NSA Historical Figures

Cryptologic Hall of Honor

 

The Cryptologic Hall of Honor was created in 1999 to pay special tribute to the pioneers and heroes who rendered distinguished service to American cryptology.

The standards are high for induction into this great hall. The individuals honored were innovators over their entire careers or made major contributions to the structure and processes of American cryptology. The men and women who have been inducted to the Cryptologic Hall of Honor are all greats in the once silent world of cryptology.

In the early days of America's cryptologic effort, many of the "giants" did both Signals Intelligence and Information Assurance. They made important contributions to both offensive and defensive cryptology. As such, they were among the first inducted into the Cryptologic Hall of Honor.

Cryptologic Hall of Honor Nomination Process

The Cryptologic Hall of Honor is an important part of the NSA/CSS heritage program and pays tribute to those who made extraordinarily important contributions to America’s national security through cryptology, or who had a lifetime of high achievement in the cryptologic field. The nomination process is undertaken by a Panel supported by the Center for Cryptologic History (CCH) and adheres to professional historical standards for research, analysis, and objectivity.

The call for nominations for the Cryptologic Hall of Honor is issued annually, usually in February. However, they may be submitted at any time; the formal call is merely a reminder that the deadline for the current cycle is approaching. Nominations received after the deadline (usually in March) will be considered for the following year. Note: It is imperative that nominations adhere to the prescribed format and word count restrictions. Failure to do so requires reformatting and editing by CCH staff and may result in delayed consideration of a nominee and/or improper consideration of career accomplishments.

  • The criterion for selection is high achievement using cryptology to preserve the security of the United States and the American people.
  • This achievement could be in one major event or over a career.
  • “Cryptology,” for the purposes of these nominations, is defined as any direct or enabling function that supports NSA mission success.
  • Nominations may be for individuals or groups.
  • While a majority of nominations have been U.S. government employees or members of the armed forces, any individual may be nominated and selected, including foreign partners, contractors or persons from academia, e.g.
  • Nominees need not be deceased to be submitted, however, they must have departed full-time cryptologic service at least 10 years prior to their nomination.
  • Nominations, once formally submitted, will remain active for ten years. If new information becomes available after that time, nominations can be re-submitted to the Sub-Panel.

The Panel Executive Secretary will compile the final selections into a staffing package and forward to the Director NSA for final approval. Upon the Director NSA’s approval, Strategic Communications will schedule a ceremony to induct the new Cryptologic Hall of Honor members in the Canine Suites (usually in October or November).

Cryptologic Hall of Honor Nomination Form

Cryptologic Hall of Honor Ceremonies


 

Click here to download photos from the 2022 Cryptologic Hall of Honor Ceremony.

