The Navajo Code Talkers (25th Anniversary Edition) [Paperback]

Doris A. Paul (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0805945903 | ISBN-13: 978-0805945904 | Publication Date: July 1998 | Edition: 25th Anniversary

An intriguing account of a select platoon of Marines known as the Navajo Code Talkers, the subject of the upcoming John Woo / Nicholas Cage movie 'Windtalkers.'

During World War II, the Navajo Code Talkers devised and employed a secret code using their native tongue, a code which proved totally undecipherable to the enemy, enabling American forces to prevail in the South Pacific.

The Navajo Code Talkers is the single most comprehensive account of the contribution of the Navajo native Americans in World War II. It's authentic photos and illustrations have been featured on CBS Television's "An American Portrait" series, and the book itself has been profiled on the ABC Nightly News. It is also among the select 10 perecnt of all books written by white men or women on the native Americans to be chsoen by the Navajos for display in their tribal museum.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"... an interesting account of that group of Marines who contributed so much to the cause of peace and freedom." -- President Richard M. Nixon

"...delightful reading for the soldier and civilian alike ... well-balanced in service humor, pride in country and devotion to duty..." -- Lloyd R. Moses, Director of the Institute of Indian Studies

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Dorrance Pub Co; 25th Anniversary edition (July 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805945903
• ISBN-13: 978-0805945904
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #245,211 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A story more people should be aware of...., March 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Navajo Code Talkers (25th Anniversary Edition) (Paperback)

I read this several years ago, being shocked that at age 40 something, I had never heard of the part the Navajos had played in the war. This book will appeal to anyone interested in languages, secret codes, World War II, or obscure history. The photographs and illustrations are a wonderful enhancement. Great subject, great book...I've mentioned it to many people over the years, most of them as unaware (and some disbelieving)as I was of these Navajo heroes.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Duty, and Honor without question, September 24, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Navajo Code Talkers (25th Anniversary Edition) (Paperback)

To say that the United States mistreated the Native Americans has already been established. This book shows that regardless of any mistreatment, the Navajo code talkers fulfilled their duties with honor and without question. This book shows the reader clearly how the Navajo language was used to help the United States defeat Japan during WWII. The recollections of their service to the United States are honest as well as very descriptive of the Navajo Indian's experience in WWII. This book is a must read for anyone who is interested in this often neglected chapter of WWII.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Navajo Code Talkers, August 20, 2006

By 

WWII Buff "Dave" (Parkton, MD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Navajo Code Talkers (25th Anniversary Edition) (Paperback)

For those who were not aware of the Code Talkers, this book was an excellent first source once the information was declassified in 1968. As far as accuracy, I can assure the readers that the material is very accurate, as my father was one of the major sources quoted in the book. He was with the 4th Signal Company, Headquarter Bn, 4th Marine Division, and made all four campaigns that the 4th Marine Division was engaged in. As a squad leader, he worked with quite a few of the Navajo Code Talkers. He was always impressed with their dedication to the job, even when under heavy enemy fire. Please note that the movie "Windtalkers" was very inaccurate in regard to the Code Talkers and the battle of Saipan (the Code Talkers were never guarded as in the movie, with orders that they be shot if captured - however, they often had Anglo's with them since they were often suspected as being Japanese). Hopefully the Eastwood movie coming out soon, and based on "Flags of our Fathers", will be more accurate. Enjoy the book!