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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

Written by: Chester Nez, Judith Schiess Avila
Narrated by: David Colacci
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About this listen

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.

©2019 Chester Nez, Judith Schiess Avila (P)2019 Penguin Audio
United States Wars & Conflicts World War II Military War Navajo History

What the critics say

"Gripping in its narrative, Code Talker is history at its best." (Colonel Cole C. Kingseed, US Army (ret.), co-author of Beyond Band of Brothers: The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters)

"A fascinating inside look at one of WWII’s most closely guarded secrets.... This is an important book, a previously untold piece of our history." (Marcus Brotherton, author of Shifty’s War)

"You don’t need to be a fan of World War II literature to appreciate this memoir...a fascinating melange of combat in the Pacific theater, the history of the Navajo people and the development of a uniquely American code." (Associated Press)

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

"A remarkably affecting first-person account of the Navajo Marines who served their country with distinction through some of the worst battles of the Pacific theater." (The Washington Times)

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An important book… and very well done

Thank goodness that the secret history of the Navajo Code Talkers was told while Chester was still able to tell his story. It’s hard to believe that there were only 32 of these remarkable men, and their contribution was unacknowledged for so long. This is a very human telling, giving the listener an appreciation for the Navajo way of life through Chester’s childhood, the code the recruits developed (included in a PDF with the audio), and his life after WWII. Be sure to keep listening at end for an interview with Chester. Highly recommended.

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Very good book

This is a very well written book regarding the code talkers. A piece of history right here!

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