The Navajo Code Talkers were honored Tuesday at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton for their actions that changed the course of history during and after World War II.
These 29 Native Americans joined the Marines and used their native Navajo language to come up with an unbreakable code. The military code was never cracked by the enemy and was crucial to winning the war. The Navajo language is an unwritten language that is extremely complex. The language is unintelligible to anyone without extensive exposure and training.
The Commanding General of First Division Headquarters said the Code Talkers were an important part of the war not just because of the code, but because of their actions on the battlefield.
“They were at the center of every battle in the Pacific,” Major General Daniel O’Donohue said.
But their heroic actions and contributions to the Marines were kept classified until 1968.
“What they missed out on was the appreciation and I think the healing welcome of a nation that didn't understand the valor that will live on to this very day,” O’Donohue said.
Tuesday O’Donohue presented two Navajo Code Talkers with a special coin. The Code Talkers presented him with a Navajo Code Talker Warrior Blanket.
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Roy Hawthorne, a Navajo Code Talker now in his 80s said they joined the fight because it was their duty.
"The Native American considers the land precious and he will do anything to keep foreigners, enemies from seizing it,” Hawthorne said.
Hawthorne and fellow Code Talker Sam Holiday attended the commemoration ceremony on Camp Pendleton. They both received a Purple Heart for their acts of valor and bravery during World War II.
In 2001, they, along with the 27 other original Code Talkers were presented with the Congressional Gold Medal. Nearly 400 others who used the code were given the Silver Medal.
