John Kinsel Sr., one of the last surviving Navajo code talkers from World War II, passed away at 107-years-old earlier this week, officials have confirmed.
There are now only two remaining Navajo code talkers: Thomas Begay and Peter MacDonald, both in their nineties.
These men were part of a unique group of Navajo tribe members who played a key role in helping secure a World War II Allied victory by creating a secret communication system that the enemy could never break.
A legacy of service and code creation
Kinsel, a resident of Lukachukai, Arizona near the New Mexico border, was one of about 400 Navajo men who used their native Diné language to develop an unbreakable code for secure military communication during the war.
This code helped the US military safely send messages, crucial in battles against Japan, such as Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal, and Okinawa.
Kinsel enlisted with the US Marines in 1942, serving in the ninth regiment and third division during the battle of Iwo Jima. His efforts, alongside his fellow code talkers, ensured that military operations were not compromised by enemy intelligence.
According to a statement from the Navajo Nation, Kinsel’s contribution was instrumental in the US military’s success in key Pacific campaigns.
Recognition after years of secrecy
In a 2015 interview, Kinsel recalled that, for many years, his work as a code talker remained unknown. “Not even the Navajo Nation knew,” he said. The project was kept secret until the US military declassified it in 1968. This finally allowed Kinsel and his colleagues to be recognized for their service.
After the declassification, Kinsel was awarded a medallion to honor his contributions. During an oral history recorded by the Library of Congress, Kinsel spoke of the moment he received it, wearing the medallion during the interview. When asked if it was his first major award, he simply responded, “Big award, yeah.”
A humble homecoming
Kinsel also shared a touching memory from his return home after the war. He recalled celebrating by sharing a cigarette with his grandfather, who cried during the emotional moment. Kinsel’s return, like that of many veterans, marked the end of a chapter filled with sacrifice and honor.
To honor their vital contributions, the US now recognizes August 14th as Navajo Code Talkers Day. Their story even reached Hollywood in 2002 with the film Windtalkers.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren shared news of Kinsel’s passing on social media. He also reflected on the significant impact of Kinsel’s work.
Kinsel’s son, Ronald Kinsel, emphasized his father’s lasting contribution. He said that what his father and the other code talkers accomplished changed the course of history and will never be forgotten.
