Great Leader: Gall of the Hunkpapa Sioux, c 1840-1894
Native command structure during campaigns and battles differed significantly from European-American structure. While White armies generally had a sole commander who crafted the strategy and took credit if the battle was won, Native forces were led by command teams of several leaders who jointly decided strategy and shared credit equally. The Battle of Little Bighorn/Greasy Grass, June 25-26, 1876, is often boiled down in history to Custer versus Crazy Horse/Sitting Bull. However, other leaders from various Sioux bands as well as Arapahoe and Cheyenne also participated in the strategy and leadership that gained victory for their side. Gall, c 1840-1894, a Hunkpapa war chief, has gotten little credit over the years for some key surveillance and maneuvering that tipped the balance for the Natives. Gall was born in what is now South Dakota. He was orphaned early and dependent on others for food and other necessities. He received his name Gall, or Phizi,...