The Last Lakota Code Talker

Clarence Wolf Guts, the last Lakota code talker. Photo by Bernie Hunhoff.


Clarence Wolf Guts was not the sort of hero who capitalized on his exploits; he never wrote any books or ran for office, and you could count his speaking appearances on one hand. When we met him in 2007, he was living almost as simply as he did when he was a boy on the Rosebud Reservation in the 1920s. 

Much about Clarence Wolf Guts is confusing, beginning with his name. He didn’t know what he was called when he was born on Feb. 26, 1924 in the Red Leaf community on the Rosebud Reservation of south-central South Dakota. His birth certificate listed him as Eagle Elk, but his father and uncles soon decided to give him a more unusual name — Wolf Guts.

He learned Lakota from his grandfather, Hawk Ghost, and his grandmother, Hazel Medicine Owl. “My grandfather taught me the facts of life and the Lakota language,” he said. “He told me ‘you’ll go to school and stay in school.’ But he also said to speak Indian because ‘you’ll need it later in life.’”

He and a cousin, Iver Crow Eagle, left the boarding school they attended in St. Francis in the eleventh grade to fight in World War II. “I didn’t know if I could make the physical in Omaha,” he said. “I had a perforated ear drum. I guess a bug got in there when I was a little kid. My grandmother took tweezers and pulled the bug out, and hurt my ear drum.”

But it was 1942, and the U.S. Army wasn’t fussy. The cousins were assigned to hand-to-hand combat training in Tennessee, desert exercises in Arizona, and finally to Ranger training at Camp Rucker in Alabama.

Wolf Guts recalled with considerable detail the day he became an important player in the war effort. A captain came to his barracks and asked, “You talk Indian?”

“I am Indian. One hundred percent Indian.”
“Well, the general wants to see you.”
“Me?” wondered Clarence. “What in the world did I do now?”

The captain told him to get a haircut, take a shower and dress in his best clothes. He also offered tips on military etiquette: stand two feet from the general, salute, say your name, rank and serial number. Then he and the captain went to see the general. “Sir, this is Clarence Wolf Guts from South Dakota,” said the captain. “He talks Indian.”

Major General Paul Mueller, commander of the U.S. Army’s 81st Infantry, poured glasses of whiskey for the three of them, and told Clarence he wanted a man-to-man talk — “none of this ‘sir’ or ‘general.’ Just talk to me like a man.”

“Can you speak Indian fluently?” the general asked. Clarence said he could “read, write and speak the Lakota Sioux language.” Satisfied, the general explained that the Japanese were intercepting vital communications, and he intended to confuse them by sending messages in a Native American language. 

Clarence told the general, “I don’t want no rank, I don’t want no money. I just want to do what I can to protect America and our way of life.”

“I’ve never seen or met an Indian before,” the general said. “You guys were first in this country?”
“Yes, supposedly we were,” replied Clarence.

Gen. Mueller said he liked his spunk. Then he asked if he knew of any other soldiers who spoke Lakota. Clarence said his cousin, Iver, was also at Camp Rucker, whereupon Gen. Mueller exclaimed, “I hit the jackpot!” 

Two other Lakota from South Dakota — Roy Bad Hand and Benny White Bear — were also recruited. The four learned how to operate military radios, and they worked with officials to develop coded messages. They developed a phonetic alphabet and assigned military meanings to common words like turtle, tree or horse. Their communications helped the army to move troops and supplies without tipping off the enemy.

Clarence Wolf Guts, just by the good fortune of staying alive, became one of the most acclaimed WWII vets in South Dakota.

Clarence was Gen. Mueller’s personal code talker and traveled with him and the 81st as the division moved from island to island in the Pacific, headed for Japan. Iver accompanied the general’s chief of staff. Even though they had special protection — two bodyguards were assigned to each code talker — Clarence still shakes when he thinks of the bullets, mortars and bombs.

Frustrated by a language they didn’t know, the Japanese made special efforts to find the code talkers. Some code talkers in other units later said that if their outfit was overrun, the bodyguards were expected to shoot the code talkers to prevent their capture by the enemy. Clarence and Iver never spoke of that, but they had enough to worry about.

