The story of the Navajo Code Talkers begins in 1940 when a small group of Chippewas and Oneidas became a part of the radio communications 32nd Infantry Division. Soon after, Sac and Fox tribes joined in the ranks as combat radiomen. The complexity of Navajo linguistics allowed it to become an ideal choice to be used in code due to the lack of documentation made available for learning to speak the language and ability for the same words to mean multiple things based on sound. The legacy of the Navajo Code Talkers will continue as many documentary and stories have been shared about their journey since it’s declassification during Reagan’s Administration.

The beginning of the Navajo Code Talkers began on May 4, 1942 when 29 recruits were placed aboard a bus and transported to San Diego, California for Marine Corps training. The program was originally established in September gearing to create a code language that had no written alphabet or documentation. Navajo males between the ages of 17 and 32 were recruited. Some leaving their native land for the first time to travel overseas on the front lines. After the ending of the war and returning in the United States, the existence of the Navajo Code Talker program was kept a secret for decades more.

The Navajo Code Talkers that served during World War II contributed greatly to the success of the Pacific War changing tides before the dropping of the atom bomb. Navajo children in that day did not have birth records and lived far from cities. They were required by the American government to attend school by the age of 5 and covert to a more modern day society. It was against rules to speak in their native language or have native names and long hair. As a result of attempting to erase their Indian culture, new white names were given to children and their hair was cut. They learned to speak English, however that did not stop the Navajo children from communicating in secret. This would end up becoming a prized possession of the Marine Corp as they recruited Navajo men to join the ranks of Marines serving in the Asian Pacific. Their language was used to create a code language only understood and communicated by the Navajo.

The Comanche Code Talkers were used during World War II due to their ability to decode a transmitted messages in less than 3 minutes. It would take a military machine up to four hours to transmit and decode. Comanche Code Talkers contributed to saving thousands of military service member lives and served during major military conflicts such as D-Day. Of the 17 men enlisted in the United States Army, none were killed during WWII. They served in the Army as a part of the 4th Infantry Division.

The Navajo Code Talkers returned home from the war to an economy that was scarce with little resources and short supply of many items such as food or gasoline. Many Indians were unable to eat or drink at certain establishments and were never recognized at that time for their distinctive service during the war. Many code talkers went on to farm, work in their communities, or on the railroad. Many code talkers during their time earned Purple Hearts, Silver Stars, and Combat Infantry Badges. However, this recognition was not provided to them for more than 40 years later.

Of the more than 400 code talkers that served through World War II, less than 60 are still alive. A combination of many forms of Native American language and tribes were used to create a form of unbreakable communications during the war. Code talkers came from many tribes such as the Cherokee, Lakota, Meskwaki, and Comanche. The original code talking program was pioneered by Choctaw Indians serving in the United States Army during World War I.