World War II Navajo Code Talker dies at 92

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — A Navajo Code Talker who used his native language to confound the Japanese in World War II has died.

The Navajo Nation says Roy Hawthorne Sr. died Saturday. He was 92.

Hawthorne enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at 17 and became part of a famed group of Navajos who transmitted hundreds of messages in their language without error.

The code was never broken.

Hawthorne was one of the most visible survivors of the group. He appeared at public events and served as vice president of a group representing the men.

He never considered himself a hero.

Hawthorne later served with the U.S. Army.

He’s survived by five children and more than a dozen grandchildren.

A funeral service is scheduled Friday.

In Other News

Only Ukraine’s guardian angel docs know true toll of counteroffensive

The medical teams near Ukraine's front lines estimate they've treated tens of thousands of troops, injured in the counteroffensive.

United Airlines eases job path for transitioning military pilots

Less turbulence: Airline touts 'pilot buddy' program, helping military pilots complete requirements they need for transition to civilian aviation.

Opinion

The demographic and fiscal time bombs ticking inside the Pentagon

The lack of 18-year-olds to serve and our country’s towering fiscal deficits will endanger our national security in the near term.

‘Muzzle’ pits veteran-turned-cop into quest for revenge, identity

"Muzzle" premieres Sept. 29.

Child care fees plunge for many military families

The cost of child care is going down for many military families. In some cases they will be paying 30% to 40% less.

Load More