WASHINGTON D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives today unanimously passed legislation introduced by U.S. Congressman Dan Boren to recognize every Native American Code Talker who bravely served the United States Armed Services during World War I and II.
The Native American Code Talker Recognition Act of 2008, H.R. 4544, was introduced last December by Boren and has since gathered the wide support of a bipartisan group of 300 House members. The legislation awards the Congressional Gold Medal, among the most distinguished honors Congress can bestow, to the brave veterans that served the United States as Code Talkers.
“It is an honor to have carried this important legislation to commemorate some of America’s most exceptional war heroes. The story of the Native American Code Talkers is one of great distinction, and we should all be proud that these brave men served our nation in the name of liberty and justice. Through their unique language, they were a critical part of the Allies victory over our enemies in both World War I and II.”
The legislation would recognize every tribe that had a Code Talker with a Congressional Gold Medal for their respective tribe and a duplicate silver medal to each Code Talker.
The bill to honor Native American Code Talkers would never have been possible without the support of the National Congress of American Indians, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Chief Gregory Pyle and his staff, and many others.
“The Choctaw Nation is very appreciative of Congressman Boren for sponsorship of this historic bill and we are also thankful for the support of the many other members of the House,” Chief Pyle said. “This legislation is a great opportunity to show our Native warriors of WWI and WWII that they were appreciated for their exceptional service.”
“The tribe honors veterans and soldiers who willing to serve our great country, and we owe a special debt to the men who served as Code Talkers. The Choctaw Code Talkers are now deceased, but their families are very proud of this tremendous honor,” said Chief Pyle.
“Many Choctaw people across the United States deserve a special thank you for the success of this bill. They were willing to voice their encouragement of this legislation by contacting Congress and requesting co-sponsorship,” said Chief Pyle. “Members of the Comanche Nation, including Chairman Wallace Coffey, were also vital in sharing information about HR 4544.”
The first reported use of Native American Code Talkers was on October 17, 1918. During World War I, tribal members played a role in U.S. military operations by transmitting vital communications that helped defeat German forces in Europe. The language used by the Code Talkers was not based on European languages or mathematics, and the Germans were unable to understand any of the transmissions.
During World War II, the U.S. again employed Native American Code Talkers who developed secret means of communication and were critical to winning the war. The code developed by the Code Talkers proved to be unbreakable, and was used extensively in the Pacific and European theaters.
“When World War I began, tribal members enlisted in the service at a time when they did not even have full citizenship in our nation,” Boren said. “As a nation, we have waited far too long to bestow this honor upon every one of these brave veterans.”
In 2001, the Navajo Code Talkers were rightly recognized for their contribution to the United States Armed Forces, but Code Talkers from many other tribal nations have not yet been recognized. For those Code Talkers who are deceased, H.R. 4544 would provide the duplicate silver medals to their families. The legislation would provide for tribal consultation with both the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Treasury in the determination of all applicable Code Talkers.
####
