Strong Medicine Rescue
The rescue of Tall Bull, Chief of the Cheyenne Dog Soldier tribe, by Wolf with Plenty Hair, is a singular instance of bravery and valor in the face of danger. In a Coup and combat situation these two venerated warriors drew considerable attention from their enemy, the Pawnee, seeking to gain prowess and honor in battle. Wolf with Plenty Hair’s rescue of Tall Bull is an extraordinary feat of bravery!! Wolf is a chosen Sash, or Dog Rope, carrier of the warrior class of the Cheyenne Indian Nation called The Dog Men or Dog Soldiers. Singled out by the warriors themselves to be the wearer of the sacred sash!This meant that Wolf’s free choice to hold this honor for one season, put him at the top of the enemies “hit list”.
His bravery and ability in combat and daily functioning of the tribe set him apart. The sash wearer was one who was committed to "stake” himself in a crucial battle to protect his people and draw the heat of battle to himself. Dismounting and pinning the sash or "dog rope" to the ground, declaring his intention to fight to the death. Tall Bull, as leader of the Dog Soldiers at this time, had to be a venerated and accomplished warrior in many ways to hold that respected position.Tall Bull's sacred shield being a prevelent part of this historical event, is portrayed with having sacred "medicine" to help in protecting him in battle.Tall Bull and Wolf with Plenty Hair were warrior "brothers" who lived, fought and ultimately died together for their way of life.
"On July 11, 1869, at Summit Spgs, Colo. Death came to Wolf with Plenty Hair as well as numerous others of the dog soldiers, including Tall Bull the leader of the dog soldiers at that time. On that day Major Eugene A Carr led the 5th Cavalry and 150 Pawnee scouts in an attack on Tall Bull's village. At the head of the charge, stripped for battle, were the dog soldier’s greatest enemies- the Pawnee. When the fight ended, the army counted fifty-two warriors dead. Among them were Tall Bull, and next to him, "staked " to the dog rope, was Wolf with Plenty Hair.
“THE RESCUE OF TALL BULL” PATRICK A ZABEL
