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One of the advantages the Allies had in WW2 was cracking various Axis codes. Naturally, the Allies didn't want their codes to be broken and so to add an extra layer of security, some codes were based on unwritten Native American tribal languages (that the Japanese and Germans couldn't speak). It was also much quicker than normal codes. These Native American code takers were immortalized in the 2002 American war film, Windtalkers.
Travel to the massive Navajo Nation reservation today and one can still hear stories of the famed Navajo Code Talkers and learn firsthand what happened. The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American reservation and is a spectacular place to visit. It is famous for the butts of Monument Valley and the stunning Antelope Canyon.
Background Of The Navajo Code Talkers
"Every WWII combatant appreciated the need for an unbreakable code that would help them communicate while protecting their operational plans. The U.S. Marines knew where to find one: the Navajo Nation. Marine Corps leadership selected 29 Navajo men, the Navajo Code Talkers, who created a code based on the complex, unwritten Navajo language."
The 2002 movie, Windtalkers stars Nicolas Cage and Adam Beach in the Pacific Theater of World War Two and takes place during the American invasion of Saipan.
- Windtalkers: The 2002 Movie That Brought Navajo Code Talkers To Fame
The movie is based on the real story of Navajo code talkers and the intrigues that surrounded the Americans protecting their valuable code more than the lives of the Native American code talkers themselves. Side note, the movie was a box office flop - but even so, it is a powerful movie and one worth watching to learn about this often forgotten part of the War in the Pacific.
According to the National WW2 Museum the idea of using "American Indians who were fluent in both their traditional tribal language and in English" had been around since WW1. But the idea fully matured in WW2 and American Indian speakers were recruited for the military.
The Importance Of The Navajo Code Talkers
The Native American Code Talkers were able to translate three lines of English in 20 seconds. Previously that would have taken 30 minutes.
- Speed: Deciphering Could Be Down In 20 Seconds Instead of 30 Minutes
The Code Talkers went on to serve in every major Marine operation of the Pacific theater. They were deemed critical for the victory on Iwo Jima. The Navajo Code remained unbroken at the end of the war.
- Unbroken: The Navajo Code Was Not Broken
Marine leadership noted after the battle that the Code Talkers were critical to the victory at Iwo Jima. At the end of the war, the Navajo Code remained unbroken.
Meet The Last Surviving Navajo Code Talkers
Go to Monument Valley in the Navajo Nation in Arizona and meet Peter MacDonald. As of the time of writing (June 2022), he is one of the last surviving Navajo Code Talkers. One can have a private tour that includes storytelling by Peter MacDonald who shares his story about this service in World War II (as well as his time as President of the Navajo Nation).
The experience is highly customizable with visitors being able to engage with Mr. MacDonald and ask questions about his full life story.
One of the fun parts of the experience is that it is in an otherwise restricted area of Monument Valley or Mystery Valley for outsiders. Imagine hearing his moving stories in a remote canyon or on the top of a sand dune with a breathtaking view of Monument Valley.
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Ages: All ages
- Tour Time(s): 12 p.m.
- Peter MacDonald: One Of The Last Living Navajo Code Talkers
Pricing:
The pricing depends on how many people are in the group.
- 2 to 4 People: $2,500
- 5 to 10 People: $3,500
- 11 And More: $3,850
Note that if one has booked a specific time, Daylight Savings is observed on the Navajo Reservation. That means there can be a one-hour time difference with the rest of Arizona.
Visitors are encouraged to bring water, hiking shoes, and sun protection.
The tour is offered by Monument Valley Safari. They offer a number of other stunning off-road adventure tours that one can choose from. Not all are expensive with tours starting from $95 for a 3.5-hour tour.