“How will we ever survive this?” Iver asked Clarence on a particularly harrowing day.
Clarence replied, “There is a God. He is protecting us.”

Thoughts of the Rosebud Reservation provided some comfort. “I always wondered if they had food on the table, if they’re dancing, if they’re remembering us,” he said.

Clarence started to drink heavily in the army. “We went to war and war is hell,” he said. “All I can say is we went to hell and back.” He and many others found at least temporary relief in the bottle. “It’s easier that way to take another man’s life,” he said.

As radio operators, they had access to another avenue of escape. “We could tune in the radio to the U.S. and get western music from San Francisco,” said the old soldier. “We could hear You Are My Sunshine and Chattanooga Choo Choo.”

They even got some kicks while on duty. Clarence started laughing one day while transmitting a message to Iver. “Are you laughing at me?” asked Iver. “No, I’m laughing at the Japanese who are trying to listen to us,” Clarence said in Lakota. 

Decades later, a Japanese general admitted that his country’s top cryptographers couldn’t decipher the code talkers’ language. When told it was Native American he replied, “Thank you. That is a puzzle I thought would never be solved.”

When the war ended, Clarence and about a dozen other Lakota code talkers returned to the reservation. They were not welcomed home with parades or programs, but he and a few soldiers held their own party, dancing and singing a song of thanks that they’d learned from Indian elders. Asked about it many years later, he said the dance of thanks wasn’t for the dancers. “We did it for our people and the people of the United States of America. It was for them, and for the people of the world, because if the Japanese ever took over the world, we would be dead.”

Code talkers from other Indian tribes were asked to not talk about their unique roles in the war, perhaps because the U.S. military thought it was a trick worth saving. All written reports about the code talkers were classified. Clarence didn’t remember being told to keep his service record a secret, but he and his fellow Lakota soldiers, happy to be home on the Rosebud Reservation, told no one. They didn’t think of their services as particularly heroic. Like many veterans, they tried to forget.

“I wanted to be a rodeo man,” he said. I rode three bulls, and then I said ‘I’ll stick to horses.’ Those bulls can kill you.” He was a bronc rider at rodeos in Valentine, Gordon, Rapid City, White River, Fort Pierre and other West River cow towns.

He earned $100 on a good weekend, but spent it on alcohol and gas to get to the next rodeo. In 1949 he broke his ankle at Cody, Neb. and soon retired from the arena. A year later he married Allgenia Brown. They had two daughters and a son before divorcing in 1959.

He worked on farms and ranches, on or near the reservation. Heavy drinking kept him from accomplishing very much; and it also caused his greatest sorrow. He attributes both of his daughter’s deaths to alcohol, and he says many of his other relatives suffer from alcoholism.

But his life took a turn when the silence surrounding the role of the code talkers was lifted. It began when the military declassified official information about its linguistic trickery. Then Max Collins wrote a book, Wind Talkers, about two Navajo code talkers. The book became a hit movie in 2002. The U.S. Congress awarded congressional gold and silver medals to the Navajo soldiers, and the story spread. Over a hundred code talkers were identified from 17 tribes. Unfortunately, by then almost all the other code talkers had died. Clarence Wolf Guts, just by the good fortune of staying alive, became one of the most acclaimed WWII vets in South Dakota.

He received an honorary degree from Oglala Lakota College. He rode in the Rapid City American Legion parade, traveled to Oklahoma City as a special guest at the opening of a traveling exhibit on the code talkers, spoke at the American Indian Veterans Conference in Wisconsin and was honored at a national WWII conference in New Orleans where he was given a red, white and blue “flag” shirt.

South Dakota’s congressional delegation — Senators Tim Johnson and John Thune, and Rep. Stephanie Herseth — introduced a bill to award him and the other forgotten code talkers the Congresional Gold Medal. Clarence traveled to Washington with the South Dakota Indian leaders, including Don Lowdner, the national commander of the American Indian Veterans Association of the United States, to testify for the legislation.

Clarence looked as uncomfortable at the senate committee hearing as the senators would look riding a bucking horse. His dark face was wrinkled and creased. His legs were so cramped that he could hardly stand. His hair was white and scruffy. Still, he spoke simple, heartfelt words to the lawmakers. “I am a full-blood Indian, and we do whatever we can to protect the United States because we love America,” he said. “Nobody can ever take that away from us.”