Cryptologic Hall of Honor Inductees


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 2022 - 2019
Name Photo Date Images Video
Ms. Eunice Russell Willson Rice Ms. Eunice Russell Willson Rice 2022 Hall of Honor Inductee Download Photos View Video
Mr. Youn P. (YP) Kim Mr. Youn P. (YP) Kim 2022 Hall of Honor Inductee Download Photos View Video
Richard “Dickie” George Richard “Dickie” George 2022 Hall of Honor Inductee Download Photos View Video
Robert Orestes Ferner Robert Orestes Ferner 2022 Hall of Honor Inductee Download Photos View Video
Jack C. Mortick Jack C. Mortick 2021 Hall of Honor Inductee   View Video
Joseph E. Gilligan, Jr. Joseph E. Gilligan, Jr. 2021 Hall of Honor Inductee   View Video
Clifford Cocks, James Ellis,
and Malcolm Williamson
Clifford Cocks, James Ellis, and Malcolm Williamson 2021 Hall of Honor Inductee   View Video
Lester K. Myers Lester K. Myers 2020 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Dr. Whitfield Diffie Dr. Whitfield Diffie 2020 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Barbara A. McNamara Barbara A. McNamara 2020 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Dr. David Kahn Dr. David Kahn 2020 Hall of Honor Inductee    
George R. Cotter George R. Cotter 2020 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Edward M. Drake Edward M. Drake 2019 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Chief Harry Kidder, USN Chief Harry Kidder, USN 2019 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Col Alva Bryan Lasswell, USMC Col Alva Bryan Lasswell, USMC 2019 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Lt. Gen. Kenneth A. Minihan, USAF Lt. Gen. Kenneth A. Minihan, USAF 2019 Hall of Honor Inductee    
 2018 - 2014
Name Photo Date Images Video
Richard L. “Dick” Bernard Richard L. “Dick” Bernard 2018 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Seymour R. Cray Seymour R. Cray 2018 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Whitney E. Reed Whitney E. Reed 2018 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Michael J. Jacobs Michael J. Jacobs 2018 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Hilda Faust Mathieu Hilda Faust Mathieu 2018 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Floyd L. Weakley Floyd L. Weakley 2017 Hall of Honor Inductee    
ADM Bobby R. Inman, USN ADM Bobby R. Inman, USN 2017 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Col Frank E. Herrelko, USAF Col Frank E. Herrelko, USAF 2017 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Dennis M. Chiari Dennis M. Chiari 2017 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Mary H. "Polly" Budenbach Mary H. Budenbach 2017 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Command Sergeant Major Odell Williams, USA Command Sergeant Major Odell Williams, USA 2016 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Captain Leonard T. Jones, USCG Captain Leonard T. Jones, USCG 2016 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Gerald Hale Gerald Hale 2016 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Virginia Jenkins Riley Virginia Jenkins Riley 2015 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Robert J. "Mac" McNelis Robert J. McNelis 2015 Hall of Honor Inductee    
William O. Marks William O. Marks 2015 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Charles R. (Dick) Lord Charles R. (Dick) Lord 2015 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Ralph W. Adams, Jr. Ralph W. Adams, Jr. 2015 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Alan Turing Alan Turing 2014 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Marian Rejewski Marian Rejewski 2014 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Captain Howard Ehret Captain Howard Ehret 2014 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Walter Deeley Walter Deeley 2014 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Frank Austin Frank Austin 2014 Hall of Honor Inductee    
 2013 - 2009
Name Photo Date Images Video
Native American Code Talkers Native American Code Talkers 2013 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Washington Wong Washington Wong 2013 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Richard Proto Richard Proto 2013 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Vera Ruth Filby Vera Ruth Filby 2013 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Juliana Mickwitz Juliana Mickwitz 2012 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Ronald Hunt Ronald Hunt 2012 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Robert Drake Robert Drake 2012 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Ann Caracristi Ann Caracristi 2012 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Laura Holmes Laura Holmes 2011 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Colonel Parker Hitt Colonel Parker Hitt 2011 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Joseph Desch Joseph Desch 2011 Hall of Honor Inductee    
William Coffee William Coffee 2011 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Leo Rosen Leo Rosen 2010 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Genevieve Grotjan Feinstein Genevieve Grotjan Feinstein 2010 Hall of Honor Inductee    
David Boak David Boak 2010 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Joseph Amato Joseph Amato 2010 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Minnie McNeal Kenny Minnie McNeal Kenny 2009 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Arthur J. Levenson Arthur J. Levenson 2009 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Maj Gen Doyle E. Larson, USAF Maj Gen Doyle E. Larson, USAF 2009 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Richard A. Day, Jr. Richard A. Day, Jr. 2009 Hall of Honor Inductee    
 2008 - 2004
Name Photo Date Images Video
RADM Donald M. Showers, USN (Ret) RADM Donald M. Showers, USN (Ret) 2008 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Oliver R. Kirby Oliver R. Kirby 2008 Hall of Honor Inductee    
General Alfred M. Gray, USMC General Alfred M. Gray, USMC 2008 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Charles L. Gandy Charles L. Gandy 2008 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Benson K. Buffham Benson K. Buffham 2008 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Milton Zaslow Milton Zaslow 2007 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Samuel S. Snyder Samuel S. Snyder 2007 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Dr. Robert J. Hermann Dr. Robert J. Hermann 2007 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Jacob Gurin Jacob Gurin 2007 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Thomas E. Tremain Thomas E. Tremain 2006 Hall of Honor Inductee    
James W. Pryde James W. Pryde 2006 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Cecil J. Phillips Cecil J. Phillips 2006 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Edward A. Everett Edward A. Everett 2006 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Brigadier General Bernard Ardisana, USAF Brigadier General Bernard Ardisana, USAF 2006 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Rear Admiral Joseph N. Wenger, USN Rear Admiral Joseph N. Wenger, USN 2005 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Arthur Salemme Arthur Salemme 2005 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Francis Raven Francis Raven 2005 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Dr. William Blankinship Dr. William Blankinship 2005 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Brigadier John Tiltman Brigadier John Tiltman 2004 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Meredith Gardner Meredith Gardner 2004 Hall of Honor Inductee    
James R. Chiles James R. Chiles 2004 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Dorothy T. Blum Dorothy T. Blum 2004 Hall of Honor Inductee    
 2003 - 1999
Name Photo Date Images Video
Howard E. Rosenblum Howard E. Rosenblum 2003 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Juanita Moody Juanita Moody 2003 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Dr. Lowell K. Frazer Dr. Lowell K. Frazer 2003 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Lambros D. Callimahos Lambros D. Callimahos 2003 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Dr. Julia Ward Dr. Julia Ward 2002 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Charles C. Tevis Charles C. Tevis 2002 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Mitford M. Mathews Mitford M. Mathews 2002 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Dr. Richard A. Leibler Dr. Richard A. Leibler 2002 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Norman Wild Norman Wild 2002 Hall of Honor Inductee    
CAPT Thomas H. Dyer, USN CAPT Thomas H. Dyer, USN 2002 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Maj Gen John E. Morrison, Jr., USAF Maj Gen John E. Morrison, Jr., USAF 2001 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Dr. Sydney Jaffe Dr. Sydney Jaffe 2001 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Mahlon E. Doyle Mahlon E. Doyle 2001 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Howard C. Barlow Howard C. Barlow 2001 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Agnes Meyer Driscoll Agnes Meyer Driscoll 2000 Hall of Honor Inductee    
CAPT Joseph J. Rochefort, USN CAPT Joseph J. Rochefort, USN 2000 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Dr. Louis W. Tordella Dr. Louis W. Tordella 2000 Hall of Honor Inductee    
LTG Ralph J. Canine, USA LTG Ralph J. Canine, USA 1999 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Dr. Solomon Kullback Dr. Solomon Kullback 1999 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Dr. Abraham Sinkov Dr. Abraham Sinkov 1999 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Frank B. Rowlett Frank B. Rowlett 1999 Hall of Honor Inductee    
CAPT Laurance Safford, USN CAPT Laurance Safford, USN 1999 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Herbert O. Yardley Herbert O. Yardley 1999 Hall of Honor Inductee    
Elizebeth S. Friedman Elizebeth S. Friedman 1999 Hall of Honor Inductee    
William F. Friedman William F. Friedman 1999 Hall of Honor Inductee    

