Jimmie Begay, Navajo Code Talker, passes on at age 86

Thursday, February 2, 2012  

Jimmie Begay, a member of the Navajo Nation who served as a Code Talker during World War II, died on Wednesday. He was 86.

Begay was one of the 400-plus soldiers who used the Navajo language to transmit unbreakable codes during the war. He received a Congressional silver medal for his efforts.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Sgt. Begay. His efforts to defend this country and his people make me proud. My prayers, and the prayers of the First Lady, the Vice President and the Navajo Nation are with the family,” President Ben Shelly said in a press release.

Get the Story:
Navajo Code Talker dies; flags lowered in honor (AP 2/2)