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Code Talker
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Code Talker Paperback - 2012

by Chester Nez; Judith Schiess Avila

During World War II, the Japanese had managed to crack every code the United States used. But when the Marines turned to its Navajo recruits to develop a secret military language, they created the only unbroken code in modern warfare--and helped assure victory for the U.S.


Summary

He is the only original World War II Navajo code talker still alive—and this is his story . . .

His name wasn’t Chester Nez. That was the English name he was assigned in kindergarten. And in boarding school at Fort Defiance, he was punished for speaking his native language, as the teachers sought to rid him of his culture and traditions. But discrimination didn’t stop Chester from answering the call to defend his country after Pearl Harbor, for the Navajo have always been warriors, and his upbringing on a New Mexico reservation gave him the strength—both physical and mental—to excel as a marine.

During World War II, the Japanese had managed to crack every code the United States used. But when the Marines turned to its Navajo recruits to develop and implement a secret military language, they created the only unbroken code in modern warfare—and helped assure victory for the United States over Japan in the South Pacific.
 
 

From the publisher

The first and only memoir by one of the original Navajo code talkers of WWII. His name wasn't Chester Nez. That was the English name he was assigned in kindergarten. And in boarding school at Fort Defiance, he was punished for speaking his native language, as the teachers sought to rid him of his culture and traditions. But discrimination didn't stop Chester from answering the call to defend his country after Pearl Harbor, for the Navajo have always been warriors, and his upbringing on a New Mexico reservation gave him the strength--both physical and mental--to excel as a marine. During World War II, the Japanese had managed to crack every code the United States used. But when the Marines turned to its Navajo recruits to develop and implement a secret military language, they created the only unbroken code in modern warfare--and helped assure victory for the United States over Japan in the South Pacific. INCLUDES THE ACTUAL NAVAJO CODE AND RARE PICTURES

Details

  • Title Code Talker
  • Author Chester Nez; Judith Schiess Avila
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition Reprint
  • Pages 320
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Dutton Caliber, New York
  • Date 2012-08-07
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9780425247853 / 0425247856
  • Weight 0.8 lbs (0.36 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 in (22.35 x 15.24 x 2.29 cm)
  • Ages 18 to UP years
  • Grade levels 13 - UP
  • Themes
    • Chronological Period: 1940's
    • Chronological Period: 1900-1949
    • Ethnic Orientation: Native American
  • Library of Congress subjects United States, World War, 1939-1945
  • Dewey Decimal Code B

Media reviews

"A unique, inspiring story by a member of the Greatest Generation." -- Kirkus Reviews

About the author

Chester Nez was a World War II veteran who indispensably served his country as a Navajo code talker. He passed away in 2014. Judith Schiess Avila is a code talker scholar with the New Mexico Endowment for the Humanities Chautauqua Program. She tours the state giving presentations on the topic.
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Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII
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Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII

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Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII
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Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII

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Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII
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Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII

by Chester Nez,Judith Schiess Avila

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Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII
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Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII

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Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII
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Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII

by Chester Nez,Judith Schiess Avila

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Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII
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Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII

by Chester Nez, Judith Schiess Avila

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Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII
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Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII

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Code Talker : The First and Only Memoir by One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII
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Code Talker : The First and Only Memoir by One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII

by Nez, Chester, Avila, Judith Schiess

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9780425247853 / 0425247856
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Code Talker : The First and Only Memoir by One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII
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Code Talker : The First and Only Memoir by One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII

by Nez, Chester, Avila, Judith Schiess

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780425247853 / 0425247856
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Code Talker : The First and Only Memoir by One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII
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Code Talker : The First and Only Memoir by One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII

by Nez, Chester, Avila, Judith Schiess

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780425247853 / 0425247856
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