By love-89.com At the age of 107, John Kinsel Sr., one of the last surviving Navajo Code Talkers, passed away on October 19, with confirmation from both the Navajo Nation and the United States Marine Corps. This news was shared widely, including a tribute from the U.S. Navy Institute on social media.
Buu Nygren, the chief of the Navajo Nation, released a statement honoring Kinsel’s bravery and selflessness during World War II, emphasizing his role as a Code Talker in some of the most challenging circumstances. Nygren noted, “Kinsel fought for all people alongside his fellow Marines, performing many great missions to protect the Navajo people while serving his country.”
Ronald Kinsel, John’s son, informed Nygren of his father’s peaceful passing in his sleep. In a heartfelt statement, Ronald reflected on his father’s remarkable life, stating, “He lived a long, fulfilling life and, alongside the other Navajo Code Talkers, changed the course of history. He will always be remembered, and I will continue to share his legendary story and incredible spirit.”
Throughout World War II, approximately 400 Navajo Code Talkers were involved in every U.S. Marine Corps operation, successfully communicating vital messages in their native language, which the Japanese were never able to decipher.
According to records from the Library of Congress, Kinsel was born in Lukachukai, Arizona, and served in the Marine Corps from October 1942 to January 1946, participating in significant battles such as Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima.
The heroic feats of the Navajo Code Talkers were later depicted in the 2002 film “Windtalkers,” directed by John Woo. As reported by The Arizona Republic, with Kinsel’s passing, only two original Code Talkers, Peter McDonald and Thomas H. Begay, remain alive today.