Passing of a Code Talker
Navajo Code Talker Alfred Newman died Sunday at a nursing home in New Mexico. He was 94.
By Travis Fedschun
Alfred K. Newman, one of the last surviving Navajo Code Talkers, died at the age of 94 on Sunday in New Mexico.
Newman, who used his native language to outsmart the Japanese in World War II by helping to create an uncrackable code, died at a nursing home in Bloomfield, New Mexico.
“Navajo Code Talker Alfred Newman was a hero, and he stood amongst giants,” tribal President Russell Begaye told the Arizona Republic. “We will be forever grateful for his contributions and bravery, as well as that of each and every one of our Navajo Code Talkers. They are national treasures.”
Newman was among hundreds of Navajos who served in the Marine Corps, using a code based on their native language to outsmart the Japanese in World War II.
Newman had attended a school where rules prohibited students from speaking in Dine, the language that ended up being one of the tool the U.S. used to defeat Japan, according to the Republic.
The death leaves eight surviving code talkers, the Republic reported.
During World War II, Newman served from 1943-45 in the 1st Battalion, 21st Marine Regiment and 3rd Marine Division and saw duty at Bougainville Island, Guam, Iwo Jima, Kwajalein Atoll, Enewetak Atoll, New Georgia and New Caledonia.
Read the entire article here: Fox News.
Fair winds and following seas, Marine.
Tip of the hat to 11B-Mailclerk for the link.
Category: Marines, The Warrior Code, Valor
May the road rise to meet you, and the wind be always at your back. A swift, surefooted horse, a long spear, a fine bow and a quiver that is never empty will always be in your hands.
háá nilyį́į́h
Nicely done.
God Bless you sir, you are truly one of the greatest generation!
God Speed and Fare Well Marine Code Talker Alfred K. Newman, Thank you for your service. May you find a warm hearty welcome from your fellow Warriors.
Only eight left.
“Thoughts are like arrows: once released, they strike their mark. Guard them well or one day you may be your own victim.” ~ Navajo proverb
Alfred Newman was one of the greatest of the “greatest generation.”
Bougainville Island, Guam, Iwo Jima, Kwajalein Atoll, Enewetak Atoll, New Georgia and New Caledonia.
Wow.
My thoughts as well, Cav.
True hell holes where every grain of sand was purchased with American blood. It is stories of true heros like this that really piss me off over the lying POSer dirtbags that show up here. Had an uncle that was in the Pacific Campaign (Army). The only thing he ever said about his service was about 1998ish. “We’d of never taken those islands if it hadn’t of been for the Code Talkers.”
This great man gives new meaning to the title of ” A great American.”
Talk about assimilating but honoring your roots as well. We are in deep shit in the next one without people of Mr. Newman’s high character.
You have served both of your nations well Sir!
His post-war life is a familiar one. He went to work. He raised a family. He did not talk of war. His son told NPR that it wasn’t until the 1980s that he even learned that his Dad was a Code Talker. He also offered that his Dad liked to sit on his porch and watch the squirrels and chipmunks and other critters and that his Dad always spotted them first.
I always imagine that when the echoes of the guns fade it is nice to hear the sounds of nature and to just soak in it for a lifetime of peace.
He certainly earned it. These men passing leave little tears in my heart that never quite heal.
So sad. Heroes such as Mr. Newman contributed so much and left a solid path for us to follow. We can only hope that our service was worthy of the lessons gentlemen such as he taught us.
RIP, sir.
Rest in well deserved peace Sir. God be with your family.
Fair winds and following seas.
They are legends among ham radio operators and have been since I was kid. The Japanesse must have been pulling hairs trying to figure it out.
I wonder how “Dahell?” is said in Japanese.
Nantekotta i – heard that more than once when station in Japan…
Rest in Peace.
Another Warrior joins his Comrades in History and Valhalla. Rest In Peace, Sir.
Hardcore legends.
Rest well.
Fair Winds And Following Seas, Warrior. May the spirits rise up to greet you.
Enjoy Valhalla, elder brother-in-arms.