Based on its spotty track record with Native American relations, it's fascinating that the United States military recognizes what an asset these Navajo recruits were. government - and there are many - in order to serve during the war because after all the Japanese attacked his home too. He sets aside his differences with the U.S.

In 2001 he and his fellow surviving Navajo veterans are honored with Congressional medals of honor.Ĭhester's story is fascinating because it's a testament to his rich cultural heritage. His eldest son dies in a car accident, after which Chester moves back to his home on the Checkerboard in New Mexico. As he gives speaking tours, his marriage back home falls apart. Finally 1968 his mission is declassified and Chester becomes a local celebrity. The transition back to civilian life is complicated by the secrecy of his work during the war and his haunting PTSD. He graduates college, gets married, and has four sons. After serving in some of the most pivotal battles of the war, Chester is honorable discharged and returns home. They base the code upon their native language, of which the Japanese would have no knowledge.

Along with the other Navajo they are drafted for a top secret mission: developing an unbreakable code to communicate orders on the front. When WWII breaks out, he and his friend, Roy, enlist. Chester is born and raised in New Mexico, deeply rooted in his Navajo heritage. Written by people who wish to remain anonymousĬode Talkerby Joseph Bruchac is a historical fiction novel about a Navajo code-talker during WWII. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own. 'Nonsensational and accurate, Bruchac's tale is quietly inspiring.These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. This deeply affecting novel honors all of those young men, like Ned, who dared to serve, and it honors the culture and language of the Navajo Indians. His grueling journey is eye-opening and inspiring. Yet their story remained classified for more than twenty years.īut now Joseph Bruchac brings their stories to life for young adults through the riveting fictional tale of Ned Begay, a sixteen-year-old Navajo boy who becomes a code talker. They braved some of the heaviest fighting of the war, and with their code, they saved countless American lives. effort, sending messages back and forth in an unbreakable code that used their native language. Throughout World War II, in the conflict fought against Japan, Navajo code talkers were a crucial part of the U.S. Synopsis: 'Readers who choose the book for the attraction of Navajo code talking and the heat of battle will come away with more than they ever expected to find.'- Booklist, starred review

Code talker bruchac