Medals and Awards: Acknowledging Their Service

For decades, the contributions of the Navajo Code Talkers remained largely unknown and unacknowledged. Their work was classified, and they were sworn to secrecy, preventing them from sharing their wartime experiences, even with their own families. However, as the years passed, the importance of their service became increasingly clear, and efforts began to formally recognize their extraordinary bravery and ingenuity.

Many Code Talkers received medals and awards for their service, though often these honors came long after the war had ended. The Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the United States Congress, was awarded to the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers in 2000. Subsequent medals were awarded to all the Code Talkers who served during World War II, ensuring their contributions were formally recognized at the national level.