Navajo Code Talker

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Corps Veteran Fleming Begaye Sr., who served as a Navajo Code Talker during World War II.

The Code Talkers used native languages to send military messages before World War II. Navajo, which was unwritten and known by few outside the tribe, seemed to fit the Corps’ requirements. They took their language and developed a “Type One Code” that assigned a Navajo word to each English letter. In addition to being unbreakable, the new code also reduced the amount of time it took to transmit and receive secret messages.

On National Navajo Code Talkers Day, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Veteran Jack Jones, who served as a Code Talker during World War II.

He was a hero among many in the Navajo Nation who utilized his special skills, unique talents and native language to help win the war against the Japanese during World War II.

George Smith, a Navajo, enlisted with the Marine Corps at 18. After hearing the Marines were looking for Navajo speakers for a special program

Samuel Tom Holiday went on to join the group of Navajo Code Talkers who used a communication code enemies could not decipher.

Roy Hawthorne enlisted in the Marines when he was 17. He served as a Navajo Code Talker with 1st Marine Division in the Pacific Theatre during World War II.

Thomas Claw enlisted in the Marines at the age of 21. He completed basic training in San Diego, and was assigned the secret position of Navajo Code Talker.

David Patterson Sr. served in the Marine Corps during World War II as a Navajo code talker and played a crucial role in the battle of Iwo Jima.