Code Talker

The Book in 1 Sentence

Chester Nez was a man of his people, who served his country as a warrior even though some of them did not respect him.

Brief Review

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese was constantly breaking American radio communications. In an effort to combat the continued losses against the Japanese, the United States Marines decided to get Navajo Natives to create a code that could be used in combat to speed up communications. It was 100% effective.

Why I Read this book

I served in the Marines for 10 years. My last duty station was in Code Talker Hall as part of Platoon 382. The legacy of the Code Talkers has been in my brain since 2008 when I first heard of them. I have seen picture of them, and pictures created by Chester Nez. I have seen ceremonial weapons and other items from their culture. However, other than wave tops, I knew nothing of their true story except through short lessons and Windtalkers, which isn't historically accurate.

In-Depth Review (Favorite Quotes)

Without these brave men, these champions of their cause and way of life, the Marines would never have taken Guadalcanal, Peleliu, or Iwo Jima. You will get the same information from the quotes used in the book from Marine and Army leadership who served with them.

Chester's life wasn't easy. Walking to a school that very much was like the Residential Schools in Canada where they worked to forced to give up their language and culture. Then for the government to come and kill a large portion of their livestock after promising to give them more land, which never happened.

I think the best part of his book is the conversation he has about why they are doing it. Being a person between two drastically different worlds is an experience that I don't have. However, when reading his story, you see that the level of grace and discipline they had younger, set all the Code Talkers apart from the other Marines.

He also just doesn't give gritty details of each attack on the islands. He provided a way to show how he and his brothers were able to bring humanity and keep their culture alive during a spectacularly difficult time.

How my life / behavior / thoughts / ideas have changed as a result of reading the book.

In 2001, the original Code Talkers were given the Civilian Gold Medal. We owe them more than we will ever know. I can't forget that.

Rating

This book is one of those that need more attention. It isn't a hard read, it isn't a political fest. It is just a man telling his story in simple words. Simple and powerful. It is an 8.

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