John Kinsel Sr. was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and one of the last surviving Navajo Code Talkers, who helped the Allies win World War II.
- Died: October 19, 2024 (Who else died on October 19?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 107.
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John Kinsel Sr.’s legacy
Kinsel was a young high school graduate looking for a job when he met two U.S. Marines and was inspired to enlist. Before he left for boot camp, his family arranged for a blessing ceremony to keep him safe. Kinsey believed the ritual helped him avoid the front lines and serious injury as he fought in the war. He broke a leg and suffered from malaria, but otherwise, he returned home safely.
While he served, Kinsel was a key part of the group of Americans who developed and transmitted the unbreakable code based on the Navajo language. When he joined the Marines, in late 1942, it was just a few months after the first Code Talkers had begun developing their system. Kinsel was able to contribute to the creation of the code, including forming the idea for the code word for “route,” which was “rabbit trail” in the Navajo language. He also helped with the terms for “tank” – based on “turtle” – and “aircraft,” which they translated from the Navajo as “bird carrier.”
Kinsel served until early 1946, then returned to his hometown of Lukachukai, Arizona, where he lived the rest of his life. In 1989, he was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries he received while fighting at Iwo Jima. And in 2001, along with his fellow Navajo Code Talkers, he was honored with the Congressional Silver Medal. With his death, only two Navajo Code Talkers still remain.
Notable quote
“It seems like whenever there was danger, I would be out of the zone. If they didn’t have no ceremony, I would’ve been blown to pieces.” — from a 2019 interview in The Arizona Republic
Tributes to John Kinsel Sr.
Full obituary: Navajo Times
