John Kinsel Sr., Honored WWII Navajo Code Talker, Dies at 107

Kinsel was one of the hundreds of Navajos who were recruited by the Marine Corps to serve as Code Talkers. He used his native language to construct an unbreakable code that was crucial during the war. "Mr. Kinsel was a Marine who bravely and selflessly fought for all of us in the most terrifying circumstances with the greatest responsibility as a Navajo Code Talker," President Nygren stated in a statement, praising Kinsel's bravery and dedication.

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Kinsel's departure has resulted in the extinction of all but two Navajo Code Talkers: Thomas H. Begay and former Navajo Chairman Peter MacDonald. These warriors were instrumental in all Marine assaults in the Pacific Theater from 1942 to 1945, which included significant engagements at Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Peleliu, and Iwo Jima. The war's outcome was significantly influenced by the thousands of critical communications they transmitted regarding troop movements and battlefield strategies.

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Kinsel, who was born in Cove, Arizona, resided in the Navajo community of Lukachukai, where he established a legacy of resilience and valor that will be cherished for generations.

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