Seminole Nation Museum Honors Tony Palmer: Seminole Code Talker, for Veteran’s Day

A life-long resident of Sasakwa, Seminole County, Oklahoma, Tony Palmer was a highly decorated veteran of World War II and one of the few renowned Native American “Code Talkers”. He joined the army in late 1942 with two other Seminoles - William Melton of Wewoka and Richmond Harjo of Konawa. During the Southern Philippines Campaign of 1944, they used their native Maskoki tongue to outwit Japanese forces. He once stated that he wondered what the Japanese thought when they heard him speaking his Seminole dialect relaying the message, “It is good to climb and see.” Mr. Palmer was awarded many medals for valor and good conduct, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal and the Philippine Liberation Medal. Palmer was a proud member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, serving as a representative for the Fushacchee (FUS HVCCE/Bird Creek) Band. He was a respected elder of Spring Baptist Church and accomplished musician on the guitar, piano, drums and violin. He retired as a skilled carpenter, plumber and electrician. Tony Palmer passed away in 2008 at the age of ninety after a lifetime of service to his people and his country.