John Kinsel Sr., oldest Navajo Code Talker, passes on

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Indianz.Com Video: John Kinsel Sr., oldest Navajo Code Talker, passes on at age of 107

Monday, October 21, 2024

Indianz.Com

John Kinsel Sr., who was the oldest Navajo Code Talker, passed away on Saturday. He was 107.

Kinsel, who was from the Arizona portion of the Navajo Nation, enlisted in the U.S. Marines in 1942. He was among the hundreds of Navajo citizens who used the Navajo language to transmit messages in an unbreakable code during World War II.

“On behalf of the 25th Navajo Nation Council, we are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of John Kinsel Sr., one of the last remaining Navajo Code Talkers,” Crystalyne Curley, Speaker of the Navajo Nation Council, said in a news release on Saturday.

“On behalf of the 25th Navajo Nation Council, we are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of John Kinsel Sr., one of the last remaining Navajo Code Talkers”: The Navajo Nation Council is mourning the loss of John Kinsel Sr., who died on October 19, 2024, at the age of 107. pic.twitter.com/HH8i5Vs38s
— indianz.com (@indianz) October 20, 2024

Kinsel served in the Pacific theater during World War II, fighting in the Battle of Bougainville , the Battle of Guam and the Battle of Iwo Jima. After returning to the United States following the end of the global conflict, he was discharged in 1946.

“Beyond his legacy of a warrior, he was also a proud Navajo man who upheld the values of his heritage while serving his country with distinction. As we honor his life, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, loved ones, and the entire Navajo Nation,” said Curley, the leader of the tribe’s legislative branch.

President Buu Nygren said he learned about Kinsel’s passing from the late veteran’s family. He ordered ordered all flags on the Navajo Nation to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise on Sunday, October 20, until sunset on Sunday, October 27.

“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,” Nygren said in a news release from the tribe’s executive branch. “He fought alongside his brothers in arms, for the U.S. Marine Corps, for the United States and to protect the Navajo Nation in a time of war.”

“It is appropriate for us to acknowledge, recognize and honor this distinguished man’s life, bravery and steadfast dedication to his family, community of Lukachukai and to the entire Navajo Nation as a model Navajo citizen and warrior,” Nygren said.

President Buu Nygren expresses sincerest condolences to family of the late Navajo Code Talker John Kinsel, Sr.,…
Posted by Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren on Saturday, October 19, 2024

Over the weekend, tributes to Kinsel poured in from a number of government officials and politicians. Among them were Ruben Gallego and Kari Lake, the Democratic and Republican candidates, respectively, for U.S. Senate in Arizona.

“Saddened to hear of the passing of John Kinsel Sr., one of the last remaining Navajo Code Talkers, who proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps,” Gallego said in a post on social media on Saturday.

“Semper Fi,” added Gallego, who also served in the Marines, invoking the corps’ Latin motto of always faithful.

“John was an American hero, a revered figure amongst Arizona’s incredible Navajo community, who served our country with distinction in the 9th Marine Regiment and the 3rd Marine Division during the Battle of Iwo Jima,” Lake said in a social media post on Sunday.

Saddened to hear of the passing of John Kinsel Sr., one of the last remaining Navajo Code Talkers, who proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Semper Fi.https://t.co/zAzgXAB1X4
— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) October 20, 2024

I am saddened to hear of the loss of John Kinsel Sr., one of the last remaining Navajo Code Talkers, who departed this earth last night at the age of 107.

John was an American hero, a revered figure amongst Arizona's incredible Navajo community, who served our country with… pic.twitter.com/S9MKBJGmj6
— Kari Lake (@KariLake) October 20, 2024

In July 2001, the U.S. government awarded Congressional Gold Medals to the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers who developed the code for the military. Congressional Silver Medals were awarded to those who followed the first group in service.

Kinsel’s passing leaves the Navajo Nation with just two Code Talkers: Thomas H. Begay and Peter MacDonald, Sr., a former chairman of the tribe.

Social Media Tributes to John Kinsel Sr.

Yesterday morning a man you impacted my life forever has journeyed on. He was Cheii at first then over the years, we acknowledged each other as father/son. John Kinsel is a war chief who was a hero among many. His passing brought the first snow as he returned home. Love you dad. pic.twitter.com/JbQIQLC6S7
— Loren Anthony (@Loren_Anthony_) October 20, 2024

Navajo Code Talker John Kinsel, Sr. passed away peacefully at his home in Lukachukai. He was 107. In 2019, I was lucky enough to hear and share John Kinsel's story. I truly enjoyed the time I spent with him. He was a fantastic person, and I send my condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/Knr5a4ry9s
— Shondiin Silversmith⁷ (@DiinSilversmith) October 20, 2024

I just heard that Navajo Code Talker, John Kinsel Sr., passed away early this morning at the age of 107 years old. He was from my hometown, Lukachukai, AZ. He was a very nice man & I enjoyed talking to him. My condolences to his surviving family. pic.twitter.com/hcF4r64LYs
— Daybreak Warrior (@daybreakwarrior) October 20, 2024

John Kinsel Sr. served our nation in WW2 as a Navajo Code Talker—using his language to create an unbreakable code that played a crucial role in securing victory in the war. He passed away at 107 years old. We are forever grateful for his service.https://t.co/hnHMgiP6B4
— Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) October 20, 2024

John Kinsel Sr. valiantly served our country as a Navajo Code Talker, ultimately helping win WW2. He passed away peacefully at the age of 107. I am praying for his family and everyone who knew him.
— Senator Ben Ray Luján (@SenatorLujan) October 20, 2024

I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of our Navajo Code Talker, John Kinsel Sr.

He was a war hero who dedicated his life to serving our country and advocating for Indigenous rights. (1/2) https://t.co/P0VVSzCVU2
— Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (@RepTeresaLF) October 20, 2024

John Kinsel Sr. and his fellow Code Talkers were true heroes. Arizona and our entire country are forever grateful for their service during WWII. My condolences to his family and friends. https://t.co/dm8DiS8aQ2
— AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes (@AZAGMayes) October 21, 2024

We mourn the loss of one of the few remaining Navajo Code Talkers alongside our tribal community partners. We honor his service to our country. https://t.co/UsR10lHlfm
— City of Tempe, AZ (@Tempegov) October 20, 2024

#RIP John Kinsel Sr. who passed away on Saturday at the age of 107. Kinsel was one of the last of the USMC's Navajo Code Talkers who used the Diné language to develop an unbreakable code. He enlisted in 1942 and served with the 3rd Marine Division during the Battle of Iwo Jima. pic.twitter.com/djd8zdOVrC
— U.S. Naval Institute (@NavalInstitute) October 20, 2024

Rest in peace and thank you for your service John Kinsel Sr., one of the last Navajo Code Talkers. https://t.co/i2pB5f3PlQ
— Arizona House Democrats (@AZHouseDems) October 20, 2024

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