During World War II, at a time when the Japanese possessed the ability to break almost any American military code, the Navajo stepped forward and developed the most significant and successful military code of the time.

So successful was this innovative code that military commanders credited it with saving the lives of countless American soldiers and with the successful engagements of the U.S. in the battles of Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.

A gallery of Navajo Code Talker photos.

Among the various forms of recognition that Congress bestows, the Congressional Gold Medal is often considered the most distinguished. Through this venerable tradition, Congress has expressed public gratitude on behalf of the nation for distinguished contributions for more than two centuries.

A gallery of Gold Medal Ceremony photos.

It has taken too long to properly recognize these soldiers, whose achievements have been obscured by twin veils of secrecy and time.