EVENTS
THE UNBROKEN CODE
Tlingít Code Talkers
When you think of Alaska’ s World War II history, the first thing that might come to mind is the Japanese occupations on Attu and Kiska Islands far along the Aleutian Chain. But here in Sitka, a different chapter was unfolding— one of strategic importance and untold heroism. As the hub of military activity in Southeast Alaska, complete with a Naval Air Station and 30,000 personnel, Sitka was home to the Tlingít Code Talkers.
While you may have heard of the Navajo Code Talkers, the Tlingít Code Talkers have only recently been recognized for their bravery during WWII. These six men— Richard Bean Sr., Robert“ Jeff” David Sr., Mark Jacobs Jr., Harvey Jacobs, George Lewis Jr., and Louis Minard— used their native Tlingít language to send crucial military information that was impossible for the enemy to decode. Commander Vince Winter at the American Legion Post 13 explains:
" These Code Talkers created the only unbroken code in history. What makes it even more significant is that these men were being punished by the Government for speaking their native language in boarding schools, yet during WWII, the Government relied on that very language to keep America safe. It’ s an important piece of history, and many of these men kept it a secret— even from their families— until they were on their deathbeds."
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