The
National Security Agency/Central Security Service Cryptologic
Memorial exhibit is a replica of the black granite wall found
in the NSA Headquarters building at Ft. Meade, MD. It is intended
to honor and remember those who have given their lives, “serving
in silence,” in
the line of duty since the end of World War II. The Memorial was
built in 1995 and lists the names of those cryptologists,
both military and civilian, who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
It is hoped that this memorial will serve as an important
reminder of the crucial role that cryptology plays in keeping
the United States secure and the role these individuals had
in shaping the history of this country.
The Memorial Wall was designed by an NSA employee and is 12 feet wide and eight feet high, centered with a triangle. The words “They Served in Silence,” etched into the polished stone at the cap of the triangle, recognize that cryptologic service has always been a silent service – secretive by its very nature. Below these words, the NSA seal and the names of 153 military and civilian cryptologists who have given their lives in service to their country are engraved in the granite. The names are at the base of the triangle because these cryptologists and their ideals – dedication to mission, dedication to workmate, and dedication to country – form the foundation for cryptologic service.
In honor of Memorial Day 2000, the Agency decided to commemorate the sacrifices and courage of these individuals in a special way. From the wall, two names were chosen and their stories were told. Although the focus shifted to only those two, it brought a sense of reality and seriousness to our rich heritage, and it reiterated the importance of the work being done at the Agency. Every year, new names are selected, and new stories shared.
Click here to view the names of the cryptologists who paid the ultimate price in service to our country.