenly received a medal engraved with Mad Bear's name.

However, official records show that Mad Bear was indeed the correct recipient. He was still recovering from his injury and was not at the Battle of Summit Springs. But Eugene Asa Carr's recommendation and the document confirming the medal's receipt both clearly mention Mad Bear's actions. Mad Bear signed the document with an "X" mark. This confirmed that Mad Bear was the first Native American to receive the Medal of Honor.

Co-Rux-Te-Chod-Ish passed away on February 12, 1913. He was about 65 years old. He is buried in Oklahoma.

See Also

• List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Indian Wars
• List of Native American Medal of Honor recipients