Join us for a cherished Ho-Chunk story. Today’s tale is all about language–an important part of Ho-Chunk Nation culture and history. We journey from past to present, focusing on the vital role of WWII Code Talkers then and now. Along the way, hear from one determined woman who worked diligently for state and federal recognition of Ho-Chunk’s Code Talkers. Keep reading and learn how Ho-Chunk Code Talkers are defined, classified, and recognized today.
Code Talkers Defined
This Ho-Chunk story dates back to World War II when Ho-Chunk soldiers served in the United States military. During wartime, Ho-Chunk soldiers spoke their ‘secret’ language–their Native language–to covertly communicate.
At the time, such soldiers took the title of ‘Secret Talkers’ or Radio Operators, as shown on formal military documentation. In each group, two assigned Radio Operators talked and translated with two others, totaling four in each group.
Working together with other soldiers, allied forces went on to win the war. Many viewed these integral veterans–later titled Code Talkers–as one of the most significant reasons. While these soldiers served the greater nation, they simultaneously served the Ho-Chunk Nation, protecting lands and keeping families together throughout generations.
Code Talkers Classified
Ho-Chunk Code Talkers, by the nature of their role, remained covert over the years. It wasn’t until 2004 that the Commander of the National American Indian Veterans Association reached out to identify possible Code Talkers of Ho-Chunk Nation.
The Commander sent a memo to Ho-Chunk Nation, requesting the identification of seven World War II veterans who may have been potential Code Talkers. Sandy Winneshiek, Veterans Service Officer of Ho-Chunk Nation, received the Commander’s follow-up call in 2012.
After eight years, Sandy answered the call and acted upon it. She sifted through old documents and discovered his original memo. On it, a list of seven names filled the page, with a note on top that read, “Possible Code Talkers.”
Code Talkers Recognized
Making it her mission to recognize Code Talkers, Sandy called Washington and spoke with the Department of Defense, putting a plan into motion. The Department looked into it; and six months later, the Secretary of the Army called Sandy personally.
On that monumental call, Sandy received confirmation that those seven names were officially classified. As word spread throughout the tribe, families, to their surprise, discovered their fathers and grandfathers served as Code Talkers.
Federal Recognition
To federally recognize these original seven Code Talkers, in 2013, the tribe flew them, including Sandy, to Washington, D.C. to receive honorable medals. After returning home, Sandy set out to research more World War II veterans, finding a second set of seven possible Code Talkers.
Sandy searched diligently for proof that these seven soldiers, who went missing in action, were in fact Code Talkers. Looking at their discharge papers, she cracked the code. Each of these seven soldiers had a certain number that matched–identifying their roles as Radio Operators.
Furthering her search, she found additional interviews from already identified Code Talkers, which listed the names of the seven Code Talkers she uncovered. With the help of other tribal members, Sandy received a picture of the Code Talkers and sent a copy to the Secretary.
After two and a half years, the Secretary approved Sandy’s request, federally recognizing 14 total Code Talkers. 33 tribes had Code Talkers; out of these, three of them were from Wisconsin. Based on those numbers, Ho-Chunk has the most Code Talkers.
State Recognition
Knowing these numbers, and seeing other dedicated highways across the state, Sandy wanted to create a dedication especially for Ho-Chunk. Fueled by her determination, and overwhelming support, senators voted on the idea for a memorial highway.
Governor Tony Evers then signed a tribute to these unsung heroes into law, dedicating a significant stretch of I-90 Highway to Ho-Chunk’s Code Talkers. As you drive along I-90, keep a lookout for the sign, ‘Welcome to the World War II Code Talker Memorial Highway.’
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Ho-Chunk Nation’s Code Talkers play an integral role not only in the Nation’s history but also in American history. After reading this Ho-Chunk tale, meet the woman who worked for their recognition state and nationwide in the Discover Wisconsin short, ‘Ho-Chunk Code Talkers: America’s Secret Weapon’ below:
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Hailey Rose: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.
