Washington, DC —
Charles Whitepipe, Sr., a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and a Sioux Code Talker in World War II, passed away Monday, June 26, 2006. Whitepipe, Sr. was one of the two living Sioux Code Talkers who then-Congressman Thune worked to recognize with the Congressional Gold Medal.
"I am saddened to hear of the passing of Charles Whitepipe, Sr.," said Thune. "I was inspired by the story of the Sioux Code Talkers' role during WWII and was honored to work to recognize their heroic duty during my time in Congress. I was deeply humbled while working with Charles Whitepipe, Sr. and Clarence Wolf Guts and the families of the other Sioux Code Talkers. Their sacrifice and commitment to their country and their heritage saved the lives of many soldiers. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in this time of loss."
During WWII about a dozen known Sioux Indians were Army radio operators who used their native Nakota, Lakota, and Dakota dialects to transmit strategic messages.
"I am saddened to hear of the passing of Charles Whitepipe, Sr.," said Thune. "I was inspired by the story of the Sioux Code Talkers' role during WWII and was honored to work to recognize their heroic duty during my time in Congress. I was deeply humbled while working with Charles Whitepipe, Sr. and Clarence Wolf Guts and the families of the other Sioux Code Talkers. Their sacrifice and commitment to their country and their heritage saved the lives of many soldiers. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in this time of loss."
During WWII about a dozen known Sioux Indians were Army radio operators who used their native Nakota, Lakota, and Dakota dialects to transmit strategic messages.