This talk will be presented by Rita Haberman and April Winchester of the Santa Clara Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution.

The use of the Navajo language in WWII as a clandestine system of encrypted communication was one of America’s best kept secrets.  This presentation will explore how the Navajo language was identified and selected for this project, including why a new method to encrypt communications and develop an “Unbreakable Code” was critical to the success of the Allies.

Mary and Rita will discuss the deployment of the Navajo Code Talkers in the Pacific Theatre including how they were able to overcome skepticism and prove that not only did the code work but how it became the deserving recipient of a Congressional Gold Medal of Honor on 26 July 2001.