 

Editor’s Note: In 2008, the Code Talkers Recognition Act was passed, honoring all Native Americans who used their native language to aid communications in World War II. Clarence Wolf Guts died June 16, 2010, at the age of 86.

This story is revised from the May/June 2007 issue of South Dakota Magazine. To order a copy or to subscribe, call 800-456-5117.

 

Comments

07:14 pm - Mon, November 11 2013
Mark McCool said:
Thank you Clarence and may you dance with your ancestors forever more.
08:31 pm - Mon, November 11 2013
Wes Prater said:
This is truly amazing! My mother is from the Rosebud reservation and I am a history teacher as well. I never realized that any Lakota were code talkers. I am truly thankful for Clarence Wolf Guts and the rest of our veterans!
Thank you!
God Bless America!
06:31 am - Tue, November 12 2013
Charlotte Piper said:
My husband and I enjoyed reading this article. My husband said he played baseball with Iver Crow Eagle and never knew he was a code talker! When my husband played against him Iver played 2nd base in town team baseball. This was back in the late 50's. Hats off to the code talkers!
12:28 pm - Tue, November 12 2013
Prof. Robert A. Fredericks said:
As a language teacher & history buff, the Code Talkers have always fascinated me, but I always heard them referred to as the NAVAJO Code Talkers. I celebrate that the Lakota & other groups were included and that they are finally being RECOGNIZED!
07:29 am - Wed, November 13 2013
Sondra DeHaven said:
Terrific article! So glad this wonderful truth has come to light. Loved the movie. God Bless.
10:50 pm - Thu, November 21 2013
Lisa Oldham said:
Aho, Pilamaya, wopila for your selfless and humble contributions and for sharing your culture for the people's freedoms.....
Have a good journey in the Happy Hunting Grounds!
Love and Peace to you our Brother!
07:46 pm - Fri, November 22 2013
MJ Moore said:
Many thanks to "code talkers"! I've never heard this term before. Although I never knew her, my maternal Grandmother was full blooded Cherokee, so reading this history was important to me. Just to clarify, my Mother never really knew her Mother either. She passed when my Mother was just 4 years old.
01:16 pm - Tue, December 3 2013
maura said:
i love history and it was exciting for me to learn about the code talkers
01:16 pm - Tue, December 3 2013
Alex said:
i have been facsinated with the code talkers they have a talent with speaking
01:20 pm - Tue, December 3 2013
Alyson M. said:
This is a BEAUTIFUL article about the code talkers c:
09:48 am - Fri, December 13 2013
Tim Hackman (Wanbli Nahtaka) said:
Clarence,ans all of you ...

Pilamaya

Wakan Tanka Kici Un.
11:29 am - Tue, December 24 2013
ALVIN E THOMAS said:
Thanks to the Lakota and all code talkers. I was honored in So Dakota in 2011 to attend a Veterans Ceremony, being a Black Vietnam Veteran.
01:01 pm - Fri, March 6 2015
Jacob Young said:
I am grateful to live in South Dakota........
01:04 pm - Fri, March 6 2015
Jadice Morrison said:
Great article
01:18 pm - Fri, March 6 2015
Jalynn said:
yas! good shiz
01:27 pm - Fri, March 6 2015
Riannon said:
Yes very interesting I loved reading about the code talkers.
10:16 pm - Sun, May 24 2015
Myra Chapman said:
THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS.

NATIVE AMERICAN SINGER / SONGWRITER PAYS TRIBUTE TO ALL WHO HAVE SERVED. WE THANK THEM and THEIR FAMILIES FOR ALL THEY GAVE. WE SALUTE YOUR MAGAZINE FOR KEEPING THIS STORY ALIVE.

