News
February 29, 2008
harkin introduces legislation to honor sac and fox world war ii veterans
Tama County "Code Talkers" Critical in WWII Allied Victory
WASHINGTON-- Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today sponsored bipartisan legislation to honor Iowans of the Sac and Fox Tribe in Tama County who transmitted military code during World War II. At least eight members of the tribe, traditionally known as the Meskwaki, participated in the now-famous effort to develop and use unbreakable codes to communicate crucial messages using their native language. Harkin was joined in this effort by Senators James Inhofe (R-OK), Charles Grassley (R-IA), Byron Dorgan (D-ND), John Thune (R-SD) and Tom Coburn (R-OK).
“The Meskwaki ‘code-talkers’ made an invaluable contribution to the world’s fight against evil in the last century.” Harkin said. “As courageous soldiers they overcame dangerous conditions by exemplifying traditional Meskwaki values of bravery, honor and justice. This honor is long overdue—we must remember all those who fought so hard keep our nation free.”
Specifically, the legislation authorizes Congressional Gold Commemorative Medals to be presented to all Native American Code Talkers, including Iowa's Meskwaki, in recognition of their contributions to the nation during World Wars I and II.
Early in the 20th century, the American military traditionally relied on spoken language transmitted by phone and radio which was easy to intercept by enemy forces. During World Wars I and II, American Indian languages were used to develop military codes that proved more difficult to break and intercept. Use of the code is credited with saving countless lives as enemy forces were never able to break the code.
Eight members of the Meskwaki Tribe in Tama County served in a Code Talker capacity. Despite the critically important role that the Code Talkers played, it took 51 years for the government to begin recognizing their efforts. In 2001, congressional medals were given to the original Navajo Code Talkers.
In the previous session of Congress, Harkin worked to garner 79 cosponsors for similar legislation, and led it to passage in the Senate by a unanimous voice vote. Unfortunately, companion legislation was not voted on in the House.
Previously, Harkin presented military medals to the families of six deceased Meskwaki World War II code-talkers. Harkin was able to secure the medals through his ongoing efforts to see that American service men and women are appropriately awarded the decorations they have earned.
