One of the last Navajo Code Talkers dies at age 107

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (Gray News) – The Navajo Nation is mourning the loss of one of their own, one of the last Navajo Code Talkers whose contributions were crucial in World War II.

KPHO reported that Navajo Nation Code Talker John Kinsel Sr. died at the age of 107.

Navajo National President Buu Nygren announced Kinsel’s death on Saturday.

After Kinsel’s death, only two Navajo Code Talkers remain alive: former Navajo Chairman Peter MacDonald and Thomas H. Begay, according to the Associated Press.

Hundreds of Navajos were recruited by the Marines to serve as Code Talkers during World War II, broadcasting messages based on their then-unwritten native language.

They baffled Japanese military cryptologists during World War II and participated in all the raids the Marines led in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945, including at Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Peleliu, and Iwo Jima.

The Code Talkers transmitted thousands of messages without error regarding Japanese troop movements, battlefield tactics, and other communications crucial to the ultimate outcome of the war.

Kinsel was born in Cove, Arizona, and lived in the Navajo community of Lukachukai.

He enlisted in the Marines in 1942 and became an elite Code Talker, serving with the 9th Marine Regiment and the 3rd Marine Division during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

“Mr. Kinsel was a Marine who bravely and selflessly fought for all of us in the most terrifying circumstances with the greatest responsibility as a Navajo Code Talker. He fought alongside his brothers in arms, for the United States Marine Corps, for the United States and to protect the Navajo Nation in times of war,” Nygren said.

He ordered all flags of the country to be flown at half-mast from Sunday, October 20, until sunset on Sunday, October 27.

“It is fitting for us to recognize, recognize and honor the life, courage and steadfast dedication of this distinguished man to his family, the community of Lukachukai and to the entire Navajo Nation as a model Navajo citizen and warrior, Nygren said.

Kinsel is remembered for his courage and dedication to his Navajo culture.

“We honor the life of our brave Navajo Code Talker John Kinsel, Sr.,” said Bobbie Ann Baldwin, executive director of Navajo Nation Veterans Administration. “His heroism, courage and love for our Diné way of life are immeasurable. We salute you Corporal Kinsel. Semper Fi.”

Copyright 2024 Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved. KPHO and Associated Press contributed to this report.