Code Talkers to be Honored in Washington

Members of South Dakota's Congressional delegation say Native American code talkers from eight of South Dakota's tribes will be among those  recognized for dedicated and valorous service during World War I and World War II at a gold medal ceremony to be held at the U.S. Capitol on November 20.

The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest honors that can be given by Congress.

Delegation members say members of 33 tribes from around the US are to be recognized, and more than 200 silver medals will be presented to families of "code talkers."

The US military used code talkers during both World Wars, especially during World War II.

The code talkers communicated through their native languages in ways enemy forces were unable to decode.

Working in both the European and Pacific theaters, code talkers communicated in ways that were faster and more secure than conventional wartime communication methods.