Code Talkers Receive Congressional Gold Medal of Honor

Washington D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) and Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), co-chairs of the Congressional Native American Caucus, participated in a ceremony today that honored Native American code talkers with the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. Medals were presented to members of 25 tribes today, and additional tribal nations will be honored as their medals are finalized. The Representatives released a joint statement in honor of the historic occasion:

“Today we honor the great bravery and skill of Native American military heroes,” said Congressman Cole, who is a member of the Chickasaw Nation. “Over the course of American history, Native Americans have demonstrated outstanding valor on the battlefield, and today we remember the vital role they played as code talkers during World War I and World War II. These individuals embraced their cultural heritage and used it to prevent highly-sensitive wartime messages from being intercepted by the enemy. Because of their service and unique contributions, countless lives were saved and victory was claimed more quickly by the Allies. This ceremony inspires great pride in the Native American hearts, including my own. But for all Americans, it should serve as a reminder of true bravery and sacrifice.”

“These American heroes are shining examples of the long and proud history of Native Americans’ military service to our country,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “Many Americans are familiar with the story of the Navajo code talkers, but today we recognize the contributions of veterans from 33 tribal nations, including Lakota and Ojibwe speakers. Using the languages of their people, these brave soldiers created unbreakable codes that aided in the Allied victory and saved the lives of many of their brothers-in-arms. Upon returning home, the service of the code talkers was kept secret to protect those programs. As a result, many loyal veterans faced the hardship of never being able to tell their families and communities the details of their valiant service. Today, we offer this long-overdue honor in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to our Nation.”

Congresswoman Betty McCollum is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and is Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus.

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