WWII Tlingit Code Talker History Recalled

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Created on Thursday, 17 October 2024 16:08

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By Sentinel Staff
    Tlingit Code Talkers were recognized for their roles in World War II and Indigenous history Wednesday night at the annual meeting of the Sitka Historical Society.
    “The Tlingit Code Talkers hold a significant place in military history, exhibiting how language can become a formidable tool in wartime,” said American Legion Post 13 Commander Vince Winter in his presentation on the code talkers at the Centennial Hall event.

Vince Winter delivers a talk on the WWII Tlingit code talkers Wednesday night at Harrigan Centennial Hall. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)

Barb DeLong holds her plaque at the Sitka Historical Society annual meeting Wednesday.

    Tlingit code talkers serving in the U.S. Army were Robert “Jeff” David Sr., Richard Bean Sr., and  George Lewis Jr. Brothers Harvey Jacobs and Mark Jacobs Jr. were in the Navy during their wartime service as code talkers. The U.S. Congress honored the five Southeast Alaska Natives with the posthumous award of silver medals in November 2013. Through the efforts of Sitka’s American Legion Post 13, the Army later recognized Louis Minard as the sixth code talker.
    The men were fluent Tlingit speakers, though they had been discouraged from speaking their Native language as children, and became part of the military communications service. They were among the members of 33 American tribes who were assigned to communicate in languages that defied code breaking by their country’s wartime enemies.
    In March 2019, the Alaska Legislature passed a formal citation honoring the code talkers, and state flags were flown at half-staff.
    After Winter’s presentation, relatives of the code talkers related their memories of the men who were honored for their unique contributions in the military. Rachel Roy talked about her grandfather, Louis Minard; Flo Murray about her father George Lewis; and  Peter Karras about his uncles, Harvey and Mark Jacobs Jr.
    Harold Jacobs, a son of Mark Jacobs, in addition to remarks about his dad displayed the Killer Whale Hat that was carved for the Dakl’aweidi clan leader Gusht’eiheen in 1900 in Angoon. The hat was acquired by the Smithsonian Institute in 1904, and repatriated in 2005. It was put in the care of Mark Jacobs Jr., then the clan leader  He died shortly afterward and his successor as clan leader, Edwell John Jr., became the caretaker, in Juneau.
    In the Historical Society business prior to the code talker presentation, Historical Society president Sabra Jenkins announced Barbara DeLong was recipient of the 2024 Isabel Miller Award.
    DeLong represents the ideals of Isabel Miller, an original founding member of the museum who “worked tirelessly until her death to further the goals of the society,” Jenkins said.
    “Since joining the society and its board of directors Barbara DeLong has given generously of her time, her boundless energy, and noteworthy skills to support the society and its museum.”
    Jenkins also mentioned the involvement of DeLong’s husband, John.
    “Together they form an inspirational team that demonstrates their commitment to not only the Sitka Historical Society & Museum, but to the people and community of Sitka.”
    In his remarks, Sitka Historical Society & Museum Executive Director, Hal Spackman reported that the museum’s summer admissions amounted to $69,970 and store sales totaled $20,659.
    Last summer admissions was $59,369, and store sales came to $19,625.
    Spackman also listed community events the society has held over the year, including those for Christmas, the 4th of July and, currently, Alaska Day.
    Museum curator Nicole Fiorino outlined projects and introduced intern Tiegan Paulson.
    Board members whose terms were up, Lance Ewers, DeLong, Jenkins and John Stein were re-elected.