"On This Date in History" Calendar
1961: SP4 James Davis - first American cryptologist killed in Vietnam.
22 Dec 1961: SP4 James Davis became the first American cryptologist killed in Vietnam. Learn about SP4 Davis in a special NSA pdf. Click the link below to read the pdf.
SP4 Davis's name is on the NSA Cryptologic Memorial Wall. The wall, dedicated in 1996, lists 176 names of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, and civilian cryptologists who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The black granite memorial stands eight feet tall by 12 feet wide with the words THEY SERVED IN SILENCE etched into the polished stone at the cap of a triangle. The NSA seal is carved below followed by the names of those cryptologists who have given their lives in service to their country. The names are at the base of the triangle because these cryptologists and their ideals -dedication to mission, dedication to workmate, and dedication to country - form the foundation for cryptologic service. The structure was designed by an NSA employee, and the memorial is housed in the NSA headquarters complex.
On Memorial Day 2001, NSA began a tradition of declassifying and sharing the stories behind the names on the wall. Learn more via the link below.
