Minnesota Code Talker Gets Medal of Honor Posthumously

BAXTER, Minn. (AP) - Lex Porter died without ever revealing to his family that he was a code talker during World War II. So his family was surprised - and grateful - when the military decided to honor the late member of the Fond du Lac band of Ojibwe with a posthumous Medal of Honor.

Reports say the actual presentation won't be for a few more months, but proud relatives are already celebrating.

Thirty-four-year-old Freedom Porter was just a kid when his grandfather died. The Baxter man says he grew up hearing about code talkers but never knew his grandfather played such a key role.

Code talkers transmitted coded messages in 33 different tribal dialects during both World Wars. The effort helped keep enemy agents from deciphering the messages.