The making and breaking of codes and ciphers is a profession that demands intellect, patience, and imagination, while providing little recognition beyond the confines of the cryptologic community. That is why we participate in the NSA's efforts to honor those whose contributions to this discipline have been significant.
Members of the Foundation and its Officers and Board of Directors are well qualified to assess such contributions to cryptology, since they have long-term, intimate knowledge of the events and the people who have played significant roles in these events.
The Foundation makes nominations to the NSA Center for Cryptologic History of candidates for induction into the Cryptologic Hall of Honor. The Hall of Honor, exhibited in the NCM, was created in 1998 and pays tribute to Americans and others who have given especially distinguished service to the United States in cryptology and its related fields. The process is open to all individuals, military and civilian.
Call for Nominees
The Foundation invites your nominations for the NSA/CSS Cryptologic Hall of Honor. The nominee must have made significant contributions to the security of the United States in the field of cryptology either by one important achievement or contributions over a career. The nominee must be retired from active duty for a minimum of 10 years. The justification should be substantive and well written. You are encouraged to consult with others who worked closely with the nominee for input. Download the Hall of Honor Nomination Form. Mail your nominations to NCF, 808 Landmark Drive, Suite 223, Glen Burnie, MD 21061 or send via Email to the NCF (ncf@cryptologicfoundation.org). Please note you can submit a nomination at any time for consideration during the next cycle.
Need help preparing a nomination? Follow these TIPS FOR PREPARING A NOMINATION.
HALL OF HONOR INDUCTEES
*** PLEASE NOTE - although many of the more recent honorees are featured below, this page does NOT include all of the individuals included in the Hall of Honor. To see all of those who have been recognized, please visit the NSA/CSS Cryptologic Hall of Honor page.
2020 NSA/CSS Cryptologic Hall of Honor Inductees
On October 16, 2020, five cryptologic pioneers were inducted into the NSA/CSS Cryptologic Hall of Honor. Please click on the individual's name or photo to learn more about them via their individual Hall of Honor page on the NSA website.
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For over half a century, Cotter fostered the adoption of advanced technology in support of NSA’s mission. He led the agency in adopting high performance computers and adapting them to the mission and was founding director of the National Computer Security Center. His influence on computerization extended to the entire intelligence community and foreign partners.
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Dr. Diffie’s innovative work in computer and internet security has enhanced the security of all users – government and civilian alike. His research at university facilities and private laboratories led the way in computer security theory and in practical applications.
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Dr. Kahn pioneered the study of cryptologic history as an academic field and helped practitioners understand their heritage. His popular writings on cryptology and its history inspired hundreds of individuals to study cryptology and to seek employment at NSA. In addition to his books and articles, Dr. Kahn’s public appearances have helped improve the image of government cryptology to the nation at large.
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Throughout the middle and end of the Cold War, McNamara’s expert leadership resulted in increased intelligence production on critical targets. Her deft touch was important in improving NSA’s relationship within the U.S. Intelligence community and with foreign partners. McNamara’s experience enabled her to shape an operational component at NSA for the post-Cold War era.
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Myers’ superior language skills and deep area knowledge were crucial to successful fulfillment of NSA’s missions in many crises from the 1970’s and into the 21st century. In addition to his expert use of language in operational situations, Myers developed advanced reference materials and mentored the next generation of military and civilian linguists.
2019 NSA/CSS Cryptologic Hall of Honor Inductees
On Nov. 4, 2019, four cryptologic pioneers were inducted into the Cryptologic Hall of Honor at the National Security Agency. Gen. Paul M. Nakasone, Commander, U.S. Cyber Command, Director, National Security Agency / Chief, Central Security Service, presided over the ceremony and highlighted the achievements of each of the distinguished inductees. Please see below and click on each individual's photo to learn more via their NSA Hall of Honor page.
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Mr. Drake was the principal architect of Canadian SIGINT in war and peacetime. His wartime leadership was a vital factor in victory over the Axis in World War II. As director of Canada's first permanent cryptologic agency, he spearheaded crucial intelligence programs against Soviet threats.
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In the 1920s, Chief Kidder recognized the importance of intelligence about Japan and conducted intercept as a voluntary extra duty. His efforts helped convince senior Navy officers to establish intercept sites around the Pacific. Kidder designed and taught a course on intercept and traffic analysis for select groups of radiomen. They became the nucleus of Navy intercept in World War II.
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While assigned at Station HYPO, Hawaii, through World War II, Col. Lasswell decrypted and translated Japanese fleet messages. His work had a significant impact on U.S. Navy decisions in the Battle of Coral Sea and the stunning U.S. victory at Midway Island, a turning point in the war.
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As Director, NSA / Chief, CSS from 1996 to 1999, Gen Minihan conceived of and drove two of NSA’s most momentous transformations, moves far ahead of their times. Under his slogan “One team, One mission,” real-time collaboration developed between missions that had previously interacted only episodically.
