November 15, 2008, The Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008
(Public Law 110-420)

signed by President George W. Bush

Choctaw Code Talkers

recognizes every Native American code talker who served in the United States military during World War I or World War II

a Congressional Gold Medal for his tribe, to be retained by the Smithsonian Institution, and a silver medal duplicate to each code talker

Choctaw code talkers

The Choctaw code talkers were a group of Choctaw Indians from Oklahoma who pioneered the use of Native American languages as military code. Their exploits took place during the waning days of World War I.

Choctaw Code Talkers Memorial

Although Native Americans were not drafted for World War I because they were not considered citizens of the United States as of 1917, approximately 10,000 Native American men volunteered for duty in World War I.

Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008

Native American code talkers during World War I