Congressional Gold Medals were awarded to 25 Native American tribes in recognition of the dedication and valor of tribe members who had served as Code Talkers in the United States Armed Forces during World War I and World War II. The medals were awarded at a ceremony held in Emancipation Hall in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center on November 20, 2013. Eight additional tribes were honored at the ceremony and will receive medals at a later date.
Treasurer Rios and Acting Director Peterson congratulate Wallace Coffee, Chairman of the Comanche Nation (OK). Coffee accepted the gold medal on behalf of the tribe at the November 20 Code Talker Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.
The term “Code Talkers” refers to Native Americans who used their tribal languages as a means of secret communication during wartime. Navajo Code Talkers were previously honored with a Congressional Gold Medal authorized by an Act of Congress passed in 2000. Under the Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-420), other tribes with members who served as Code Talkers during a foreign conflict in which the United States was involved were to be similarly honored. The Department of Defense identified an additional 33 eligible tribes for which the United States Mint was authorized to prepare and strike a gold medal with a unique design.
The Act further further authorized the Mint to strike silver duplicate medals that will be awarded to the Code Talkers, their family, or personal representative. Bronze medals are also authorized to be produced for sale to the public.
Dr. Ken Ryan, the cultural historian of the Fort Peck Assiniboine Tribe of Montana, accepted the Code Talker Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of the tribe.
Images and descriptions of the 25 medals prepared and struck by the Mint so far are shown below. The line art design for a 26th medal which has not yet been struck is also included. The US Mint has offered for sale to the public 3-inch medals priced at $39.95 each and 1.5-inch medals priced at $6.95 each. The medals can be found online at http://www.usmint.gov/catalog
Images and descriptions included below are courtesy of the United States Mint.
Cherokee Nation
Obverse
Designer: Donna Weaver
Engraver: Michael Gaudioso
The obverse design features a code talker communicating on a field phone and writing in the Cherokee language. Inscriptions are CHEROKEE NATION and CODE TALKERS in both Cherokee Syllabary and English.
Reverse
Designer: Joseph Menna
Engraver: Joseph Menna
The reverse design features a variation of the Cherokee Nation seal. Inscriptions are WORLD WAR I, WORLD WAR II and ACT OF CONGRESS 2008.
Cheyenne River Sioux
Obverse
Designer: Donna Weaver
Engraver: Michael Gaudioso
The obverse design depicts a World War I soldier sitting in a trench while receiving a message over his telephone. In the lower field, a World War II soldier sits in a deciduous forest while communicating messages. Inscriptions are WAKPA WASTE OYANKE AKICITA ZUYA IYASICA, Cheyenne River Sioux language for “good river soldiers fight the enemy,” and LAKOTA CODE TALKERS.
Reverse
Designer: Don Everhart
Engraver: Jim Licaretz
The reverse design features elements from the Cheyenne River Sioux flag and four tipis with buffalos imposed on them. Inscriptions are WORLD WAR I, WORLD WAR II and ACT OF CONGRESS.
Choctaw Nation Tribe
Obverse
Designer: Thomas Cleveland
Engraver: Phebe Hemphill
The obverse design features a soldier on his field phone writing Tanampo chito, which translates to “big gun” in the Choctaw language. Inscriptions are CHOCTAW NATION and CODE TALKERS.
Reverse
Designer: Don Everhart
Engraver: Jim Licaretz
The reverse design features the major elements from the Choctaw Nation seal, identified as the pipe hatchet and bow and arrows. Inscriptions are WORLD WAR I, WORLD WAR II and ACT OF CONGRESS 2008.
Comanche Nation Tribe
Obverse
Designer: Richard Masters
Engraver: Charles L. Vickers
The obverse design features the Comanche Code and Spirit Talker Monument located at Comanche Nation headquarters. Inscriptions are COMANCHE CODE TALKERS and NUMUNU, Comanche language for “people.”