.........FREEDOM RINGS IN THE USA
.........DON'T JUST HAPPEN 'CAUSE WE PRAY
.........THERE'S FOLKS WHO SERVED TO MAKE IT RIGHT
.........RISKED THEIR LIVES TO HELP US SLEEP AT NIGHT

.........TO ALL THE VETERANS OF THIS LAND

..........HOLD THOSE VETERAN COLORS HIGH

Playing now @ www.Allindianz.com

We are currently exploring several high-profile avenues in order to bring more attention to this NATIVE SALUTE to ALL VETERANS - PAST - PRESENT - FUTURE. Again, THANK YOU!
03:22 pm - Mon, May 25 2015
Jacqueline DeBrown said:
Thank you for your service!
I lived St. Francis in 1969 and have so many wonderful memories!
03:40 pm - Mon, May 25 2015
Susan Welky said:
I had read about the Navajo code talkers some years back; I didn't know there were other tribes' members who were also part of this heroic and historic program. Salute to all of you, especially on this Memorial Day.
04:45 pm - Mon, May 25 2015
Ken said:
Beautiful story..
05:04 pm - Mon, May 25 2015
Karen Wheeler said:
I loved reading this I never knew that this ever happened. God Bless All Of the Native men who did such a great job in our time of need.I can see you all dancing in the clouds.
05:13 pm - Mon, May 25 2015
Ching King said:
This is a great honor to our people. Well deserved recognition for such an honorable Warrior.
06:14 pm - Mon, May 25 2015
Meta said:
So Proud to have this knowledge of the Lakota people. This is all new information to me. Why are we not granting the Native Americans Great Land to live what ever life they want to live..??? They hurt No one. Changes they are coming.
06:29 pm - Mon, May 25 2015
Debi Johnson said:
This is such h a wonderful, yet sad, story about our unsung heroes. Thank you.
07:00 pm - Mon, May 25 2015
thank you what a blessing to read your story . God bless you and your family and friends. thouse gave there live so i can thank you
07:15 pm - Mon, May 25 2015
Howard Courtney said:
This is a fantastic story. Would be proud to meet this man.
Howard Courtney
Chickasaw Elderz
10:10 pm - Mon, May 25 2015
Herb Castle said:
This great man "Clarence Wolf Guts" and the men like him should never be forgotten. History books shall shout his name.
01:32 am - Tue, May 26 2015
Denise Gough Peters said:
My ancestors also spoke of these installers at reservation in Pennsylvania by the big river. I was small but knew respect.
01:32 am - Tue, May 26 2015
Denise Gough Peters said:
My ancestors also spoke of these installers at reservation in Pennsylvania by the big river. I was small but knew respect.
03:07 am - Tue, May 26 2015
Rosie Judge Seguin said:
Awesome story! Thank you for your service to the USA.
05:57 am - Tue, May 26 2015
My wife was a cook at V.A home in Hot Springs,S.D.. And helped him get recognized by having a honor guard by her brother's and dinner in just 2 days. State Officials and officials from the white house to then wanted to be there and the top Generals to help honor him. My wife April always spoke highly of him.
04:33 pm - Tue, May 26 2015
John Sherwood said:
They should all be given the CMH for all that the did.They kept America Safe.
06:54 pm - Tue, May 26 2015
Lawrence Molczyk said:
I'm trying to connect with someone who has any information on another Lakota code talker by the name of city LeBeau. Inet city almost 15 years ago here in Grand Island Nebraska. He is now deceased but shared many stories office work in the Navy underwater demolition team.he was born on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in about 1926 and was educated at the school in Chamberlain South Dakota. if you have any resources about these code talkers history I would appreciate it. He was a good friend whom I would like to pre service history further
07:49 pm - Tue, May 26 2015
Lawrence Molczyk said:
I'm trying to connect with someone who has any information on another Lakota code talker by the name of city LeBeau. Inet city almost 15 years ago here in Grand Island Nebraska. He is now deceased but shared many stories office work in the Navy underwater demolition team.he was born on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in about 1926 and was educated at the school in Chamberlain South Dakota. if you have any resources about these code talkers history I would appreciate it. He was a good friend whom I would like to pre service history further
07:37 am - Wed, May 27 2015
peggy said:
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be born in a free country. Not just any country but America! Thank you for being willing to give your life for all of our relations! With all respect always, A'HO!
03:07 am - Mon, August 10 2015
Laurence said:
Bel hommage aux Amérindiens et leur soutien à l'Amérique ...
11:16 am - Tue, October 6 2015
I always knew that there were more than just the Navaho Code talkers, that the Lakota and Dakota were there during WWII. Being a 21 year veteran of the USAF, and a teacher of young Lakota children, the code talkers have a special place in my heart.