2018 NSA/CSS Cryptologic Hall of Honor Inductees
On 28 November 2018, a ceremony was held to honor the five most recent inductees to the NSA/CSS Cryptologic Hall of Honor. NSA/CSS Director GEN Paul M. Nakasone provided the Welcome Remarks and Presentations to Inductees. The event was narrated by NSA historian David Hatch. The inductees are featured below. Click on their photos or names to learn more about their careers and accomplishments via their respective NSA Hall of Honor entry.
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Computer network pioneer Hilda Faust Mathieu was an early advocate recognizing network vulnerabilities and one of the driving forces developing security controls for network protection.
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In a 38-year career, Michael J. Jacobs greatly strengthened the U.S. information security posture. He led development of state-of-the-art products and services to NSA’s customers, while improving government and outside partnerships.
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Richard L. “Dick” Bernard, an electrical engineer, joined NSA in 1953 to work on ABNER, one of NSA’s first computers. He soon was in charge of a groundbreaking team doing research and development (R&D) on a new special purpose computer. Dick became a leader in specialized areas of ELINT R&D policy, led the first large-scale planning effort for high-frequency signal remoting in 1970, and as DEFSMAC director in the early 80s, implemented major upgrades.
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Seymour R. Cray had a profound effect on NSA’s mission from the 1950s to the 1990s. His work was crucial to NSA in technical aspects of the Cold War. Mr. Cray’s designs in the 1950s significantly advanced NSA’s early computing abilities. Adopting his inventions, NSA fielded a widespread system that for the first time allowed analysts remote access to signals intelligence information (SIGINT).
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After an impressive career as linguist and senior manager, Whitney E. Reed was appointed commandant of the National Cryptologic School (NCS) in 1986. His influence extended far beyond NSA. He worked with the Defense Language Institute (DLI) to establish better methods to achieve and measure high language proficiency.
2017 NSA/CSS Cryptologic Hall of Honor Inductees
On November 2, 2017, five cryptologic pioneers were inducted into the NSA/CSS Cryptologic Hall of Honor at the National Security Agency. ADM Michael S. Rogers, USN, Commander, U.S. Cyber Command, Director, National Security Agency/Chief, Central Security Service, presided over the ceremony and highlighted the achievements of each of the distinguished inductees.
The inductees are featured below. Click on their photos or names to learn more about their careers and accomplishments via their NSA Hall of Honor page.
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She was an innovative cryptanalyst who later led a "think tank" that developed groundbreaking ideas for NSA disciplines. She also helped break the "glass ceiling" for women at the Agency.
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At the beginning of the Internet age, he pioneered NSA's Internet policy and its coordination with the Intelligence Community. He laid the foundation for NSA's key Computer Network Operations mission.
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His leadership and vision transformed communications security from a craft into a discipline. His policies and procedures influenced COMSEC for several generations and laid the foundation for today's information assurance mission.
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NSA Director from 1977 to 1981, he transformed NSA's operations and relationships, championed innovative technical advances, and established a method of preparing leaders for their new roles that still serves NSA today.
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A trailblazer in cryptanalysis, he developed a brilliant test procedure that bears his name, led an elite cryptanalytic team, and played a key role in NSA's recruitment of minorities into cryptologic careers.
2016 NSA/CSS Cryptologic Hall of Honor Inductees
In an official press release dated 18 October 2016, NSA announced that three cryptologic pioneers were inducted into the NSA/CSS Cryptologic Hall of Honor at the National Security Agency. ADM Michael S. Rogers, USN, Commander, U.S. Cyber Command, Director, National Security Agency/Chief, Central Security Service, presided over the ceremony and highlighted the achievements of each of the distinguished inductees.
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His visionary leadership was a critical element in the Agency's transformation from a predominantly strategic support organization to one proficient in real-time intelligence support to the war fighter. Click on his photo or name to learn more about him via his Hall of Honor page on the NSA website.
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A pioneer in the development of clandestine radio intelligence for the U.S. Coast Guard in the 1930s and 1940s, his expertise in cryptology laid the foundation for the impressive successes Coast Guard cryptologists achieved against the Prohibition-era "Rumrunners" and against Germany during World War II. Click on his photo or name to learn more about him via his Hall of Honor page on the NSA website.
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An exceptionally talented educator and manager, he coordinated the development of courses in Operational Electronic Intelligence and Fusion Intelligence, instituting "first of its kind" virtual/online training at the Naval Technical Training Center. Click on his name or photo to learn more about him via his Hall of Honor page on the NSA website.
2015 NSA/CSS Cryptologic Hall of Honor Inductees
On 29 October 2015, NSA announced that five "cryptologic greats" were inducted into the NSA/CSS Cryptologic Hall of Honor today at the National Cryptologic Museum (NCM). ADM Michael S. Rogers, Commander, U.S. Cyber Command, Director, National Security Agency/Chief, Central Security Service presided over the ceremony and highlighted the distinguished achievements of each of the inductees.
*** Click below on the individual's name or photo to read their full Hall of Honor entry on the NSA website.***
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A superb Vietnamese language analyst and an extraordinary manager and mentor of linguists who rose to the Agency's second highest civilian position as Executive Director. He was a champion of diversity at NSA who recognized the importance of equality in the workforce.