Reverse
Designer: Don Everhart
Engraver: Don Everhart
The reverse design features the Comanche Nation logo, the 90th Infantry Division insignia on the left and the 4th Infantry Division insignia on the right. Inscriptions are PUHIHWITEKWA EKASAHPANA, WORLD WAR I, WORLD WAR II and ACT OF CONGRESS 2008. According to the Comanche Nation, when loosely interpreted, “puhihwitekwa ekasahpana” means “soldiers talking on phones made of metal.”
Crow Creek Sioux Tribe
Obverse
Designer: Thomas Cleveland
Engraver: Phebe Hemphill
The obverse design features a World War II soldier with phone and map in hand. Inscriptions are HUNKPATI DAKOTA OYATE, CROW CREEK TRIBE and SIOUX CODE TALKERS. “Hunkpati Dakota Oyate” is how the tribe refers to itself.
Reverse
Designer: Thomas Cleveland
Engraver: Renata Gordon
The reverse design features a variation of the Crow Creek Tribe seal. Inscriptions are WORLD WAR I, WORLD WAR II and ACT OF CONGRESS 2008.
Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribe
Obverse
Designer: Don Everhart
Engraver: Don Everhart
The obverse design features a World War II infantry helmet and two feathers. Inscriptions are FORT PECK ASSINIBOINE, SIOUX TRIBES and CODE TALKERS.
Reverse
Designer: Joel Iskowitz
Engraver: Jim Licaretz
The reverse design features the outline of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation (a buffalo outlined by rivers and creeks), two eagle staffs, a Plains Indian dance whip and the 41st Infantry Division patch. Inscriptions are WORLD WAR II, ACT OF CONGRESS 2008, and B CO. 1ST BN 163RD INFANTRY.
Ho-Chunk Nation
Obverse
Designer: Michael Gaudioso
Engraver: Michael Gaudioso
The obverse design features a code talker communicating a message. Inscriptions are HO-CHUNK NATION CODE TALKERS and WOINUXᾼᾼ HITÉTÉ, which translates to ”talking secretly.“
Reverse
Designer: Don Everhart
Engraver: Don Everhart
The reverse design features a variation of the Ho-Chunk Nation seal, which includes an eagle, bear, peace pipe and war club. An outline of Wisconsin is also included, signifying the tribe’s historical attachment to the state. Inscriptions are WORLD WAR II, SOUTH PACIFIC and ACT OF CONGRESS 2008.
Hopi Tribe
Obverse
Designer: Joel Iskowitz
Engraver: Don Everhart
The obverse design features Hopi code talkers communicating on a field phone and using binoculars to search for the enemy. The B-24 Liberator in the background represents the Hopi code talkers’ service in the 90th and 380th Bombardment Groups. Inscriptions are HOPI CODE TALKERS and U.S. ARMY.
Reverse
Designer: Joel Iskowitz
Engraver: Renata Gordon
The reverse design features a variation of the Hopi Tribe flag, which depicts a circle with dots, mountains and stalks of corn on both sides of the mountains. The flag’s symbols represent the Hopi way of life. Inscriptions are WORLD WAR II, ACT OF CONGRESS 2008, A CODE NEVER BROKEN, KEPT AMERICA FREE and HOPILAVAYI, which in English means “Hopi language.”
Kiowa Tribe
Obverse
Designer: Joseph Menna
Engraver: Joseph Menna
The obverse design depicts a code talker using a field phone to communicate. Inscriptions are KIOWA TRIBE CODE TALKERS and 689TH FIELD ARTILLERY, EUROPE, the U.S. Army unit in which the Kiowa Tribe members served.
Reverse
Designer: Joseph Menna
Engraver: Joseph Menna
The reverse design depicts the Kiowa Tribe logo. Inscriptions are DEDICATION, HONOR, VALOR, WORLD WAR II and ACT OF CONGRESS 2008.