Tsgt. Al Johnson-retired USAF
07:48 pm - Thu, October 29 2015
Awesome! My Grandfather was a Navajo Code Talker. John H. Bowman. I never did know there were Lakota Code Talkers in the Pacific, just in Europe.. I will gladly add them to My Hero list
10:13 am - Wed, May 25 2016
Ron Hernandez said:
WO-PI-LA TAN-KA!
07:57 am - Sun, April 2 2017
Jovanté WolfGuts said:
This is such a honor and I'm thankful to being apart of my Grandfathers Legacy. If my mother Sharon Amelia WolfGuts would have been still living she would have been so Proud!!! One Life One Love One Familiá
02:12 pm - Fri, November 10 2017
Kathleen Brave said:
Thank you for your service. My late husband's family is all from Rosebud, my husband was born there. I loved reading this and am so proud of all of you. I hope the alcohol has left you. It affected my husband's entire family and 3 generations later also. God bless all.
02:21 pm - Fri, November 10 2017
Nora Left Hand Bull-Emery said:
WOPILA. Beautiful article. Factual.
12:56 pm - Thu, November 23 2017
Brady Harl said:
God bless Clarence Walf Guts,a hero.
09:21 pm - Sun, November 11 2018
Billy Angus said:
Thank you for your service.
May ALL of our indigenous warriors,
water protectors, and land defenders,
forever be honored.
A'ho
03:43 am - Mon, November 12 2018
Mary Anne Weston said:
I am in awe. There are no words to express what my heart feels! Admiration, prideful...all from the deepest respect for who you are as well as all code talkers. What an amazing article. Thank you...
09:17 am - Mon, November 12 2018
Beth Kern said:
Really enjoyed this article. I had heard of the code talkers but loved hearing some of the story from one of the soldiers. I am so grateful.
12:00 pm - Mon, November 12 2018
Kris Brunlow said:
Love this!!! Live on Tulalip Bay Reservation. Washington State
12:48 pm - Mon, November 12 2018
Bodo Dumke said:
Real warriors have “bushido”, compassion, like Mr. Wolf Guts! My father, Gustav Dumke, saved 1,000 prisoners of war in Italy, shutting down Werner von Braun’s V-2 development and thousands more victims. Yet, when 3 Englishmen were able to escape German custody for 3 days (70 others were re-captured within 48 hours) they call it “The Great Escape”! Humbug!
06:50 pm - Mon, November 12 2018
Kathy Lewis said:
I am very honored to hear Mr. Wolf Guts exclaim he fought for the USA. Loved being an American. I wish the younger generations of this country could come together and stands together strong. Instead of me me me and separating by color of your skin. Lets become the 'United' States of America again. You have all forgotten that the rest of the world is watching us crumble. I need not say where this starts. But start at the top........
06:51 pm - Mon, November 12 2018
anonymous said:
True hero, thank you for your service. Mohicans send thanks.
10:01 pm - Mon, November 12 2018
Kay Brownyard said:
We owe gratitude to all Code Talkers! If any are walking this earth today, I hope they read this article.Thank you to all who have served our Country!❤
08:42 am - Tue, November 13 2018
I am Lakhota and a US Army veteran. It wasn't until I was in the military that I heard of the Lakhota codetalkers. My MOS (Military Occupation Skill) during my first enlistment was 05G (Signal Security Specialist). My job was the evolved Codetalker job. During AIT (Advanced Individual Training) we were told the history of our job. One of the officers at the school took me aside and asked if I knew about the Sioux codetalkers. I was shocked to find out that men from my rez had such an important role in World War II. In 1982, I thought all the codetalkers were Navajo or Choctaw. It was embarrassing that some Major in the Army knew more about my own people than I did! At the same time, I was proud that my Grandpas had contributed so much toward keeping our land and people free. It also inspired me to start learning my own language. I am far from being fluent, but I am learning.

