Samuel Benally, Navajo Code Talker

An American, Marine and Navajo hero who will be remembered forever by the mark he left on the world. The Navajo Code Talkers saved countless lives of fellow Americans, and were an integral part of victory for the Allied forces in World War II. The 381 members used their first language to transmit messages by radio and telephone to each other with the enemy listening to their every word, but understanding none. These were young men, some really just boys, eager to contribute. Some left this life in the effort, while others came home to lead the Navajo People, and some died too young as a result of their experience. This man left his name and little else to remember him by, but his name is all we need to know that he was a hero – American, Marine and Navajo.

Written by Danny F. Drollinger, SSG US Army and AZNG, Retired