Congressional medal for codetalkers

Congress OKs 'Code Talker' MedalAdditional numismatic measures passed the 110th Congress just before it recessed for the election. Some are surprises and a few are on their way to becoming law once President Bush signs them.

H.R.4544 would require the issuance of medals to recognize the dedication and valor of Native American code talkers. It was sponsored by Rep. Dan Boren D-Okla., and had some 300 co-sponsors.

The bill was passed on the suspension calendar of the House of Representatives on Sept. 23, and would up in the Senate on Sept. 25. On Sept. 30, it passed the Senate by unanimous consent and on Oct. 6, it was presented to the President. His signature is expected.

Unlike prior legislation that honored the code talkers with a national medal, this honors the individuals and their tribes: (A) Assiniboine; (B) Chippewa and Oneida; (C) Choctaw; (D) Comanche; (E) Cree; (F) Crow; (G) Hopi; (H) Kiowa; (I) Menominee; (J) Mississauga; (K) Muscogee; (L) Sac and Fox; and (M) Sioux.Comment:  This isn't just another set of Congressional gold medals. Congress is authorizing codetalker medals for the codetalkers.