JOHN KINSEL SR: THE LEGACY OF ONE OF THE FINAL NAVAJO CODE TALKERS
Using codes is a common occurrence on the battlefield. Keeping information private while communication open has always been a challenge and during World War II, the Navajo Code Talkers were brought in to help the United States keep its secrets secure. In total, there were 400 Navajo Code Talkers, give or take, but today there are only two left. John Kinsel Sr. was among the second wave of Code Talkers who were essential to the war effort and created a way to communicate that was never broken by enemy forces.
Is John Kinsel Sr. Still Alive?
John Kinsel Sr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 19, 2024, at his home in Lukachukai, Arizona, at the age of 107.
Kinsel Sr. was one of the last three surviving Navajo Code Talkers, and served as a Marine helping create an undecipherable code that allowed the U.S. military to communicate commands across the Pacific Theatre.
Serving as a part of the second group of Navajo Code Talkers, Kinsel was able to help improve the code while also serving in some of the harshest battles that took place in the Pacific.
Kinsel’s bravery and service to the United States and Navajo Nation were honored after his passing, and while we are sadly losing yet another connection to the Navajo Code Talkers and WWII, their legacies continue.
From Camp Elliott to Iwo Jima
Despite losing his father and brother at an early age and overcoming various hardships, John Kinsel Sr. made an impact on this world.
Born in Lukachukai, Arizona, Kinsel Sr. finished high school, enlisted as a Marine, and helped defend his country and tribe in World War II.
Following boot camp, Kinsel was assigned to Camp Elliott, which is where the unknown would become an unforgettable legacy.
During this time, Kinsel would meet WWI Veteran Phillip Johnston who wanted to use the Navajo language to create an unbreakable military code.
Due to its complexity and relatively limited use, Kinsel, along with other Navajo troops was able to create a code that was never broken in WWII, allowing the relay of vital information on the battlefield.
This would include troop movements and battle orders, providing the Marines with an advantage against Japanese forces—including those who were specifically trying to understand what orders were coming from the Americans.
John Kinsel Sr. served with the 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, fighting in some of the toughest battles throughout the Pacific Theatre, including Guadalcanal, Guam, Bougainville, and Iwo Jima.
Throughout all of the challenges and hostile fighting, John Kinsel Sr. and the other Navajo Code Talkers faced, these Veterans selflessly gave the U.S. a much-needed boost in communication, despite not always being properly treated.
The Legacy of John Kinsel Sr.
During the Battle of Iwo Jima, Kinsel was wounded when debris struck him after Japanese forces blew up a cave network.
Kinsel served in the Marines until 1945 and would return to his home in Arizona the following year where he was honored with a traditional ceremony for his service.
However, when it came to being fully recognized for his service by the United States, things did not go as smoothly.
Kinsel wouldn’t receive his Purple Heart until 1989, long after he finished with his service and was already working to improve his education and community.
In 2001, he was awarded the Congressional Silver Medal for his contributions during WWII, which would further cement his legacy in history, despite taking decades to come to fruition.
The work that John Kinsel Sr. and his fellow Code Talkers were able to provide cannot be overstated.
During Iwo Jima alone, their team was responsible for successfully transmitting over 800 messages, error-free, providing the Marines with important intel and an advantage in unfavorable terrain.
Sadly, as time moves forward, there are fewer and fewer people with first-hand accounts of the deadliest war man has ever known.
John Kinsel Sr. and the Navajo Code Talkers remain an important part of American history and have a special place in the history of our nation.
Their efforts helped end WWII and spared American lives due to the advantages our forces gained due to their code. We thank John Kinsel Sr. for his service and may he rest in peace.
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