One of the last Navajo Code Talkers, who helped secure an Allied victory in World War II by sending crucial messages in a code based on the Navajo language, has died.
“On behalf of the entire Navajo Nation, our Navajo veterans and service men and women, First Lady Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren and me, we extend our sincerest condolences and prayers to the family of Mr. Kinsel,” Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren said announced on social media.
From right, Navajo Code Talkers John Pinto , John Kinsel, Sr. and William T. Brown during the Navajo Nation Code Talkers Day ceremony in Window Rock, Ariz., on Aug. 14, 2018.
Kinsel received a Purple Heart in 1989 and a Congressional Silver Medal for his service as a Navajo code talker in 2001.
Following Kinsel's death, there are now only two surviving Navajo Code Talkers: Former Navajo Chairman Peter MacDonald and Thomas H. Begay, The Associated Press reported.
Persons:
John Kinsel Sr, Lady Jasmine Blackwater, Kinsel, Buu Nygren, Mr, selflessly, Talkers John Pinto, John Kinsel, William T, Brown, Mark Henle, Nygren, “, ”, John Woo, Kinsel’s, Ronald Kinsel, “ Cheii, Peter MacDonald, Thomas H
Organizations:
Navajo, U.S . Marine Corps, USA, Marines, U.S . Navy, Navajo Times, Marine Corps, Department of Veteran Affairs, Associated Press
Locations:
Navajo, United States, Republic, Pacific, Iwo Jima, Cove , Arizona, Lukachukai, Guam, Bougainville