Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII

I'd heard of code talkers before, but I'd never really dived into their history. I found this book, written by one of the original 29 (or 32 if you go by Chester's numbers). Code talkers were a group of brave Native Americans who used the Navajo language to make sure the Japanese didn't know what the Americans were doing in the Pacific during WWII. The code was never broken and was much quicker and more efficient than what was being used previously.I like how the memoir went through almost his entire life. It covers his childhood up until 2011. Chester passed away in 2014 and was the last surviving member of the original code talkers. He lived quite a life and went through so much.I have the Kindle version and wanted to mention a few things. The text for the book ends at page 276. Acknowledgements, Navajo dictionary for the code, Bibliography, an index, maps of the islands Chester helped conquer, and pictures fill the rest of the book. The pictures start on page 347. The code was small and hard to read on my Paperwhite, but that's something I could fix.This is one of the better memoirs I've read. The writing was easy to read, there were enough breaks if you wanted to stop for a while, and the subject matter was super interesting to me. I believe this is an important part of WWII history that shouldn't be forgotten. The impact these men had was so important to the Pacific theater, and it was a secret for so long. If you're at all interested in a life lived the Right Way, I recommend this book.

This is a remarkable story centered on the intriguing life of a World War II U.S. Marine veteran who was skilled and dedicated enough to earn a place among the so-called Navajo code talkers. In my years long fascination with the Allied fight against the Axis powers, only brief if any mention of these brave men was typically made. In this fascinating book, the reader is invited to come along with the author and his compatriots into some of the most fiercely fought combat in the Pacific Islands, including Guadalcanal, Guam and Peleliu.Mr. Nez’s story includes detailed descriptions of his upbringing in New Mexico and deep cultural heritage. The reader is brought into a world alive with a stunning appreciation and respect for nature, ancestral customs and unshakable lifelong responsibility.Code talkers like Mr. Nez were a vital asset during a war that placed extreme importance on the transmission of key strategic information, including enemy troop movements and threats. We are all in his debt, not only for his stunning bravery, but for having the wherewithal to tell his unique story in riveting detail.This is truly a book for the ages.

There have been several myths about the code talkers over the years. This book shows they were just myths. The book also offers insight into the lives and attitudes of the code talkers. This is not the most well written book you will read, and unfortunately age and failing memory rear their ugly head. That bing said, forgive the shortcomings and learn how a group of great Americans did their part to help defeat the Japanese. This is important history.

This book was a fascinating read that held my attention from start to finish. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning about the Code Talkers and the significant contributions they made to our country. It’s both educational and engaging!

Great book. Everyone should read it.

Chester Nez has written a brilliant memoir. He presents his life in a completely open, honest way. He is an insightful writer, especially about his time as a Code Talker. The Code Talkers seemed to be constantly in combat, in island battle after island battle. When needed, they were sent to different Marine divisions, never getting the R&R that their original divisions would. Chester described all of his experiences with honesty and without rancor.As I read the book I was reminded of another highly praised enlisted man’s memoir - To Hell and Back by Audie Murphy. Code Talker ranks with it.

Interesting read. Keep my interest the whole time I was reading. Recommended to anyone to learn about the code talkers and the contribution they made to the country.