Navajo Code Talkers

Navajo Code Talkers

 

The Need for an Unbreakable Code

During World War II, the Allied forces needed to send secret messages safely. The Axis Powers often broke the codes that were used, which put soldiers at risk. To protect troops in the Pacific, the United States looked for a code that could not be broken.

The Birth of the Navajo Code Talkers

A World War I veteran named Philip Johnston had an idea. He grew up near the Navajo Nation and knew the Navajo language was very unique. In 1942, the U.S. Marines recruited 29 Navajo men to create a new code. They based it on their native language, which was complex and not widely known outside their community. These men became the famous Navajo Code Talkers. Using their language, they sent coded messages that enemies could not understand.

Navajo Code Talkers

The Code Talker Advantage

From 1942 to 1945, the Navajo Code Talkers played a key role in the Pacific. Their code was never broken. During the Battle of Iwo Jima, they sent thousands of secure messages between U.S. bases and soldiers in Japan. Thanks to them, important strategies could be shared safely across the ocean.

Celebrating the Code Talkers

Today, we honor the Navajo Code Talkers for their bravery and service. August 14 is National Code Talkers Day, made official in 2021. Only four original Code Talkers are still alive: Thomas H. Begay, John Kinsel, Peter MacDonald, and Samuel Sandoval. Their work showed how the Navajo language helped protect U.S. forces during World War II.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why was it important for the United States to find a code that could not be broken during World War II?
  2. How did Philip Johnston’s background help him suggest the Navajo language as a code?
  3. What made the Navajo language especially effective for use in secret communication?
  4. Why do you think it is important to celebrate National Code Talkers Day today?

Glossary

  • Allied Forces – Countries, including the United States, that fought against Germany, Italy, and Japan in World War II.
  • Axis Powers – The alliance of Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II.
  • Signalman – A person trained to send and receive military messages.
  • Strategy – A plan of action designed to achieve a goal in war.
  • Indigenous – The original people of a region, such as the Navajo in the United States.

Five Interesting Facts

  • The Navajo Code Talkers’ code was the only military code in modern history that was never broken.
  • The original 29 Code Talkers developed a dictionary and training program for others who later joined.
  • More than 400 Navajo men eventually served as Code Talkers during World War II.
  • Messages that could take hours to decode using machines were translated in seconds by the Code Talkers.
  • In 2001, the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers received the Congressional Gold Medal for their service.

Timeline

  • 1942 – U.S. Marines enlist 29 Navajo men to create the code.
  • 1942–1945 – Code Talkers serve in Pacific battles, including Iwo Jima.
  • 2001 – Original 29 receive the Congressional Gold Medal.
  • 2021 – August 14 becomes National Code Talkers Day.
  • Present – Only four of the original Code Talkers remain alive.

The Need for a New Code

During World War II, U.S. soldiers needed safe ways to send messages. Enemies often broke their codes, which made it dangerous. The U.S. needed a code that no one else could figure out.

The Navajo Code Talkers

Philip Johnston, a World War I veteran, suggested using the Navajo language. In 1942, the Marines chose 29 Navajo men to create a code. Since few people knew the Navajo language, it was nearly impossible for enemies to break. These men became known as the Navajo Code Talkers.

Helping in the War

From 1942 to 1945, the Code Talkers sent thousands of secret messages during battles like Iwo Jima. Their code was never broken, and it helped keep U.S. troops safe.

Honoring the Code Talkers

August 14 is now National Code Talkers Day. Only four of the original Code Talkers are still alive. We honor their bravery and the important role they played in World War II.