Legacy
"Besides a display for Yardley, the museum also highlights William and Elizebeth Friedman, both pioneers in codebreaking." businessinsider.com.
Elizebeth Friedman undermined the clandestine operations of Sargo and his fellow Nazi spies, breaking their radioed messages and communicating with other intelligence agencies to prevent South America from turning fascist. The relaying of information to the Queen Mary was one example of her efforts to ensure that the Allies had the upper hand until the end of the war.
Elizebeth S. Friedman’s Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card. George C. Marshall Foundation.
Leaders put into place by Sargo, like Gualberto Villarroel, were slain by revolutionary movements, indicating a return from fascist ideologies. Wikipedia.
"It was the end of a period of an era. I knew that as surely as I stood on two feet, I should never enter that reservation again or return to that particular form of endeavor again."
-Elizebeth Friedman
William F. Friedman and Elizebeth S. Friedman in Sweden. 1957. George-C Marshall Foundation.
"P.S., Elizebeth always was, is, and continues to be the most fascinatin' woman I've ever known."
-William Friedman
Family Photos from Christmas Day. 1939-1940. George C. Marshall Foundation.
In 1946, Elizebeth retired. She spent the remaining years of her life preserving William’s legacy and hers, donating documents to the George Marshall Foundation in Lexington, Virginia. Unlike Elizebeth, William’s name would be honored for years after his death一 only recently did the National Security Agency recognize her contributions.
"Elizebeth S. Friedman, John Ramsay Friedman, Barbara Friedman, and four unidentified people at a Memorial Service for William F. Friedman." May 21, 1975. George C. Marshall Foundation.
"Elizebeth S. Friedman, the Deputy Director of the NSA, and Mr. Nachman, the sculptor who made the bust of Friedman at a Memorial Service for William F. Friedman." May 21, 1975. George C. Marshall Foundation.
“Although she is often referred to as the wife of William Friedman, she enjoyed many successes in cryptology in her own right and has been dubbed 'America's first female cryptanalyst.' In fact, although her husband is credited with numerous contributions to cryptology, it was Mrs. Friedman who introduced him to the field.”
-NSA
Cryptanalysis has evolved to include computer algorithms and codes, but the mathematical foundation that Elizebeth helped create is still present. These principles were likely referenced by cryptologist giants Barbara McNamara, Virginia Riley, and Hilda Faust Matheiu, the most recent inductees into NSA’s Cryptologic Hall of Honor. Pioneers like Elizebeth inspire young women today to seek careers in STEM-related fields and close the gap between men and women in cryptology.
“She helped to create an immensely powerful new science of code breaking... And so there’s still a good portion of her DNA in codebreaking today, even though it’s been mathematized and done on computers. She laid a foundation for what happens at American intelligence agencies everyday today.”
-Jason Fagone
"2017 Global Information Security Workforce study".
"Riverbank Publications No. 20, Several Machine-Ciphers & Methods for Their Solution". One of the first publications to redefine cryptology as a more mathematic field. Kuenzig Books.
Barbara McNamara, Hilda Faust Matheiu, Virginia Riley.
National Security Agency.
"Resolution honoring the life and legacy of Elizebeth Smith Friedman." The Senate.
Elizebeth Friedman’s work as the first woman in cryptology set the precedent for others following her. Her career, including but not limited to anti-Nazi operations, redefined cryptology as a field essential to military intelligence. The NSA, founded by her husband, William Friedman, remains as evidence of her discoveries. To this day, it keeps watch on US adversaries and protects the privacy of the American people.