Menominee Nation
Obverse
Designer: Paul Balan
Engraver: Phebe Hemphill
The obverse depicts a code talker using communication equipment while three P-51 Mustangs fly overhead. Inscriptions are MENOMINEE CODE TALKERS and OMAEQNOMENEW KEMOC KEKETOTATOWAK, which translates to “Menominee secretly talk to each other.”
Reverse
Designer: Donna Weaver
Engraver: Renata Gordon
The reverse features the Thunderbird, which is the center element of the Menominee Nation Seal, the five clans (bear, eagle, wolf, moose, and crane), a sturgeon, and wild rice. The Menominee Nation is known for its reliance on wild rice and as intense fishers, especially for sturgeon. Inscriptions are WORLD WAR II and ACT OF CONGRESS 2008.
Meskwaki Nation
Obverse
Designer: Thomas Cleveland
Engraver: Phebe Hemphill
The obverse design features two code talkers in action. Inscriptions are MESKWAKI NATION CODE TALKERS and ne me skwa, ki i be na, which translates to “We are the red earth people.”
Reverse
Designer: Don Everhart
Engraver: Renata Gordon
The reverse design features a variation of the Meskwaki Nation logo. Inscriptions are ACT OF CONGRESS 2008, WORLD WAR I and WORLD WAR II.
Muscogee Creek Nation
Obverse
Designer: Paul C. Balan
Engraver: Phebe Hemphill
The obverse design features a code talker speaking on his field phone. The inscription is MUSCOGEE CREEK NATION CODE TALKERS.
Reverse
Designer: Paul C. Balan
Engraver: Renata Gordon
The reverse design depicts lacrosse sticks and a ball. Inscriptions are WORLD WAR II and ACT OF CONGRESS 2008.
Ogala Sioux Tribe
Obverse
Designer: Michael Gaudioso
Engraver: Michael Gaudioso
The obverse design features a code talker with a stylized eagle in the background. Inscriptions are OGLALA and LAKOTA AKICITA IYESKA WICASA, which translates to “Indian soldier translator man.”
Reverse
Designer: Don Everhart
Engraver: Jim Licaretz
The reverse design features a variation of the Oglala Sioux Tribe flag. The nine tipis represent the nine districts of Oglala—Porcupine, Wakpamni, Medicine Root, Pass Creek, Eagle Nest, White Clay, PR Village, La Creek and Wounded Knee—all of which are inscribed along the border of the design. Other inscriptions are WORLD WAR II, ACT OF CONGRESS, 2008 and AKICITA, OKOLAKICIYE, which translates to “warrior’s society.”
Oneida Nation
Obverse
Designer: Donna Weaver
Engraver: Charles L. Vickers
The obverse design features an Oneida Nation code talker with eagle feathers, positioned similar to those in the Oneida Gustoweh (head dress) in the background. Inscriptions are ONEIDA NATION WARRIORS and CODE TALKERS.
Reverse
Designer: Donna Weaver
Engraver: Renata Gordon
The reverse design features the Great White Pine Tree of Peace with four white roots atop a turtle. To the left of the tree is the foot print of a bear. To the right of the tree is the foot print of a wolf. The turtle, bear and wolf represent the clans of the Oneida Nation. Atop the tree is an eagle, vigilant over the nation and warning members of any imminent danger. The symbols near or under the turtle are a war club and six arrows bound tightly together to indicate the unified strength of the six nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. An image of the two-row wampum belt, constructed of quahog beads, is at the bottom of the design. Inscriptions are WORLD WAR II, ACT OF CONGRESS 2008 and LATIWɅNATÉNYESHSE, which translates to “They change their words.”
Osage Nation
Obverse
Designer: Frank Morris
Engraver: Phebe Hemphill
The obverse design depicts a code talker looking up and focusing on his task. The barbed wire is symbolic of the threat to the soldier. Inscriptions are OSAGE NATION and CODE TALKERS.
Reverse
Designer: Don Everhart
Engraver: Renata Gordon
The reverse design depicts a variation of the Osage Nation seal. Inscriptions are ACT OF CONGRESS 2008, WORLD WAR I and WORLD WAR II.