African Americans in Cryptologic History

The experience of African Americans at NSA and its predecessor organization mirrors the African American experience in the United States and the Federal Government in the latter half of the twentieth century.

The first African American hired by the Army Security Agency, and who later made the transition to the Armed Forces Security Agency, worked first in a segregated office. Senior supervisors were white and many of the duties were menial ones not wanted by whites.

In the 1950s, African Americans began to move into the mainstream workforce. The segregated office was abolished and more African Americans received supervisory positions.

Many African Americans advanced to NSA's senior ranks. Many of those who began their careers in the segregated work environment finished at the top of their profession.

For many years it was believed that African Americans had first been hired to work in cryptology only after World War II. Recent research has revealed, however, that the first large-scale hiring program for African Americans began in 1944. By the end of the war, a segregated office of thirty African Americans was engaged in researching messages encrypted in unknown systems, analyzing them, and producing translations.

Read more about our Invisible Cryptologists.

Women in American Cryptology

 

Although the number of women involved in cryptology has always been lower than the number of men, they have not been completely absent from the field either. Women have always been involved in America's cryptologic history. Some have reached the higher ranks of management and a few have been considered the expert in their field.

Cryptologic pioneers, such as Elizebeth Friedman and Agnes Driscoll, are well known to those who study cryptology. Were it not for their early involvement, the women of today may not have been able to reach their current numbers or status. But not every woman, or their organizations, has made it into the history books. Thousands of lesser-known women cryptologists have also played a role in creating the legacy women enjoy today. Their achievements, and in some cases their escapades, furthered the progress of women in cryptology. Women's involvement was sometimes sporadic, but significant.

The Women in Cryptologic History exhibit at the National Cryptologic Museum highlights the contributions of twenty-four women who have helped create cryptologic history. The display begins with a member of the Culper Spy Ring during the American Revolution who used her laundry as a secret code. Women spies from the Civil War also used codes and ciphers to aid those fighting for the causes they believed in. But it wasn't until the twentieth century that women began to work full-time in cryptology. During WWI several women considered to be cryptologic pioneers began their careers, as did some women few people today would know. During WWII thousands of women joined the military or worked as civilians for the military as cryptanalysts, intercept operators, technicians, machinists and every other position available in cryptology. Many of those women chose to stay in the field after the war, providing breakthroughs and contributions throughout the Cold War. Eventually, women rose to the highest ranks of management and today continue to support, develop, and build the cryptologic legacy of tomorrow.

Learn more about how women supported cryptologic efforts in World War II.