Navajo Code Talkers and the Unbreakable Code

Introduction

• Pfc. Preston Toledo and Pfc. Frank Toledo, Navajo cousins, relayed orders using Navajo language during WWII.
• Importance of encoding military messages to prevent enemy interception.
• The Marine Corps utilized Navajo language to create an unbreakable code.

Historical Context

• Native American languages previously used in WWI (Choctaw) for encoding messages.
• Post WWI, Germany and Japan studied Native American languages, causing US military concerns about using such languages again.

Development of the Navajo Code

• Philip Johnston: Key figure in proposing a code based on the Navajo language.
  • Johnston's background: Grew up on a Navajo reservation, fluent in Navajo.
• 1942: Marine Corps initiated a pilot project with 30 Navajos, with Johnston participating.
• Navajo Language: Ideal due to its complexity and lack of written form.
• Marine Corps added a layer of encoding to make it more secure.

Code Implementation

• Initial group of 29 Navajo recruits developed the code at Camp Elliott in 1942.
• The code included vocabulary and an alphabet system.
  • Vocabulary: Started with 211 terms, expanded to 411.
  • Word Association: Used Navajo words for war implements (e.g., birds for planes).
  • Alphabet System: Multiple Navajo words used for each English letter.

Efficiency and Use in Combat

• A successful test against skepticism proved the code's efficiency in relaying messages rapidly.
• Navajo Code Talkers played crucial roles in major Marine operations in the Pacific.
  • Example: During the Iwo Jima invasion, 800+ error-free messages were sent by six Code Talkers.
• Major Howard Connor acknowledged the critical role of Code Talkers in the success of Marine operations.

Recognition and Honors

• Recognition of Code Talkers came post-declassification in 1968.
• 1982: President Reagan declared August 14 as Navajo Code Talkers Day.
• 2000: Congressional Gold Medal awarded to original 29 Code Talkers.
• 2001: President George W. Bush presented medals to surviving Code Talkers.

Code Challenge

• Offers an interactive exercise to decipher Navajo codes using the Navajo Code Talker Dictionary.
  • Challenge 1: Name of individual suggesting Navajo language use: Philip Johnston.
  • Challenge 2: Battle where skills were crucial: Iwo Jima.

Additional Resources

• US Navy Navajo Code Talker Dictionary provides insight into the code structure and usage.