The Navajo Code Talkers played a vital role in the United States’ success in the Pacific during World War II, yet their incredible contribution went unrecognized for many years. Today, their legacy is celebrated, but the number of these remarkable individuals is dwindling.
As of 2024, only three Navajo Code Talkers remain alive: Peter MacDonald, John Kinsel Sr., and Thomas H. Begay. This article delves into the history of the Navajo Code Talkers, their role during the war, and the lasting impact of their service.
The Origins of the Navajo Code Talkers
The concept of using a Native American language as a military code wasn’t new when the Navajo Code Talkers were recruited. In World War I, the U.S. military had already used Choctaw speakers to transmit coded messages. However, the Choctaw code had been studied by enemy forces during the interwar years, making it less effective by the time World War II began.
It was Philip Johnston, the son of missionaries who had lived among the Navajo, who proposed using the Navajo language for a new, more secure code. The Navajo language, with its complex grammar and lack of a written form, made it nearly impossible for non-Navajo speakers to decipher. The U.S. Marine Corps began recruiting Navajo speakers in 1942, leading to the formation of the elite Navajo Code Talkers unit.
The First 29: Pioneers of the Unbreakable Code
The first 29 Navajo Code Talkers were tasked with creating a code based on their language. They developed a system where each letter of the English alphabet was represented by a Navajo word, such as “wol-la-chee” for “ant” (A) and “shush” for “bear” (B). They also devised Navajo terms for military equipment and ranks. For example, a dive bomber was called “gini” (chicken hawk), and a brigadier general was referred to as “so-a-la-ih” (one silver star).
In total, the initial group came up with 263 code words, a number that would grow as the war progressed. This new code allowed for faster and more secure communication than the previous methods, where encoding and decoding messages could take up to 30 minutes.
The Navajo Code Talkers in Action
Once deployed, the Navajo Code Talkers served in nearly every major battle in the Pacific theater, including Iwo Jima, Saipan, and Okinawa. Their code was used to relay messages about troop movements, enemy positions, and requests for air support. In the battle for Iwo Jima alone, six Navajo Code Talkers transmitted over 800 messages without a single error, a feat that was crucial to the American victory.
Their work wasn’t without risk. The Code Talkers carried radios on their backs, often under enemy fire, and had to transmit messages in real-time, even as bullets flew around them. Some of the Code Talkers were mistakenly believed to be enemy soldiers due to their physical resemblance to Japanese troops, leading to dangerous situations where they had to prove their identity.
Despite these challenges, the Navajo Code remained unbroken throughout the war, providing the U.S. military with a critical advantage.
The Legacy of the Navajo Code Talkers
After World War II ended, the Navajo Code Talkers did not return home to parades or public recognition. Their work remained classified until 1968, meaning that the general public had no knowledge of the crucial role they had played in the war. However, once their contribution was declassified, efforts were made to honor their legacy.
In 1982, President Ronald Reagan declared August 14 as National Navajo Code Talkers Day, a day still celebrated today. In 2001, the original 29 Code Talkers were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor in the U.S., while other Code Talkers received the Silver Medal.
Today, the Navajo Code Talkers’ story is taught in schools on the Navajo Nation, and their language, once discouraged in educational settings, is now preserved and celebrated. Efforts to create a museum dedicated to the Navajo Code Talkers are ongoing, though they face challenges in securing funding.
How Many Navajo Code Talkers Are Still Alive?
As of January 2024, only three Navajo Code Talkers remain alive: Peter MacDonald, John Kinsel Sr., and Thomas H. Begay. These individuals are among the last living links to a group that numbered more than 400 during World War II. The exact number of Navajo Code Talkers is difficult to determine, as many records were kept secret for years. However, it’s clear that the few who remain are cherished for their service.
Honoring the Code Talkers
Several memorials and exhibits have been established to honor the Navajo Code Talkers. One of the most notable is the Window Rock Tribal Park and Veterans Memorial in Arizona, where a statue of a Code Talker stands in recognition of their contribution. Other places to learn about the Code Talkers include the Gallup Cultural Center in New Mexico and the New Mexico Veterans Memorial.
While efforts to raise funds for a Navajo Code Talkers museum continue, the existing memorials provide a space for reflection on the bravery and skill of these men.
Conclusion
The Navajo Code Talkers were a unique and essential part of the U.S. war effort in the Pacific during World War II. Their ability to create and use an unbreakable code helped secure key victories for the Allies, and their legacy continues to inspire future generations. Though their numbers have dwindled, the remaining Code Talkers are honored and respected for their invaluable contribution to history. As we reflect on their service, we say ahéhee’—thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many Navajo Code Talkers are still alive?
As of January 2024, only three Navajo Code Talkers are still alive: Peter MacDonald, John Kinsel Sr., and Thomas H. Begay.
2. What made the Navajo language a good choice for military codes?
The Navajo language’s complex grammar, lack of a written form, and limited number of fluent speakers made it nearly impossible for enemies to decipher.
3. How did the Navajo Code Talkers create the code?
The first 29 Code Talkers developed a code by assigning Navajo words to each letter of the alphabet and to military terms that had no direct translation in Navajo.
4. Were the Navajo Code Talkers recognized for their service during the war?
No, their work remained classified until 1968. They did not receive public recognition until years later, with honors like the Congressional Gold Medal in 2001.
5. Why is there interest in building a Navajo Code Talkers museum?
A museum would provide a dedicated space to preserve the history of the Code Talkers and educate future generations about their crucial role in World War II. Efforts to raise funds for the museum are ongoing.