Navajo code talkers played crucial WWII role

Have you ever heard of the Navajo code talkers? Probably most civilians have not, but most military vets have.

On Aug. 14, 1982, Navajo Code Talkers Day was proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan.

Although code talkers first started supporting war efforts in World War I, they played an increasingly important role in World War II.

The Navajo code talkers developed communications used over radios during battle using their native language. The Japanese could intercept English communications, but not Navajo transmissions, as they couldn't understand the language.

The U.S. government established a special recruiting program that led to hundreds of Navajo men joining and using their language to support the war effort.

They developed a code using their native language to communicate key military terms, phrases, orders, and battle plans.

Most Americans didn't realize the Navajo contribution to the U.S. military until 1968, when the program was officially declassified and details were released to the public.

Although they received only moderate attention over the following decades, the general public became much more aware of their bravery and efforts in 2001, when Congressional medals were presented to these gallant code talkers, who helped win the war in the Pacific.

Roger Gregory served as a captain in the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam. He is a Priest River businessman.