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 pivotal in World War II.
KPHO reported that Navajo Nation Code Talker John Kinsel Sr. died at age 107.
Navajo National President Buu Nygren announced Kinsel’s death on Saturday.
With Kinsel’s death, only two Navajo Code Talkers are still alive: Former Navajo Chairman Peter MacDonald and Thomas H. Begay, the Associated Press said.
Hundreds of Navajos were recruited by the Marines to serve as Code Talkers during World War II, transmitting messages based on their then-unwritten native language.
They confounded Japanese military cryptologists during World War II and participated in all assaults the Marines led in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945, including at Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Peleliu and Iwo Jima.
The Code Talkers sent thousands of messages without error on Japanese troop movements, battlefield tactics and other communications crucial to the war’s ultimate outcome.
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 U.S. Marine Corps, for the United States and to protect the Navajo Nation in a time of war,” Nygren said.
He ordered all flags on the nation to be flown at half-staff from Sunday, Oct. 20, until sunset on Sunday, Oct. 27.
“It is appropriate for us to acknowledge, recognize and honor this distinguished man’s life, bravery and steadfast dedication to his family, 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 life is beyond measure. We salute you Corporal Kinsel. Semper Fi.”
Copyright 2024 Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved. KPHO and the Associated Press contributed to this report.