After a 18 month battle of securing documentation, photos, letters and other support Commander Vince Winter was finally able to secure Lousi Minard his place amoungst his brothers of the Tlingit Code Talkers, bringing the total count to 6, in which 5 of the 6 were members of Post 13.
Awards and Decorations Branch
This is in response to your inquiry on behalf of Ms. Rachel Roy, granddaughter of the late
Mr. Louis Minard, concerning her desire to have him recognized as a Tlingit Code Talker.
Based on the information provided to our office, we have determined Mr. Minard meets
the minimum requirements to be classified as a code talker. This information should be
provided to the Secretary of Treasury, in accordance with Public Law 110-420, to have him
added to the list of code talkers which is maintained by the Smithsonian Institute. The
Department of Defense does not maintain that list.
The Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008, Public Law 110-420, requires the Secretary
of the Treasury to strike Congressional Medals in recognition of the dedication and valor of
Native American code talkers to the U.S. Armed Services during World War I and World
War II. “Code talkers” refers to those Native Americans who used their tribal languages as a
means of secret communication during wartime.
Under the Act, unique gold medals are struck for each Native American tribe that had a
member who served as a code talker. Silver duplicate medals are presented to the specific
code talkers, their next of kin, or other personal representatives. The Congressional Medal
is not a military decoration and is awarded on behalf of Congress.
We appreciate your support of Ms. Rachel Roy in this matter, as well as your continued
support of our Veterans and the men and women serving in the Army today.
Louis Minard History:
Louis Minard (Kaachdex) was a Tlingit silver carver of the Tsaagweidi Clan (Yellow Cedar House - Xaayihit) who was born in 1917 in Petersburg, Alaska. As a boy, he went to Sitka to attend Sheldon Jackson School and eventually made it his home. He joined the military, fought in World War II, was a cook and a Tlingit Code Talker and worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps. Unlike many master carvers, Louis learned silver carving late in life. He began carving when he was in his late 50s after severe arthritis led to a double hip replacement and he was looking for something to keep himself busy. He quickly developed the skills and his talent for the art showed through. He spent 25 years teaching silverwork and giving demonstrations for tourists at the Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center at Sitka National Historical Park, and has been a mentor and instructor to many of Sitka's young and upcoming metal workers. In 1996, he received the Governor's Award for the Arts in recognition for his outstanding contributions to artistic excellence in Alaska. Louis Minard passed away in 2004.
