John Kinsel Sr. (1917–2024), WWII Navajo Code Talker
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2 min readJohn 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:afOctober 19, 2024 (Who else died on October 19?)c2
- Details of death:afDied at the age of 107.
- We invite you to share condolencesaffor John Kinsel Sr. in ourafGuest Book.c2
John Kinsel Sr.e28099s 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 hime280afavoid 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 e2809croute,e2809d which was e2809crabbit traile2809d in the Navajo language. He also helped with the terms for e2809ctanke2809d e28093 based on e2809cturtlee2809d e28093 and e2809caircraft,e2809d which they translated from the Navajo as e2809cbird carrier.e2809d
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
e2809cIt 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.e2809d e28094 from a 2019 interview in The Arizona Republic
Tributes to John Kinsel Sr.
Full obituary: Navajo Timesc2
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