Distinguished Lecture
Code Talkers of WW I and II: A Lasting Legacy
Code Talkers Played a Vital Role in Two World Wars
Among the allied troops that came ashore in Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944, were thirteen Comanches in the 4th Infantry Division, 4th Signal Company. Under German fire they laid communication lines and began sending messages in a form never before heard in Europe – coded Comanche. For the rest of World War II, the Comanche Code Talkers played a vital role in transmitting orders and messages in a code that was never broken by the Germans.
Join Dr. William C. Meadows as he examines the origins and development of Native American Code Talking in WW I and its expansion in WW II. Elements of code formation, vocabulary and alphabets, training, groups used, and unique aspects of their service are covered. Containing many historical photographs and maps, the presentation concludes with recent tribal, state, and federal recognition and ongoing research.
Dr. Meadows is the head of the Missouri State Native American Studies Committee, on the Board of the American Indian Center of Springfield, co-organizer of the AICS-MSU powwow, and Historian for the Comanche Indian Veterans Association.
Join Dr. William C. Meadows as he examines the origins and development of Native American Code Talking in WW I and its expansion in WW II. Elements of code formation, vocabulary and alphabets, training, groups used, and unique aspects of their service are covered. Containing many historical photographs and maps, the presentation concludes with recent tribal, state, and federal recognition and ongoing research.
Dr. Meadows is the head of the Missouri State Native American Studies Committee, on the Board of the American Indian Center of Springfield, co-organizer of the AICS-MSU powwow, and Historian for the Comanche Indian Veterans Association.
September 5, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
See Event Members $12, Public $18
See Admission Located in Burke Baker Planetarium
See Accessibility Please Note:
This lecture is eligible for 1 hour of CPE credit.
Thank You
Distinguished Lectures are supported by Apache Corporation.
John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas
September marks the 2nd anniversary of the opening of the renovated John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas.
Reimagined with an updated message – “We were here. We are still here.” – the hall aims to elevate the Indigenous voices from Tribes and Nations in North, Central, and South America. HMNS is grateful for the support and guidance we receive from Indigenous advisors as we maintain this living exhibit.
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