> During World War II, what was the nickname given to members of American Indiancommunities who helped create secret messages that were impossible for the enemyto decipher?And the answer: Code Talkers.Navajo Code Talkers Corporal Henry Bake, Jr. (left) and Private First ClassGeorge H. Kirk operating a portable radio set at Bougainville, an island in theSouth Pacific, in December 1943. (Photo credit: National Archives)In the early1940s, the Marine Corps began recruiting members of the Navajo Nation to developa secret code within their language. Eventually hundreds of Code Talkers from 16different American Indian tribes participated.The Code Talkers were among some of the most essential groups holding down thecommunication efforts of World War II. Many young Native men were excited forthe opportunity to participate in the tradition of becoming a "warrior," anEnglish word ascribed to the tradition of defending one's family and community.In many tribes, warriors were highly regarded and spiritually essential foryoung boys and men. This tradition and honor inspired many to become involved inthe United States military. Building off techniques initiated in World War I, the army recruited Comanches,Navajos, Choctaws, Hopis, Cherokees, and others members of American Indiancommunities to transmit messages. Two types of codes soon developed: Type Two,which was defined by a simple translation, and Type One, a more intricate codethat depended on the first letter of the English spelling of a Native word. CodeTalkers were often in serious, make-or-break positions on and off thebattlefield as they transmitted information. Proficiency of wire and radioequipment was essential, as well as thinking quickly to relay information. Code Talkers were not only brave on the field but intelligent communicators thatbrought honor to their communities. Read more about the specific codes andreality of life as a Code Talker here[https://americanindian.si.edu/education/codetalkers/html/chapter4.html].