Tester helps honor Crow, Ft. Peck code talkers

World War II veterans honored with Congressional Gold Medal

(U.S. SENATE) – Senator Jon Tester on Wednesday released the following statement after Crow and Fort Peck code talkers were honored with the Congressional Gold Medal for their service in World War II:

“For centuries, the government abused and turned its back on Montana’s and America’s Native Americans. But in our nation’s time of need, Crow and Fort Peck warriors bravely stepped up to save countless lives and help win the war and protect our freedom. No medal can fully repay their sacrifice, but this honor is a small token of our nation’s ever-lasting appreciation.”

Attending Wednesday’s ceremony at the U.S. Capitol were Jacqueline Old Coyote on behalf of the Crow Nation, Alpha Birdinground on behalf of Henry Old Coyote, Patricia Old Coyote-Bauerie on behalf of Barney Old Coyote Jr., Leroy Not Afraid on behalf of Cyril Not Afraid and Calvin Birdinground on behalf of Sampson Birdinground.

Dr. Ken Ryan attended on behalf of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes.

Tester, Montana’s only member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, also attended Wednesday’s ceremony, which recognized over 200 Native code talkers, representing 33 different tribal nations from across the country.