One of the last remaining Navajo Code Talkers, who transmitted messages during World War II using the tribe’s native language, has passed away at the age of 107. John Kinsel Sr., a Marine who bravely served as a Navajo Code Talker, died recently as confirmed by Navajo Nation officials in Window Rock.
Tribal President Buu Nygren has directed that all flags on the reservation be flown at half-staff until October 27 at sunset in honour of Kinsel’s memory. Nygren praised Kinsel’s courageous and selfless service during the war in a statement issued on Sunday.
With the passing of Kinsel, only two original Navajo Code Talkers remain alive: former Navajo Chairman Peter MacDonald and Thomas H. Begay. During World War II, hundreds of Navajos were recruited by the Marines to transmit messages in their native language, playing a vital role in confounding Japanese military cryptologists and aiding in various assaults led by the Marines in the Pacific.
Kinsel, born in Cove, Arizona, and a resident of the Navajo community of Lukachukai, enlisted in the Marines in 1942. He served as an elite Code Talker with the 9th Marine Regiment and the 3rd Marine Division during the Battle of Iwo Jima, demonstrating outstanding bravery and skill.
President Ronald Reagan established Navajo Code Talkers Day in 1982 to honour the tribes involved in the war effort. This day, celebrated on August 14, is a state holiday in Arizona and the Navajo Nation, commemorating the pivotal contribution of the Code Talkers.
The Navajo Code Talkers played a crucial role in the war by sending thousands of error-free messages on Japanese troop movements, battlefield tactics, and other vital information. Their efforts were instrumental in the ultimate success of various military operations during World War II.
Kinsel’s legacy as one of the last surviving Navajo Code Talkers will continue to be remembered and honoured, highlighting the extraordinary bravery and contributions of these individuals during a pivotal moment in history.