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 2023 Cryptologic Hall of Honor Ceremony.