1. Christiana Hagan, James Eaker, Robbie Simmons
Navajo Code Talkers
Christiana Hagan, James Eaker, Robbie Simmons

2. Who Were They?
Native Americans using their native languages to transmit secret code for the US military
Comprised of hundreds of Navajo words that had symbolic military meaning.
ex: Besh-lo “Iron Fish” - Submarine
Dah-hi-tih-hi “Hummingbird” - Fighter Plane

3. Why Were They Needed?
US was taking heavy casualties in the pacific theater partially due to the Japanese’ ability to crack the US radio codes
Philip Johnston- had the idea to use the Navajo language as code
The Navajo code was uncrackable
Language was virtually unknown by any non-Navajo
no alphabet
no written language

4. Recruiting and Training
May 1942: Marine corps initiates the employment of code talkers with the first 29 recruits
540 Navajos in service by end of war
were trained code talkers
Charles Gorman: one of first 29 Navajos in war
1942: got malaria and kept fighting
1944: evacuated from war due to malaria and shellshock

5. In battle Fought alongside their fellow marines
Quickly sent and received valuable messages saving Americans
Victories in Iwo Jima and Okinawa

6. Post-War Code was never broken
public learned of code talkers in 1990’s due to WW2 documentaries
2001: Navajo vets receive Congressional Gold Medals
2002: Congress passed Code Talkers Recognition Act to honor Code Talkers

7. Why It Mattered
One of the first steps in mending a turbulent past with the US Government
Broke stereotypes
Proved their worth as fighting men, and Americans who were willing to die for their country
Many young American lives were saved

8. WW2 Hall of Fame Code never broken
Peace between Americans and Native Americans
Major help to US victory

9. Citations
"Videos | Navajo Code Talkers." Navajo Code Talkers. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Jan
"World War II: Navajo Code Talkers." History Net Where History Comes Alive World US History Online. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Jan
"Native Words Native Warriors." Native Words Native Warriors. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Jan
"Windtalkers (6/10) Movie CLIP - Call in the Code (2002) HD." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 15 Jan
Jevec, Adam, and Lee Ann Potter. "Memorandum Regarding the Enlistment of Navajo Indians." National Archives and Records Administration. National Archives and Records Administration, n.d. Web. 15 Jan