Are There Still Navajo Code Talkers?
Believe it or not, yes, there are still code talkers alive today. Below, there are some amazing and inspiring pictures and stories on four of the Navajo code talkers. Now, there are many movies made about the talkers who had their place in protecting the US.
This is Keith Little. He served in the United States Marine Corps from December of 1943 until the end of WWII. Keith was not sure of the significance he had contributed to the war until later in his life. Now, he wants to teach younger generations to strive for excellence. He wanted to go to war because he wanted to "protect our people, land, and country."
Teddy Draper Sr.'s story is a little different. He joined the Marines on November 3,1943. Teddy was sent overseas and saw various campaigns. In the assault on Iwo Jima, he was injured in the face and leg by mortar fire, but he continued on. On Green Beach, he ran through heavy fire to gather lost equipment needed so he could open lines of communication. After that, he was promoted. Unfortunately, he lost many friends in battle. Later, he served in Japan. Teddy was discharged May 16, 1946.
Let us meet Bill Toledo. He served as a Navajo code talker from October 1942 through October 1945. One day, while filling in as a messenger, he dodged a bullet which could have killed him. Then, while marching through the jungle, he was mistaken for a Japanese soldier. From then on, he was assigned a "bodyguard" so he would not be mistaken for the enemy again. Now, he wants to share his experiences with new generations so they can understand the sacrifices that were made as a Navajo code talker.
This is Samuel Tso. He served in the US Marine Corps from February 13, 1943 until March 29, 1946. When he first saw Iwo Jima, he thought the US could easily take the little island over. One day, when the beaches seemed quiet, the Japanese attacked with heavy fire. Only then, did Samuel figure out that it would take over a month to conquer this island. He stills remembers when they were under heavy fire, the soldiers took cover in bomb craters. On one side of the crater, everyone was dead and alive on the other. No wonder he loves the "Code Talker Museum." There, he can share stories.