Today (March 27) marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The 69th Montana Legislature is honoring that date with Senate Joint Resolution No. 20. SJ No. 20 which recognizes the end of World War II and Montana’s veterans who served during that war. Over 75,000 Montanans served with distinction. Montana’s 163rd Infantry Division, 41 st Sunset Infantry Division, also known as the Fighting Jungleers, included over 230 Native Americans, representing eight tribals nations located in Montana. Kept as a national secret for decades after the war, we are now learning of the significant contribution some of these veterans played as Code Talkers, who used their native languages for communications in support of military operations. Members of the Crow, Assiniboine, Sioux, and Fort Peck tribes conveyed information that stymied German and Japanese troops with efficient coded messages.
The following articles further decribe the members of this elite group and celebrate their venerable part in the Allies’ victory over German and Japan.