Pawnee Nation
Obverse
Designer: Don Everhart
Engraver: Don Everhart
The obverse design features the full body profile of a soldier with phone and helmet in hand. It is inscribed PAWNEE NATION CODE TALKERS.
Reverse
Designer: Michael Gaudioso
Engraver: Michael Gaudioso
The reverse design depicts a variation of the Pawnee Nation seal, which includes the wolf, tomahawk, peace pipe, morning star, sage, cedar and a banner inscribed with CHATICKS-SI-CHATICKS, which translates to “men-of-men.” Other inscriptions are WORLD WAR I, WORLD WAR II and ACT OF CONGRESS 2008.
Ponca Tribe
Obverse
Designer: Joel Iskowitz
Engraver: Phebe Hemphill
The obverse design features two code talkers in action with Chief White Eagle, a respected leader of the Ponca Tribe, in the background. It is inscribed PONCA TRIBE CODE TALKERS.
Reverse
Designer: Joel Iskowitz
Engraver: Renata Gordon
The reverse design features a variation of the Ponca Tribe seal, which consists of three clustered tipis with the sun behind it. Inscriptions are ACT OF CONGRESS 2008, WORLD WAR I and WORLD WAR II.
Pueblo of Acoma Tribe
Obverse
Designer: Donna Weaver
Engraver: Michael Gaudioso
The obverse design features a Pueblo of Acoma code talker scouting the area during his tour of duty in the South Pacific. Inscriptions are PUEBLO OF ACOMA and CODE TALKERS.
Reverse
Designer: Donna Weaver
Engraver: Renata Gordon
The reverse design features the Pueblo of Acoma flag. Clans depicted in the flag are the antelope (at the top center); the road runner, turkey, parrot, oak and mustard seed (to the left); and an eagle, sun, bear, pumpkin, and red and yellow corn (to the right). In the center (bottom to top) are water, Abraham Lincoln’s Cane of Authority presented to the tribe in 1864, Pueblo of Acoma Sky City Village and wind. Inscriptions are WORLD WAR II and ACT OF CONGRESS 2008.
Santee Sioux Tribe
Obverse
Designer: Frank Morris
Engraver: Phebe Hemphill
The obverse design depicts a Santee Sioux code talker looking up and focusing on the task required. The barbed wire is a symbol of the threat to the soldier. Inscriptions are MDEWAKANTON, WAKPEKUTE and SANTEE DAKOTA SIOUX CODE TALKERS. According to the Santee Sioux Tribe, “Mdewakanton” translates to “dwellers at spirit late” and “wakpekute”to “shooters amongst the leaves.”
Reverse
Designer: Charles L. Vickers
Engraver: Charles L. Vickers
The reverse design depicts the Santee Sioux Nation seal. Inscriptions are WORLD WAR I, WORLD WAR II and ACT OF CONGRESS 2008.
Seminole Nation
Obverse
Designer: Joel Iskowitz
Engraver: Phebe Hemphill
The obverse design features Seminole Nation code talkers with an early period chief in the background. The inscribed phrase ACEMEKET HECETV HERET OS, which translates to “It is good to climb and see,” is an actual phrase used by Seminole code talkers. The other inscription is SEMINOLE CODE TALKERS.
Reverse
Designer: Joseph Menna
Engraver: Joseph Menna
The reverse design depicts a variation of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma seal. Inscriptions are WORLD WAR II, ACT OF CONGRESS 2008 and SEMINOLE NATION OF OKLAHOMA.
Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate (Sioux) Tribe
Obverse
Designer: Frank Morris
Engraver: Phebe Hemphill
The obverse design depicts a soldier being shielded by an eagle to keep him safe. Inscriptions are SISSETON WAHPETON SIOUX and DAKOTA CODE TALKERS. “Dakota” is the dialect used by the tribe.
