[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 10022]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      NATIVE AMERICAN CODE TALKERS

 Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I wish to recognize four American 
heroes who exemplify the best Montana has to offer: Samson 
Birdinground, Cyril Not Afraid, Barney Old Coyote and Henry Old Coyote.
  These men selflessly served our country during World War II by 
offering up the Apsaalooke Crow, language as part of a national ``code-
talk'' program. This program used the unique style of several Native 
American languages to transmit and receive military intelligence, 
providing crucial communication to forces overseas.
  These four brave gentlemen sacrificed much to defend their homeland 
during the war. Using skilled knowledge of the Apsaalooke tongue, they 
worked closely with American defense forces. The beautiful complexity 
of the Crow language allowed it to be processed without fear of enemy 
breach, leading the program to successfully save countless lives.
  All four heroes were recently awarded Congress' most prestigious 
honor: the Congressional Gold Medal. Their families will ceremoniously 
accept the medals on behalf of their forefathers this week.
  Apsaalooke, or Crow, Nation has a rich heritage of members going 
above and beyond the call of duty, and these men are decidedly no 
exception. We Montanans are proud of our diverse heritage, and it is 
truly an honor to celebrate individuals who so humbly embody the spirit 
of patriotism.

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