Community Voice Responses (12/24/13)

From the Nov. 29 Numismatic News E-Newsletter:

Should Native American Code Talkers be honored with coins in addition to their Congressional Gold medals?

Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers to Editor Dave Harper.

Yes. Native American Code Talkers should be honored on a U.S. coin.

A coin was made for congress and that was a waste. Several coins have been made for the military services and that is great. So why not make one for the group that has been fighting terrorism since 1492?

I am not a Native American. My ancestors came from the Ukraine in Russia.

Max Stucky
Colorado Springs, Colo.

Absolutely. I think the Code Talkers should be honored with a commemorative coin. They were and still are a special and unique group.

Griff Carnes
Kerrville, Texas

Absolutely. The Code Talkers should be honored for their meritorious service during World War II. These fine men allowed the United States to have at least one code unbroken, which helped the Allies win the war. I can think of no other group more deserving than these fine men.

Joel Peebles
Crystal Lake, Ill.

Why not? I also believe the ENIGMA folk deserve acknowledgement after all these years.

Dr. K.A. Rodgers
Geraldine, New Zealand

Absolutely. Their service improved communications in terms of speed at both ends in the front lines.

Example, in WWI they helped the American Expeditionary Forces win several battles in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in France and within 24 hours the tide was turned. In less than 72 hours the Germans were retreating.

It was said that the job they did was so effective that their code was never broken and because of their job they saved many American lives.

Dave Goodman
Conway, S.C.

Absolutely. The Code Talkers should be recognized with a special coin.

Donald Griffin
Rockwall, Texas

Bravo for honoring our couragous Native Americans and their sacrifices during WWII and all military service. White America tends to use too many stereotypes about all of its population!

Jim Lee