World War II Navajo Code Talkers
Judith Avila and Chester Nez talked about their book, Code Talkers: The First and Only Memoir by One of the Original Code Talkers of WWII.
Description
Judith Avila and Chester Nez talked about their book, Code Talkers: The First and Only Memoir by One of the Original Code Talkers of WWII.
Bell Ringer Assignment
- What is a code talker? Why was this important?
- Explain the formation of the first group of code talkers.
- Why did the Marines choose to use Navajo?
- Explain the reaction among the men who were assigned to be code talkers.
- Describe the process of creating the alphabet.
- What is the misconception regarding the Navajo language and the code talkers?
- How were the code talkers recognized by the U.S. Government?
- Extension Assignment: Have students select one of the videos below to hear former Navajo Code Talkers share their background and experiences. Have them present their information to the class.
Additional Resources
- Navajo Code Talker Teddy Draper Oral History Interview
Former Navajo Code Talker Teddy Draper talked about his early life and World War II service.
- Navajo Code Talker Albert Smith Oral History Interview
Navajo Code Talker Albert Smith talked about witnessing Japanese soldiers
- Navajo Code Talker Samuel Sandoval Oral History Interview
Former Navajo Code Talker Samuel Sandoval talked about his early life and World War II service.
- Navajo Code Talker Keith Little Oral History Interview
Former Navajo Code Talker Keith Little talked about his early life and service during World World II
- Navajo Code Talker Samuel Tso Oral History Interview
Former Navajo Code Talker Samuel Tso talked about his early life and World War II service.