Indian soldiers who used their language to transmit unbreakable codes will receive long-overdue recognition of their service during a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.

The Congressional Gold Medal will be presented to Code Talkers from 33 tribes from South Dakota, Oklahoma and other states. Additionally, the Silver Medal will be presented to the families of Code Talkers.

"While long overdue, this honor is very well deserved,” Sen. John Thune (R-South Dakota), who was one of the co-sponsors of the Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008, said in a press release. “Code talkers provided secure communications that the Axis powers were never able to decode, ultimately helping save lives and enabling Allied victory. These brave men, their families, and tribes are to be honored for their service and their story remains an inspiration to all Americans. I look forward to welcoming tribal leaders and the families of these heroic men to Washington to celebrate the valiant efforts of their ancestors.”

“Code talkers from South Dakota and tribes throughout the country played a unique and vital role for the U.S. military in World War I and World War II,” added Sen. Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota), who was another co-sponsor. “By using native languages, code talkers were able to communicate in a way that the enemy could not decode, thereby saving service members’ lives. I am pleased the code talkers are finally receiving this justly deserved recognition, the Congressional Gold Medal.”

The ceremony will be webcast at 11am on Wednesday at speaker.gov/live.

Get the Story:
Finally: Spotlight to Shine on Code Talkers From 25 Tribes (Indian Country Today 11/18)
Sworn to secrecy, Sioux City code talker gains posthumous honor (The Sioux City Journal 11/18)
Native American code talkers receive recognition (KTIV 11/17)
The Unbreakable: Code Talkers to Receive Gold Medals (Southern Maryland News 11/17)