Code TalkersSubject Files and Photographs |
Subject files and photographs capture the administration, management, and tasks related to or involving Code Talkers during World War I and World War II. Many of these records are not available online. For additional information about these records, click on the National Archives Identifiers below.
Subject Files
Lt. Ernest Childers (Creek) being congratulated by Gen. Jacob L. Devers after receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor
Subject files typically compile records on a variety of topics into a single record series, arranged alphabetically by subject heading. "Code Talkers" is one of the many subject headings that could be found in this type of series. The following are two examples.
"Navajo Code Talkers"
This file (National Archives Identifier 785109) is part of a group of World War II–related subject files from the U.S. Marine Corps. Visit the National Archives Catalog for the full archival records description: National Archives Identifier 652385.
These records have not yet been digitized. Contact the Archives 2 Textual Reference Branch at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland, for access information.
"Use of American Indians as Communication Linguists, 1943–1944"
This file (National Archives Identifier 2809378) is part of a larger group of records relating to intelligence.
General topics in these records include codes and ciphers (allied, enemy, and neutral nations), signals equipment, history of intelligence activities, code breaking by the allies, code breaking by the enemy, captured documents, military operations, interrogations, and personalities.
Visit the National Archives Catalog for the full archival records description: National Archives Identifier 2765793.
These records have not yet been digitized. Contact the Archives 2 Textual Reference Branch at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland, for access information.
Photographs
Interior Secretary Gale Norton with World War II Marine Corps veterans and Navajo Code Talkers, including Teddy Draper to Norton's left
The National Archives holds photographs of Code Talkers from World Wars I and II, as well as later memorial events.
"Photographs of Navajo Indian 'Code-Talkers' in the U.S. Marine Corps"
These photographs originated with the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943–1948, but were compiled by the Defense Audiovisual Agency (DAVA) in the early 1980s. The photographs document Navajo Code Talkers during World War II as they served in various capacities.
These records are digitized and available in the National Archives Catalog. See National Archives Identifier 532395 for a full archival records description and the digitized images.