Chester Nez, the last of the original Navajo code talkers credited with creating an unbreakable code used during World War II, died June 5 at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Navajo Nation President said. He was 93.
Last original Navajo code talker of WWII —
Chester Nez, the last of the original Navajo code talkers credited with creating an unbreakable code used during World War II, died June 5 at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Navajo Nation President said. He was 93.
Courtesy Chester Nez
Nez, standing front left, poses for a portrait with the first group of Navajo code talkers in San Diego in 1942.
Last original Navajo code talker of WWII —
Nez, standing front left, poses for a portrait with the first group of Navajo code talkers in San Diego in 1942.
Courtesy Michael Nez
Nez also served in the Korean War from 1950 to 1951.
Last original Navajo code talker of WWII —
Nez also served in the Korean War from 1950 to 1951.
Courtesy Chester Nez
President George W. Bush salutes Nez while presenting him with the Congressional Gold Medal at the U.S. Capitol in 2001.
Last original Navajo code talker of WWII —
President George W. Bush salutes Nez while presenting him with the Congressional Gold Medal at the U.S. Capitol in 2001.
Douglas Graham/Roll Call/Getty Images
Nez addresses the crowd at an outdoor rally in Albuquerque before a speech by then-Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry in 2004.
Last original Navajo code talker of WWII —
Nez addresses the crowd at an outdoor rally in Albuquerque before a speech by then-Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry in 2004.
Jake Schoellkopf/AP
Nez, seen at his home in 2009, told his story in his book, "Code Talker." He said he decided to tell his story because he wanted to share the contributions and sacrifices of the Navajo during World War II.
Last original Navajo code talker of WWII —
Nez, seen at his home in 2009, told his story in his book, "Code Talker." He said he decided to tell his story because he wanted to share the contributions and sacrifices of the Navajo during World War II.
Felicia Fonseca/AP