Pilamiyaye lala akicita mitawa! Wastelake!~ Aho.
09:02 am - Tue, November 13 2018
MIchael Willard said:
Awesome privilege to have these brave men serve our country. Our debt of gratitude to you will never waiver. May the wind blow at your back and the sun rise to meet you.
12:39 pm - Tue, November 13 2018
Denny Holmes said:
Beautiful article and very well done. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I feel deeply for our veterans and what they have endured. The telling of how Clarence Wolf Guts returned home and danced for the people and his country was deeply touching. So much sacrifice and so much love. God Bless
05:02 am - Fri, November 16 2018
Tod Riebow said:
Thank you for writing this very informative article. I knew of the Navajo Code Talkers, but until I read this article today, I was not aware of other tribes whose members were also Code Talkers in WWII.
May God bless the family members of these brave men who made great sacrifices for there love of America.
08:42 am - Fri, March 8 2019
Arminda Packard said:
Wow!!!! What a wonderful story!!! Thank you and your family for your service!!!
11:22 am - Fri, March 8 2019
Deb Dumler said:
This is the kind of History I like to learn about . Sir thank you for your service
08:30 am - Sat, March 9 2019
Paula Mae High Bear said:
Clarence Wolf Guts, Lakota Warrior❤Amazing story wow I live in Cheyenne River Reservation close to Clarence reservation. I love this story touching, very touching.
09:25 am - Sat, March 9 2019
Cheryl Kucer said:
I sure hope someone saved and archived the language
11:01 am - Sat, March 9 2019
Rosalinda. Delorme said:
I enjoyed read this story. First I would like to say thank you for your service. I am very proud to say one of my sons father was born on the Rosebud Reservation. Now that he is an adult he has been asking questions about his Indian heritage. I personally would like to know also since his father passed away when our son was very young. All I could tell our son was to always be proud of being Native American. I believe now that he has children of his own he would like to tell his kids who their grandfather was & proudly say he is part Lakota. Thank you for writing this informative article I have learned a little more about the Lakota warriors that secured our freedom & for that I am forever grateful. This is the kind of history that should be taught in our schools today the accomplishments of Native Americans so that all generations could be proud of themselves & their ancestors. Many years ago I had the pleasure visiting an Native American community center & had the pleasure of meeting the actor Will Simpson there. All those that I met no matter how bad their circumstances were told me they were proud being Native American. Dean was very proud being Lakota & I'm sure what he would have taught our son what it was to be a proud Lakota Native American.
Once again thank you for your service & may the Great Spirit watch over your lives & protect your land.
11:04 am - Sat, March 9 2019
Ron Brave said:
WOWAPI UWANKA ICUPI OLOWAN - LAKOTA FLAG SONG

Tunkasila yapi, tawapaha ki han oihanke sni (he) nanjin kte lo. Iyohlateya, oyate kin han wicicagin kta ca,lecamun welo.

The President's flag will stand (without end) forever.

Under it, the people will grow, so I do this.

Thank you, Clarence Wolf Guts and all of you who spoke victoriously.
10:38 am - Sun, March 10 2019
Jessie L. Kuhl said:
Finally, the Rosebud Sioux Cold Talkers are getting the recognition they so deserve. My family and I visited the Rosebud Reservation years ago, before the uprising that ended in the fire that destroyed the historic museum. On the way driving from Iowa we finished reading Dee Brown's "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee." We were close to the reservation when we had to stop on the road. There were hundreds of Sioux headed to the burial site up a hill to our left. It was the anniversary of Red Cloud's death and an honor event for him. Years later I purchased a beaded necklace at the Rapid City museum that was evidently made by a niece of Red Cloud. It will belong to my daughter. She will treasure the necklace as I do. I also purchased a red stone peace pipe for my son. We bought tobacco and walked from the lodge where we were staying in the Black Hills to the area where Crazy Horse was supposed to have received his vision. My son did a small ceremony with the peace pipe in honor of Crazy Horse. Best protections and good health to all our native Americans.
11:35 am - Sun, March 10 2019
Jessie L. Kuhl said:
Please correct my post to read ". . .Rosebud Sioux Code Talkers. . .!
07:46 pm - Mon, March 11 2019
Gretchen said:
My grandfather was an exPOW of WWII from Iowa. He drove tanks and arrived on Normandy the day after D Day. He had the utmost respect for the code talkers. I did a service trip to Pine Ridge with Global Partners several years ago that I will never forget. With heartfelt gratitude, thank you for your service to our country, Sir.
08:56 am - Tue, March 12 2019
charyl Curry said:
I want a stamp or a coin to honor these fine Service people.

