Code Talkers Recognition Congressional Medals Program: Oglala Sioux Tribe (South Dakota)
- Year of Issue: 2008
- Authorizing Legislation: Public Law 110-420
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Background
The Program
The Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008 requires the Secretary of the Treasury to strike Congressional Medals in recognition of the dedication and valor of Native American code talkers to the U.S. Armed Services during World War I and World War II. “Code talkers” refers to those Native Americans who used their tribal languages as a means of secret communication during wartime.
Under the Act, unique gold medals are struck for each Native American tribe that had a member who served as a code talker. Silver duplicate medals are presented to the specific code talkers, their next of kin, or other personal representatives. In addition, bronze duplicates are available for sale to the public.
The Navajo Nation was awarded Congressional Gold Medals in 2001 under Public Law 106-554.
Characteristics
Obverse
The obverse design features a code talker with a stylized eagle in the background.
Reverse
The reverse design features a variation of the Oglala Sioux Tribe flag. The nine tipis represent the nine districts of Oglala—Porcupine, Wakpamni, Medicine Root, Pass Creek, Eagle Nest, White Clay, PR Village, La Creek and Wounded Knee—all of which are inscribed along the border of the design.
Obverse Inscriptions
- OGLALA
- LAKOTA AKICITA IYESKA WICASA (“Indian soldier translator man.”)
Reverse Inscriptions
- PORCUPINE
- WAKPAMNI
- MEDICINE ROOT
- PASS CREEK
- EAGLE NEST
- WHITE CLAY
- PR VILLAGE
- LA CREEK
- WOUNDED KNEE
- WORLD WAR II
- ACT OF CONGRESS 2008
- AKICITA
- OKOLAKICIYE (“Warrior’s Society”)