Harold Crowchild

Who was Harold Crowchild?

Harold Crowchild, also known as Iron Shield was a Canadian Tsuu T'ina Nation elder and veteran of World War II. Crowchild was the last surviving Tsuu T'ina veteran of World War II, as well as the last surviving veteran of the war from any of the Treaty 7 First Nations.

Crowchild began appearing in the Calgary Stampede prior to World War II. He continued to participate in the Stampede until he was in his 80s.

In 1942, Crowchild voluntarily enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces at the Curry Barracks in Calgary. His desire to join the armed forces was questioned by the Tsuu T'ina Chief and other tribal leaders, as there were few area members of the First Nations in the military at the time. Crowchild dismissed their criticisms, later telling the Kainai News in a 1987 interview, "We wanted to fight, what the hell."

Crowchild was a member of the 4th Canadian Armoured Regiment during World War II, serving in United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, and Germany. He operated Sherman tanks and guarded German prisoners-of-war. Crowchild was awarded the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp for his service.

Harold Crowchild died on January 12, 2013, at the age of 97.