Pete Domenici: “I rise to formally pay tribute to the Navajo Code Talkers, who today received the Congressional Gold Medal. The award of…”

“I rise to formally pay tribute to the Navajo Code Talkers, who today received the Congressional Gold Medal. The award of the Congressional Gold Medal, one of our Nation's highest honors, is a fitting tribute to the Navajo Code Talkers for their relentless efforts, sacrifice and dedication during the decisive battles for the Pacific in World War II. I am proud and honored to witness our country's long overdue recognition of the Navajo Code Talkers' place in history. I salute my friend, Senator Bingaman, for leading the effort to bring national attention to the crucial role the Navajo Code Talkers played in the history of our country, and indeed, the world. The Navajo Code Talkers began as an idea by Phillip Johnston, a Marine Corps officer living in Los Angeles, CA, whose father was a Protestant missionary on the Navajo reservation. He was aware that the Marine Corps was deeply troubled over Japan's ability to break American codes.”