Unsung Heroes of World War II: The Story of the Navajo Code Talkers

Library of American Indian History

by Deanne Durrett

On February 23, 1945, U.S. Marines claimed victory in the battle of Iwo Jima, one of the most important battles in the Pacific islands during World War II. Instrumental to this defeat of Japanese forces was a group of specialized Marines involved in a secret program. Throughout the war, Japanese intelligence agencies were able to intercept and break nearly every battlefield code the United States created. The Navajo Code Talkers, however, devised a complex code based on their native language and perfected it so that messages could be coded, transmitted, and decoded in minutes. The Navajo Code was the only battlefield code that Japan never deciphered. Unsung Heroes of World War II details the history of the men who created this secret code and used it on the battlefield to help the United States win World War II in the Pacific.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, World War II, Native American, War

137 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 1998

Reviews

[Tobias Chen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book introduces the background history of Navajo--a group of nomadic native Americans lived in South West America. In the beginning it was fairly difficult to sign a treaty between the “New Explorers” and their tribes. Because Navajo are divided into several tribes, there was not a chief of all the groups. When the White signed a treaty with one tribe and got under attacked by the other, the US gov got mad and assume that they betrayed the treaty. Therefore, troops from the US army started the burial suppress on the Navajos and expelled them from their own lands. Hundreds were killed during this period of time known as the Long Walk.

The conflicts still exist between white and the Navajos, but they are truly awed by the consequence rebelling against the gov. In the time of world war I, they were required to join the US Army, and realize that as part of the US territory, fighting the war is defeating themselves. Navajos’ talent was discovered by Philip Johnson while he was reading a report about Indian language coding. He then found some Navajo lads and asked them to read a message in English than talk to another Navajo soldier in their language, then translate it back to English. The message was accurately transferred. They received special training for military terms and sent to the front lines. They have contributed and has been a critical component to the victory of the world. They are the unsung heroes, and they should be remembered.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good YA intro to the topic of the Code Talkers, although I had a few issues with the writing & the publishing style. It had several .jpg images of documents that explained things. They were hazy & difficult to read, but had interesting facts. Lots of good photographs and although there was some repetition from chapter to chapter, I'm not sure it was really bad. Just a solid YA non-fiction book that will intrigue teens. And it's a fascinating topic.

[Joseph · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was OK... It was a pretty short book that I picked up as I was checking out of the library. I thought OK, there were a few of these types of books on my list to read about the Navajo Code Program. It started off good talking about the people and the program, but got a little too "text book" for me. What really knocked it down to 2 stars was they describing the medals that were given out, the logo, the patches, etc and there were no pictures associated with them to see. I thought that was really needed as it was a very important part of the story.

I am sure there are better stories out there and this was just OK.

[Kerry Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting story about which I knew nothing before visiting the Navajo Nation. The book itself is a slightly dry read, but worth it nonetheless.

[Caroline]

very helpful information for my research for a paper. it was also interesting to read on its own and learn more about a hidden topic

[Scott Geddes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read about the Navajo Code Talkers from World War 2. A good introduction to the Code Talkers and their creation in World War 1, their story in World War 2 and their life after the war.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting, though not especially well written, simplistic

[Peter Mayeux · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting but an all too brief profile of an often overlooked part of World War II activities. A chronological narrative was used. Language usage was clear, precise and easily understood. A few photographs were scattered within the book. There were helpful citations at the end of chapters. A new "Afterward" section was added to this edition. This short book would be interesting for a reader who wants more details about World War II training and battle activities. It would also interest someone who wanted to examine briefly the Navajos' distinctive contribution to the WWII efforts.;

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very simple book, too simple for many individual details, but a great set-up for further study.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating documentation of the role Navajo Code Talkers played in WWII and a look into their culture.