Reverse
Designer: Don Everhart
Engraver: Jim Licaretz
The reverse design features a variation of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribe seal. The central part of the design depicts the boundaries of the reservation with seven tipis, which represent the seven districts within the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate of Lake Traverse Reservation. Inscriptions are PACIFIC THEATRE, WORLD WAR II, LAKE TRAVERSE RESERVATION and ACT OF CONGRESS 2008.
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Obverse
Designer: Barbara Fox
Engraver: Jim Licaretz
The obverse design features code talkers transmitting and writing information. Inscriptions are LAKOTA CODE TALKERS and STANDING ROCK SIOUX TRIBE.
Reverse
Designer: Barbara Fox
Engraver: Jim Licaretz
The reverse design features the seal of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Inscriptions include PORCUPINE, LONG SOLDIER, CANNON BALL, WAKPALA, KENEL, RUNNING ANTELOPE, BEAR SOLDIER and ROCK CREEK, the eight districts of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Additional inscriptions are ACT OF CONGRESS 2008, STANDING ROCK SIOUX TRIBE, JULY 1873, WORLD WAR I and WORLD WAR II.
Tlingit Tribe
Obverse
Designer: Susan Gamble
Engraver: Joseph Menna
On the obverse design, the antenna on the soldier’s equipment is raised as he talks on his radio sending a coded message. The soldier kneels on his right knee and holds his rifle in his left hand in case of attack. The three semicircles signify the transmission of radio signals. It is inscribed TLINGIT WARRIORS CODE TALKERS.
Reverse
Designer: Susan Gamble
Engraver: Renata Gordon
The reverse design depicts a killer whale headdress representing the Tlingit code talkers of World War II who were affiliated with the Killer Whale Clan. Inscriptions are WORLD WAR II, KILLER WHALE CLAN and ACT OF CONGRESS 2008.
Tonto Apache Tribe
Obverse
Designer: Joel Iskowitz
Engraver: Joseph Menna
The obverse design depicts a close-up and background view of a code talker, which represents communicating a message and running a message. Inscriptions are TONTO APACHE TRIBE and CODE TALKERS.
Reverse
Designer: Donna Weaver
Engraver: Renata Gordon
The reverse design features a variation of the Tonto Apache seal, which depicts four feathers, a streak of stylized lightning as depicted in Apache art and four streamers. Inscriptions are WORLD WAR I and ACT OF CONGRESS 2008.
White Mountain Apache Tribe
Obverse
Designer: Barbara Fox
Engraver: Joseph Menna
The obverse design features code talkers behind sand bags. The code talker in the foreground is using a field phone to deliver a message, while the one in the background writes the coded message. Inscriptions are WHITE MOUNTAIN APACHE TRIBE and CODE TALKERS.
Reverse
Designer: Barbara Fox
Engraver: Joseph Menna
The reverse design features a variation of the White Mountain Apache Tribe seal. The seal depicts a rainbow rising against the sky over a landscape with an elk standing by a river near a wikiup, or traditional dwelling. Snow-capped mountains are in the distance, while nearer, at the base of the seal, is a pine forest. An earthen Apache vase, in the foreground, is flanked by two feathers and a pair of lightning bolts near the outer edge of the seal. Inscriptions are WORLD WAR II and ACT OF CONGRESS 2008.
Yankton Sioux Tribe
Obverse
Designer: Ronald D. Sanders
Engraver: Don Everhart
The obverse design features two code talkers with the inscriptions YANKTON SIOUX and CODE TALKERS.
Reverse
Designer: Charles L. Vickers
Engraver: Charles L. Vickers
The reverse design features a variation of the buffalo skull painted in honor of Yankton Sioux Tribe veterans. It is inscribed with WORLD WAR I.
The seven additional tribes which will receive Congressional Gold Medals at a future date are:
- Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes
- Crow Tribe
- Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Tribe
- Laguna Pueblo Tribe
- Lower Brule Sioux Tribe
- Mohawk Tribe
- Rosebud Tribe
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