In Loving Memory of
Sergeant Eugene Seminole
“Vehanena hane” Chief Killer
United States Marine Corps
Eugene Seminole a Cheyenne Warrior, one of the highest decorated Vietnam War Veterans in the state of Montana passed away on April 12, 2014 at St Vincent Medical Center in Billings, Montana. At his passing he was surrounded by his family with his wife, Marion by his side. Sergeant Eugene Seminole was born on December 17, 1947 in Lame Deer. He was one of the 13 children born to Alfred Hubert Seminole and Mary Jane Yellow Eyes Seminole.
As one of the descendants of Northern Cheyenne Chief Dull Knife, Eugene was born into a family history that speaks of time when the Northern Cheyenne, under the leadership of Northern Cheyenne Chiefs Dull Knife and Little Wolf, were forcibly removed from the northern plains to the Oklahoma Indian Territory. The history speaks of the people’s escape from the Indian Territory on September 9, 1878, and the Fort Robinson Break Out on January 9, 1879. Additionally, he is the great-grandson of Ruben Black Horse, who was among the first Cheyenne Scouts that served under General Nelson A. Miles at Fort Keogh in 1879. Eugene through his mother is also a direct descendant of Northern Cheyenne Chief Crazy Head.
In 1968, Eugene joined the United States Marine Corps and he served in a company called MIKE. He did two tours in Vietnam and was severely wounded twice in battle. During a battle at DaNang Barrier he single handily wiped out a Viet Cong machine gun nest and saved his squad. After this heroic action he was awarded the Navy Cross, the second highest military medal in the nation. He was awarded a Bronze Star for his heroic action and two purple hearts. He was awarded 13 medals including the Vietnam Campaign with w/60 Device, Vietnam Service w/ 2 Stars, Vietnam Cross with Gallantry, National Defense, US Marine Corps Good Conduct, Presidential Unit Citation, and Rifle Expert Badge. After six years serving his country, Eugene was honorably discharged in 1973 with a rank of Sergeant
After Eugene completed his first tour in Vietnam in 1970, his parents Hubert and Mary Jane held a traditional Cheyenne Victory Dance to honor their son as a Cheyenne Warrior. The local people and other people from such places as South Dakota, Oklahoma came to dance and welcome home their Cheyenne war hero. The special ceremonial events for the victory dance were conducted by a Southern Cheyenne Chief Hailman Little Coyote. It was during the Cheyenne Naming Ceremony for a Cheyenne Warrior that Eugene’s Cheyenne name was changed from “White Magpie” to “Chief Killer.” While in Viet Nam Eugene served with Bill Red Hat who is now the keeper of the Sacred Arrows. Bill witnessed Eugene when he counted coup on the Vietnam (enemy).
Prior to his military service Eugene worked in various jobs both off and on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. He was a hard worker who worked a time as a Tribal Police Officer for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. He later was a Heavy Equipment Operator for the roads department of the Bureau of Indian Affairs until he began working for Peabody and then Western Energy Company in Colstrip, Montana. He took a medical retirement in 2008 in which he attributed his health problems in relation to Vietnam and suffered from Agent Orange.
For the past nine years Eugene served his people as a Cheyenne Chief. Eugene assumed the Chieftainship of Chief Dull Knife as a hereditary Chief. A position passed down through the male linage of his father who held the position until his death. Eugene served as a Cheyenne Chief with humanity, responsibility and respect. Eugene also participated in two sun dances. Eugene was baptized in the Catholic Church and while he was involved with the traditional activities, he still maintained his ties with the Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife Marion, and his children, Orlando “Curtis”, Michael, Winona, Todd, Blaine, Margene, Jeremy, Terry and Erin. He is also survived by his siblings, Mina Seminole, Vickie (Mike) Bearcomesout, Leon (Maxine), Ambrose (Clementine) Martin, Donald Seminole and Richard Foote. His aunts, Beatrice Small, Delores Yelloweyes Morgan, Joanne Yelloweyes of Butte, Montana and Jeannette Stetler of Raleigh, North Carolina. Also surviving him are his 20 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Burton, Raymond and Alfred, Emmanuel Seminole and his adopted brother, Robert Bear Chum, Sr. And his sisters Elizabeth and Johanna Seminole as well as his adopted sister Hilda Tall White Man.
Eugene also leaves behind many other relatives. His relatives include the Gondara, Yelloweyes, White Dirt, Bird-In-Ground, Onion, Bright Wings, Sooktis, Elk Shoulder, Wolf Name, Evans, Fox, Sioux, Spotted Wolf, One Bear, Shoulder Blade, Eagle Feathers, Head Swift, Waters, Woodenlegs, Rising Sun, Medicine Top, Two Bulls and the Bailey family. Eugene comes from large extended family; if we have missed anyone please accept our apology.
The family wishes to thank the medical staff of Billings Clinic and St. Vincent Hospital who cared for Eugene during his lengthy illness. The Transportation staff at the Northern Cheyenne Service Unit are also commended for providing transportation for Eugene on a weekly basis for his continued dialysis.
“Sergeant Eugene Seminole is pain free and resting now in the valley of peace. In prayer we ask the Creator to welcome him home and make a special place for him so that he might celebrate with those loved ones who have gone before him.”
Rubie Sooktis, 2014
Service Schedule
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following Services
Saturday April 19, 2014
Birney Cemetery
Birney, MT 59012
Service Schedule
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following Services
Saturday April 19, 2014
Birney Cemetery
Birney, MT 59012
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Linda Merchant says
so sad to hear.prayers to the famly at this difficult time
Seminole Family says
Eugene and Seminole Family,
I am sending my condolences, my thoughts and prayers to you and your families in this time of sadness..
Sincerely
Katie, Chandra, Jalen and Kylee Seminole
Daniel & Lillian Big Man says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Jack & Kim Knobloch says
Thoughts and prayers to the Seminole family.
Dean & Carrie Small says
Our Condolences to the Family.
maria spang sugg mortensen says
My heart goes out to you and your family.
Jolee & Jehan Walks Along says
My condolences go out to the family & friends of Eugene, a true Cheyenne warrior. Semper Fi & God Speed Marine.
Fredoniaj says
Your family is in our prayers for comfort from the Lord. Peace to your family.
Danetta Fisher says
My sincere condolences to the family…
Julie J Eagle says
Marion and family, my deepest condolences and prayers to you all. I remember when I was younger and Eugene and my dad Stanley were all in the Color guards together, they always looked very sharp out there marching for all the pow-wows. he will be missed by many. Taking another soldier under his wings to protect from the heavens above.
Shane ShotGunn says
My condolences to the Seminole family…
Dave Gunderson says
I worked with Eugene for a number of years. He will be missed. My condolences go to the Seminole family for their loss he is now pain free .
Roxie and Calvin Wilson says
So sorry to hear of the passing of your loved one, please except our condolences. Eugene will be remembered for bis constant smile and friendly manner.
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Eugene Seminole – I am sorry to hear of your loss. The Bible promises a resurrection of dear family members and friends that we have lost (John 5:28, 29). I hope you are comforted by Bible promises of a hopeful future including hope of everlasting life (John 17:3).
Bob Nolan says
He was my best friend in Viet Nam, He had my back- I had his. A year ago I found out where he was and never made it up to see him. I will regret that forever.
Bob Nolan Cpl USMC 68 69