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Dayton's WWII Enigma codebreakers


An NCR-built bombe and Joe Desch (inset)

Dayton's code breakers

The breaking of Germany's World War II 'Enigma' code is widely known today. But there's an untold story: How NCR engineers in Dayton, led by Oakwood resident Joe Desch, worked in secret to develop the machines that helped break the code.

•  PART 1: Daughter uncovers father's secret past
•  PART 2: Complex man for a complex mission
•  PART 3: Intense scrutiny, feelings of guilt were heavy burdens
•  PART 4: Daughter's quest raises more questions
•  PART 5: The enemy codes crack, but not Joe Desch's folks
•  PART 6: WAVES roll in to work on top-secret project
•  PART 7: A hit, a miss, then a parade of successes
•  PART 8: Success comes, but at huge cost to Desch

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