Navajo Code Talkers: The Unsung Heroes of World War II

It is said that the Navajo Code Talkers were the success of World War II in the Pacific Theater.

During World War II, the United States military faced a significant challenge: secure communication. With the Japanese intercepting and deciphering messages, a novel approach was required to ensure secrecy and speed. Enter the Code Talkers. They were an extraordinary group of Navajo men whose language became an unbreakable code and a crucial asset in the Allied victory.

Using Native American languages in military communication was first proposed during World War I. However, it wasn’t until World War II that the concept truly took flight. Philip Johnston, a civil engineer who grew up on the Navajo Reservation, suggested using the Navajo language as a code. Given its complexity and lack of written form, it was virtually indecipherable to anyone not fluent in it.

In 1942, the Marine Corps recruited 29 Navajo men, later known as the original Code Talkers. They were tasked with developing a code based on their language. Subsequently, they created a dictionary and numerous word substitutions for military terms. For instance, the word “turtle” represented a tank, and “iron fish” stood for a submarine.

The code was astonishingly effective. It was not only unbreakable but also incredibly fast. In training exercises, Navajo Code Talkers could send and receive messages in about 20 seconds, compared to the 30 minutes it took to decode traditional methods. Their contributions proved invaluable in several key battles, including the Battle of Iwo Jima, where their coded messages helped secure a pivotal victory.

Throughout the war, the Japanese were repeatedly baffled and infuriated by these seemingly inhuman sounds. They conformed to no linguistic system known to the Japanese.

Students of History

The Code Talkers participated in all major Marine operations in the Pacific Theater, providing secure, error-free communication. By the war’s end, approximately 400 Navajo men had served as Code Talkers. Their work remained classified until 1968, when their vital role was finally acknowledged.

Despite their critical contributions, the Code Talkers returned home to little fanfare and limited recognition. Many faced challenges readjusting to civilian life. It wasn’t until later years that their heroism was fully recognized. In 2001, the original 29 Code Talkers were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, and subsequent members received the Silver Medal.

Navajo Code Talkers Day

in 1982, President Ronald Reagan designated August 14th as National Navajo Code Talkers Day. Click here to read the full proclamation.

The legacy of the Navajo Code Talkers is a testament to the unique intersection of cultural heritage and military ingenuity. Their language, once suppressed, became a weapon that helped secure freedom. Today, they are celebrated as American heroes whose bravery and ingenuity altered the course of history.

The Last, Remaining Code Talker

If it wasn’t for the Navajos, we would have never taken the Island of Iwo or many other Islands that were very tough all through the war….

The only military code in modern history never broken by an enemy.

Peter McDonald Sr.

Peter McDonald Sr. was only 15 years old when he enlisted in the Marines to join the Code Talkers. Because he joined so young, he is the last surviving Code Talker.

“What is rightfully ours, we must protect.
What is rightfully due us, we must claim.
What we depend on from others, 
we must replace with the labor of our own hands, and the skills of our own people.
What we do not have, we must bring into being.
We must create for ourselves.”

Navajo Nation Chairman, Peter MacDonald, Sr. 1971

The Navajo Veterans Organization is proud to serve all those who served our country.