World War II

1. World War II During WWII the primary method of communication was the Radio. The problem with radios was that anyone with a radio receiver could tune into your frequency and listen to what you are saying. Sensitive information had to be encrypted (coded), transmitted, and then decrypted (decoded) in order to be used. This process took a lot of time and slowed the communication process.

2. World War II During WWII one of the greatest weapons the Japanese had was their Cryptologists. (communication encrypters and decrypters) The Japanese were experts at breaking encryption codes. They would use our communications to plan their strategy.

3. But then the US Marine Corps discovered their own Secret Weapon

4. As the Marines conducted their Island Hopping Campaign on their way to Japan, they had an un-breakable code which provided communication security.

5. The Navajo code allowed the Marines to communicate sensitive information with security preventing the Japanese from knowing our attack plans

6. Navajo was a “Hidden Language” It had no written form or symbols It was only spoken in the Navajo Nation in the American Southwest It was impossible for adults to learn

7. USMC discovers the Navajo language • Phillip Johnston grew up on a Navajo Reservation as the son of a missionary. • He presented a practical demonstration to the USMC. • The Marine Corps authorized the recruitment of 200 Navajos to be trained and used as communicators in the Pacific.

8. First they were sent to San Diego for Boot Camp and then to the Field Signal Battalion Training Center at Camp Pendleton California.

9. Requirements: Fluent in Navajo language, Fluent in English language, Learn the Navajo Military Code

10. They were taught basic military communications and then a Navajo double coded system

11. The written code could not be carried into combat for fear of it falling into the enemy’s hands and being used to decrypt our messages. The entire code had to be memorized.

12. After their training was complete the Marine Code Talkers were assigned to combat units in the Pacific

13. About 400 Navajos qualified and served in the Marine Signal Corps in the Pacific during WWII

14. Navajo Code Talkers participated in every Marine assault in the Pacific during WWII

15. They faced the usual hazards of combat life and they had an additional hazard in combat: Being mistaken for the enemy impersonating Marines

16. Among the Navajo Code Talkers is a strong sense of Esprit de Corps. They have a heritage of Service & Loyalty This Marine Secret Weapon was kept a secret from the public for 25 years after WWII

17. Their Patriotism, Resourcefulness, and Courage earned them the gratitude of all Americans

18. In 2001 the President of the United States declared August 14 national Navajo Code Talker Day