code talkers

Code Talkers: Native Heroes, Never Forgotten

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Native American History Month

As part of Native American History Month, we’d like to look back at a favorite blanket, Code Talkers (retired in 2012), which honors the exceptional valor and service of Navajo Code Talkers during WWII.

Pendleton Code Talkers blanket

The Code Talkers

The Code Talkers developed a code that could not be cracked, based on the Navajo language. The (now retired) design shows the Navajo words and their coded meanings, which remained impenetrable to German code-breakers throughout the war.

Navajo coders in uniform

The history of the code talkers  is more riveting than any film or any fiction.  You can learn more at their official site, and  at other sites that tell this fascinating story, which was told in the popular movie “Windtalkers”.

Navajo coders accept honors for their service

They don’t have a Pendleton blanket, but the Choctaw Code Talkers of WWI   deserve recognition for their role. This small group of Choctaw soldiers conveyed crucial information over tapped phone lines.  You can read more about them here, and see a full list of their names.

Choctaw coders in uniform

It is worth noting that these Native American soldiers fought for the USA before they were even granted official citizenship in 1924. In the year 2008, the United Sates Senate and House of Representatives passed legislation to recognize Code Talkers from several nations: Navajo, Choctaw, Comanche and more.

Choctaw coders pose with American flag

Blankets

As the years march on, there are fewer Code Talkers to honor, but these heroes will not be forgotten. Though Code talkers is no longer available, the Brave Star blanket celebrates the patriotism and military service of Native Americans.

Pendleton Brave Star blanket

This contemporary interpretation of the American flag is a celebration of the patriotism of Native Americans. In 1875 Indian scouts carried messages from fort to fort in the West. Native American soldiers saw action with Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders in Cuba. And soldiers from many tribes battled in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and Iraq. Five Native Americans have been awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery “above and beyond the call of duty.” The design marries modern asymmetry and vintage Americana. The unique striations, using pulled out yarns, reflect an era when dyes were made from plants.

The Code Talkers played an important role in both world wars. Let’s remember them always.

Pendleton Made in the USA label

Veterans Day Blankets to Thank Those Who Serve

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Two Special Blankets

As Veterans Day approaches, two Pendleton blankets deserve some special attention.

First, the Grateful Nation blanket honors the sacrifice of brave men and women who have defended freedom throughout the history of the United States of America.

Grateful nation Pendleton blanket

Each colored stripe represents a service ribbon awarded to veterans of historical conflicts in which our country has engaged:

  • World War II Asiatic Pacific Campaign
  • World War II Europe-Africa-Middle East Campaign
  • Korean Service
  • US Vietnam Service
  • Southwest Asia Service (Gulf War)
  • War on Terrorism

Sales of this blanket help support The Fisher House® Foundation, which provides residences near major military and VA medical centers for the families of ill or wounded service members.  For several years, this blanket pattern was available as a vest. Pendleton was proud to present these vests to the living WWII veterans who were honored in Washington, DC.

Navajo Code Talkers

Another blanket that honors a specific group of United States military veterans is The Code Talker blanket.

Code Talker Pendleton blanket

This design honors the crucial role played by Navajo servicemen in defending our country during World War II by developing a code that could not be cracked, based on the Navajo language.

Historical photo of Navajo Code Talkers

The history of the code talkers  is more riveting than any fiction.  You can learn more at their official site, and at other sites that tell this fascinating story, which was told in the popular movie “Windtalkers”.  This blanket was  officially retired as of 2012, but the WWII Navajo Code Talkers are still alive and will be honored this Veterans Day.

Choctaw Code Talkers

Choctaw Code Talkers at honors ceremony

They don’t have a Pendleton blanket, but the Choctaw Code Talkers of WWI   will be honored along with the Navajo Code Talkers of WWII at Maxwell Air Force Base as part of November, the National American Indian Heritage Month.

Historical photo of the Choctaw Code Talkers

And the Smithsonian will feature exhibits on the Code Talkers from both of the Great Wars. We have no word on whether or not the blanket will be included in this exhibit, but it has been featured in papers and exhibits about the Code Talkers since its introduction. That makes us happy, as these blankets have been woven in America with special pride.

Pendleton label with eagle

We salute and thank those who fight for our country. The dedication and sacrifice of our military should be honored not just on Veterans Day, but every day.