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

Really love this history.

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.

This is definitely a must-read for anyone interested in this topic or certainly the history of the war. The code talkers were neglected for so many years - and one could certainly digress as to why, but that is fodder for another day. This memoir is a good start on the road to rectifying that wrong. The memoir could have concentrated just on the war years, but that would have been a mistake. Any good historian knows, as the late R.G.L. Waite used to say, that in order to study World War II you must look back as far as possible. And in order to look back at the late Mr. Nez's experience in the war, it is imperative that he fully discuss his life with the reader- which he wisely did in this volume. We are introduced to his life before the war - beginning as a young child, including when he was forced to attend boarding school for many years, away from his family, where English was rammed down his throat and his native language was forbidden. If you are unfamiliar with the legalized repression of the Navajo culture in American history, this is yet another reason why you absolutely must read this book. It is perfectly understandable why it was co-written by a professional writer, who spent countless hours interviewing him in depth. Our code talker never pretended to be a professional writer, nor should he have spent years writing a memoir at his advanced age. I am sure he had better things to do. His co-writer was smart in that she allowed him to retain his voice almost always throughout the book. You note that I said "almost always." There are times in the book - even sentences and paragraphs - where it is clear that the writing is in an entirely different voice, and as an experienced reader that may jangle your nerves. Their editors should have caught that and fixed it. However, any memoir that is cowritten with a professional writer usually has this as an Achilles heel, and one must suppress one's perfectionism as a reader because the story itself is so compelling. Certainly the story within Code Talkers is extraordinarily compelling and the writing, quite good. I read it very quickly within a couple of days - and you probably will as well. I recommend it highly.

The skill and bravery of these Navajo men should be known by anyone who reads war history. I knew a little about them, but this book is amazing in telling a more complete story of these heroes. They were in the most dangerous places. their work was a significant advantage for US forces.

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.

I think every person should know about how the Code Talkers essentially won WW2 !

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!

I loved this book so much that I bought a copy for a friend. Great story of an American hero!