Skip to content

Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code
Click for full-size.

Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII Soft cover - 2012

by Nez, Chester; Avila, Judith Schiess

  • Used
  • near fine
  • Paperback
  • Signed

During World War II, the Japanese had managed to crack every code the United States used. But when the Marines turned to its Navajo recruits to develop a secret military language, they created the only unbroken code in modern warfare--and helped assure victory for the U.S.

Description

Berkley Caliber, 2012. 3rd Printing. Soft cover. Near Fine. Book is clean with a square, tight binding and bright, white pages. Book has minor wear on the edges that is difficult to see in the scans. Book is inscribed to a fellow marine and signed by both authors Chester Nez and Judith Avila There were 420 World War 2 Navajo Marine code talkers. These men developed and implemented an unbreakable communications system that helped ensure the American defeat of the Japanese in the Pacific war. When the war ended other combatants were free to discuss their roles in the service and to receive recognition for their actions . But the Marine code talkers were instructed to keep their accomplishments secret. They kept their own counsel, hiding their deeds from family, friends, and acquaintances. The code was finally declassified in 1968, some 23 years after the war's end. This book is the story of Chester Nez, one of the 29 original code talkers. He offers this memoir of his American life before, during and after World War 2. Now nearing 90 years old he is the only living original code talker of the original 29. Illustrated with a 16 page center section of black and white photographs on glossy paper. Included is the actual Navajo code The book you see in the images is the actual book we have for sale. Why pay more? When you buy this book from us, you are helping to support a small brick and mortar family owned store. We have been curating our collection for three generations and currently have over 250,000 volumes in stock. Please feel free to call for more stock.
Used - Near Fine
NZ$99.35
NZ$8.69 Shipping to USA
Standard delivery: 7 to 14 days
More Shipping Options
Ships from Dons Book Store (New Mexico, United States)

About Dons Book Store New Mexico, United States

Biblio member since 2005
Seller rating: This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.

We are a family owned and operated bookstore in same location for 52 years. We have built our business on integrity, professional and personal service. General line of new and used paperback and hardback books, comics and graphic novels.

Terms of Sale:

We accept Discover, MasterCard and Visa. Books may be returned for any reason providing a request is made within 7 days of receipt. Return shipping charges refunded if book is not as described.

Browse books from Dons Book Store

Details

  • Title Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII
  • Author Nez, Chester; Avila, Judith Schiess
  • Binding Soft cover
  • Edition 3rd Printing
  • Condition Used - Near Fine
  • Pages 320
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Berkley Caliber, New York
  • Date 2012
  • Illustrated Yes
  • Features Bibliography, Illustrated, Index, Maps, Price on Product - Canadian
  • Bookseller's Inventory # 025130
  • ISBN 9780425247853 / 0425247856
  • Weight 0.8 lbs (0.36 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 in (22.35 x 15.24 x 2.29 cm)
  • Ages 18 to UP years
  • Grade levels 13 - UP
  • Themes
    • Chronological Period: 1940's
    • Chronological Period: 1900-1949
    • Ethnic Orientation: Native American
  • Library of Congress subjects United States, World War, 1939-1945
  • Dewey Decimal Code B

Summary

He is the only original World War II Navajo code talker still alive—and this is his story . . .

His name wasn’t Chester Nez. That was the English name he was assigned in kindergarten. And in boarding school at Fort Defiance, he was punished for speaking his native language, as the teachers sought to rid him of his culture and traditions. But discrimination didn’t stop Chester from answering the call to defend his country after Pearl Harbor, for the Navajo have always been warriors, and his upbringing on a New Mexico reservation gave him the strength—both physical and mental—to excel as a marine.

During World War II, the Japanese had managed to crack every code the United States used. But when the Marines turned to its Navajo recruits to develop and implement a secret military language, they created the only unbroken code in modern warfare—and helped assure victory for the United States over Japan in the South Pacific.
 
 

From the publisher

Chester Nez is a World War II veteran who indispensably served his country as a Navajo code talker.

Judith Schiess Avila is a code talker scholar with the New Mexico Endowment for the Humanities Chautauqua Program. She tours the state giving presentations on the topic. She and Chester have been friends since 2007.

Categories

Media reviews

"A unique, inspiring story by a member of the Greatest Generation." -- Kirkus Reviews

About the author

Chester Nez was a World War II veteran who indispensably served his country as a Navajo code talker. He passed away in 2014.

Judith Schiess Avila is a code talker scholar with the New Mexico Endowment for the Humanities Chautauqua Program. She tours the state giving presentations on the topic.