More recognition is long long overdue.

May you dance the dance of peace and joy.

With Deep Honor to you,

Charyl
02:32 pm - Fri, July 12 2019
Linda Armstrong said:
These men are so impressive. It is a huge shame that this story isn't told to all SD's children.
07:44 am - Sat, July 13 2019
Bill Lammon said:
I help run the SD WWII Living History Group / Camp Tacoma WWII Museum. This is an amazing story and once again shows how those from SD helped win WWII. We'll share this article on our club's Facebook page. Thank you Clarence Wolf Guts for your service to our wonderful nation.

Bill
02:39 pm - Mon, November 11 2019
Rosalie Phillips said:
Thank you for this wonderful article.
03:10 pm - Mon, November 11 2019
Bill Troupe said:
What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it. God bless all of those un-sung heroes for their service to our country.
09:21 am - Fri, May 1 2020
Sonny. Skyhawk (SICANGU LAKOTA) said:
As a proud citizen of the SICANGU LAKOTA Nation, my hope is that the generations of Americans of all ethnicities, remember and honor our Native participation and contributions in all U.S. conflicts. Per capita, we have served proudly, and by more numbers than any other ethnicity. We continue to serve honorably to this day. May Wakantanka always bless these United States of America. Pilamaya pelo, thank you.
04:39 am - Thu, November 12 2020
Steve Anders said:
Thank you sir for your sacrifice and for your service to our country. You are a true American and a true hero.
05:52 am - Thu, November 12 2020
Larry Foster said:
Ahiyhe doo thank you Lakota Code Talker Clarence Wolf Guts, the other Lakota Code Talkers. My late father Harold Y. Foster Navajo Code Talker with 5th Marine Division 3/27 Headquarters Signal Company NCT Iwo Jima. Thank you God Bless
01:03 pm - Thu, November 12 2020
Marlene Norrell said:
You sir are a true warrior and patriot! Thank you for your dedication and service to this country! It is the greatest country and worth fight for!

God Bless you and keep you always!
07:40 am - Sun, November 15 2020
Lobert said:
Respect !!! A'HO
02:16 pm - Sun, November 15 2020
RJ Regan said:
God Bless You, protect you and keep you from harm. Thank you for keeping USA free from tyranny and strong with liberty.
06:53 am - Tue, November 24 2020
Ed Johnson said:
I am proud to have known many military veterans on Rosebud Reservation including Buddy Young (Korea), Ed Harrison and Roy Spotted War Bonnet (Viet Nam), and many other Lakota men and women. The code talkers were special, too, and I compliment them for their heroic, valuable service.
Waking Tanka niya waste pelo.
06:58 am - Tue, November 24 2020
Ed Johnson said:
WakanTanka niya waste pelo.
07:28 am - Wed, November 25 2020
Ed Johnson said:
I would also like to thank Sam Yellow Eagle, Duane Hollow Horn Bear, and the children of Mary Long and of George Amiotte for their service to our country. Bless you all!
05:50 am - Sat, November 13 2021
Noel Bearking said:
My Mother's Uncle, John Bearking, was a Lakota Code Talker during WWII in the Pacific Theater. We are HunkPapa Lakota from Standing Rock
04:34 pm - Mon, August 15 2022
Vince Vidal said:
An inspiration.
Many thanks.
09:22 pm - Sat, June 10 2023
Javon Wolf Guts said:
My grandfather holds a very special place in my heart… I remember when I was young the many times in drank himself to forget these times dealing with WWII, yet I enjoyed when he sang to me in native tongue and would always remind me to be honorable and kind to people. My grandfather was not a many of many words but the memories I have of him I cherish. I only wish my mother and aunt (Sharon Amelia and Linda Lorraine Wolf Guts) would have been alive to seeing their father honored in such a way. Thank you again for seeing my grandfather as an honorable man to keeping as free.

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