Counting coup

Historically, any blow struck against the enemy counted as a coup, but the most prestigious acts included touching an enemy warrior with a hand, bow, or coup stick and escaping unharmed, and without harming the enemy, except for the enemy's wounded pride. Touching the first enemy to die in battle or touching the enemy's defensive works was also considered counting coup, Counting coup has at times also involved stealing an enemy's weapons or horses tied up to his lodge in camp. Escaping unharmed while counting coup is traditionally considered a higher honor than being wounded in the attempt. In some tribes, a warrior who won coup was permitted to wear an eagle feather in his hair, and if wounded in the attempt, was required to paint the feather red to indicate this. ==Modern accounts==

Joe Medicine Crow (1913–2016) is credited with achieving the feat while serving with the US Army during World War II, as on one occasion he overpowered and disarmed a German soldier, and later stole horses from an SS unit. ==References==