From hidden messages to historic breakthroughs, the NCF keeps the stories of cryptology alive—honoring the people, events, and innovations that shaped modern intelligence.
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From hidden messages to historic breakthroughs, the NCF keeps the stories of cryptology alive—honoring the people, events, and innovations that shaped modern intelligence.
Over the years, the National Cryptologic Museum hosted a Native American Code Talker exhibit that paid tribute to the World War I Choctaw Code Talkers, as well as the Comanche and Navajos of World War II. Below are photos of some of the exhibit items.
Also included in the exhibit (but not pictured below) was a Type CRI-43007 transmitter, which was used by the Navajo Code Talkers, who served in the USMC in the Pacific campaigns of World War II. Westinghouse manufactured these rugged 32-pound radios for the Navy Department.
One special feature of the NCM’s Native American Code Talker exhibit is this dress coat and service cap that belonged to Navajo Code Talker Corporal Rex Kontz, USMC, from Fort Defiance, Ariz., who served with the 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Division, during World War 2.
Turquoise hat adopted by the Navajo Code Talkers Association as part of their uniform for special events such as the Tournament of Roses parade in 1975. They switched to red caps in the 1980’s when the turquoise material became difficult to obtain.
The NCM’s Native American Code Talker exhibit also features this Navajo Code Talker Association shirt, worn by Wilson H. Price, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps until 1970 when he retired as a master sergeant. The overseas bag behind the shirt also belonged to Price and accompanied him on his travels as a Marine.
The main portion of the Native American Code Talker exhibit featured images and information about these brave men who saved thousands of lives with their unique codes and skills.