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A strategic leader and visionary innovator who shaped NSA policies and practices that led the Agency through the Cold War. He improved and developed relationships across the Intelligence Community and with foreign partners, and developed an early watch center at NSA that served as a model for today's National Security Operations Center (NSOC).
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A key innovator who led the development of cryptographic systems to protect the security and integrity of our nation's vital U.S. Nuclear Command and Control (NC2) communications and built a legacy upon which today's NC2 capabilities operate.
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A dynamic leader who developed a science of system evaluation for computer security (COMSEC) practices, redesigned mathematical applications for crypto-security, and influenced the design and development of all U.S. government cryptographic devices.
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A consummate cryptologist who taught herself cryptanalysis and computer programming, and also excelled as a linguist, cryptanalyst, educator, computer practitioner, and senior manager. She wrote and implemented one of the most widely-used statistical programs for all cryptanalysts during her time, and introduced new curricula in cryptanalysis for generations to come.
2014 NSA/CSS Cryptologic Hall of Honor Inductees
On 22 October 2014, the NSA announced that five "cryptologic greats" were inducted into the NSA/CSS Cryptologic Hall of Honor. Rick Ledgett, Deputy Director of the National Security Agency, presided over the ceremony at the National Cryptologic Museum, and NSA/CSS Director Admiral Michael S. Rogers joined the event by video conference to congratulate the families and friends of all inductees. Among the guests were the Polish Ambassador to the United States and other Polish officials. Members of Great Britain's intelligence and security organization, GCHQ, also attended.
*** Click below on the individual's name or photo to read their full Hall of Honor entry on the NSA website.***
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An innovative and forward-thinking NSA Inspector General who created a new system still used to manage signals intelligence today, dramatically improved cryptologic educational curriculum, and was the driving force behind the establishment of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity.
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A hard-charging and results-focused leader in crisis management, communication development, and cryptologic standardization who catalyzed the most significant improvement to the security of government voice communications in 50 years and impacted intelligence analysis by facilitating real-time reporting.
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A modern pioneer in U.S. Naval cryptology - namely "Naval Cryptology's Rickover" - who brought state-of-the-art technology to naval operations and standardized naval cryptologic work roles and education to change the culture of naval cryptology and reduce the threat of enemies to the U.S.
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An unconventional and innovative Polish mathematician who became an international hero by developing the first higher-algebraic attack against a cryptographic system to decode Nazi Germany's encrypted messages and enable the U.S. and its allies to defeat the enemy. Click on Mr. Rejewski's name or photo to read the full Hall of Honor entry on the NSA site. You can also read an article about him in our Cryptologic Bytes Archives.
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A brilliant theoretician whose concepts underpin 70 years of computing, enabling processing of very high-grade enciphered communications and led to development of the modern computer, and whose work turned sophisticated encrypted messages into actionable intelligence.
2013 NSA/CSS Hall of Honor Inductees
Three pioneers of American cryptology and a unique group of American citizens were inducted into the NSA/CSS Hall of Honor on 13 November 2013 at the National Cryptologic Museum. Inducted were: Ms. Vera Filby, Mr. Richard Proto, Mr. Washington Wong, and ALL of the Native American Code Talkers. Click on the honoree's name or photo to visit their Hall of Honor page.
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A renowned educator, technical leader in intelligence analysis, and role model who developed and taught courses on reporting and related skills that determined signals intelligence practice for decades and influenced several generations of NSA employees.
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A brilliant mathematician and innovative thinker who revitalized the mathematics program at NSA and whose technical leadership was critical to the success of many complex projects that were essential to our Nation's security.
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A language expert who successfully tackled many of the most difficult linguistic problems at NSA and mentored two generations of language officers in Asian and other languages in the theory and practice of language work.
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Secure communications on the frontlines in two world wars whose innovation in tactical voice communications to foil enemy eavesdroppers and skillful manipulation of language gave U.S. forces a level of security and a speed of communications that would have been otherwise impossible. In April 2014, the official Hall of Honor plaque for the Native American Code Talkers was presented to the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC. Click here to learn more about that ceremony.
Source of the symbol: NSA graphic designers created the image shown here based on guidance from the Center for Cryptologic History (that was based on their own research). They created an image that would represent ALL Code Talkers regardless of tribe or nation. The image includes the eagle feather, which is a universal symbol among Native American Nations. It represents the greatest of creatures created by the Great Spirit. On top of the eagle feather are two lightning bolts, which have been used many times in history to represent military signals and communications.
Additional Information about 2013 Honors & Awards
Additional Honors: on 20 November 2013, Congressional Gold Medals, the nation’s highest civilian honor, were awarded honoring the service of hundreds of overlooked code talkers from 33 tribes. Although most of those who served have passed away, Edmond Harjo, 96, a member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma who served as a radio man with the 195th Field Artillery Battalion in France, was in attendance as were many representatives of Native American Tribes.
For more information on the contributions of these individuals or to see those inducted in prior years, visit the NSA/CSS Cryptologic Hall of Honor.