Unsung Heroes of World War II: The Story of the Navajo Code Talkers [Hardcover]

Deanne Durrett (Author), Deanne Durrett (Author)

Book Description

Series: Library of American Indian History (Facts on File) | Publication Date: July 1998

Describes the role of a select group of Navajo Marines who developed a code based on their own native language that provided a means for secure communications among American forces in the Pacific during World War II.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up-This book presents readers with a fine combination of Navajo history and culture and background information about World War II in the Pacific. In historical terms, the story of the Code Talkers is a recent one as it was kept secret for many years after the war. Durrett describes the establishment of the program from its inception through declassification and the official recognition of the Code Talkers' contributions. The well-written text examines the failures, successes, and problems that the program encountered from training the first group of Marines until the war's end. It also stresses the fact that the Navajo developed the code themselves rather than just using the language as it is normally spoken. Sidebars add interest and details to the text. Maps and vintage photos are well placed and fully documented. One minor flaw appears; the text states that President Roosevelt declared war on Japan; legally, only Congress can declare war. This title is similar to Nathan Aaseng's Navajo Code Talkers (Walker, 1992), but it focuses more on the individuals who were part of the original 29 Code Talkers while still presenting an overview of the whole subject. It's a definite purchase for World War II shelves, especially if the collection does not include Aaseng's title.
Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

This volume in the Library of Native American History series couldn't be more timely. With young people's interest in World War II piqued, thanks to the film Saving Private Ryan, this strong, well-written resource about the Navajo's role in the Allied victory is a worthwhile acquisition for both its military and its cultural value. Until 1969, when the Navajo Code was officially declassified by the U.S. government, the 420 Navajo Code Talkers remained unacknowledged heroes of the war. Initially, 29 Native American marines devised the code, using the Navajo's complex, inflection-sensitive language. Their work was not only indecipherable to the enemy but also remarkably efficient. What high-tech machines did in four hours, the Code Talkers achieved in literally two minutes. Such astounding facts, as well as stirring personal accounts of battle, make for fascinating, educational reading. Endnotes; selected further reading list. Roger Leslie

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Facts on File (July 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816036039
• ISBN-13: 978-0816036035
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,621,495 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Navajo Code Talkers exemplify "Semper Fidelis", March 24, 2000

By 

[e-mail] (Jeffersonville, Indiana, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Unsung Heroes of World War II: The Story of the Navajo Code Talkers (Hardcover)

"Unsung Heroes of World War II: The Story of the Navajo Code Talkers" is a book I would highly recommend to anyone interested in the Marines' fight or special operations during the Pacific war. Also, this book would serve anyone well who is interested in the general history or contributions of the Navajo nation to the US war effort. In my opinion, the code talkers as well as the Navajo nation exemplify the Corps' motto of "Semper Fidelis - Always Faithful" by not only serving as Marines in a critical operation during combat but, also supporting a nation and government that had previously alienated and uprooted them from their homes and livelihood. This book skillfully depicts the history, situation, training, and critical operations of the Navajo Code Talkers during the U.S. Marine Corps' Pacific campaign in World War 2. It covers in greater detail, actions by the code talkers at Guadalcanal, Pelieu, Guam, and especially Iowa Jima.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unsung Heroes, January 17, 2011

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xy - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Unsung Heroes of World War II: The Story of the Navajo Code Talkers (Paperback)

This concise history of the Navajo servicemen who provided invaluable aid during WWII in the Pacific is quite readable and fascinating.

5.0 out of 5 stars Unsung Heroes of World War II, December 13, 2011

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Susie67 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Unsung Heroes of World War II: The Story of the Navajo Code Talkers (Hardcover)

This is a great book! I loved this book because the author discusses the history of the Navajo Code Talkers from beginning to end in great detail. I would highly recommend this book.