Navajo Code Talker John Kinsel Sr. Dies at 107, Honored for WWII Service
John Kinsel Sr., one of the last remaining Navajo Code Talkers, who played a critical role in World War II by transmitting encrypted messages based on the Navajo language, has passed away at the age of 107.
Navajo Nation officials announced his death on Saturday, prompting a tribute across the reservation, with all flags ordered to fly at half-staff until October 27 in his honor.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren praised Kinsel’s bravery.
“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 stated.
With Kinsel’s passing, only two original Navajo Code Talkers remain: Peter MacDonald, a former Navajo Chairman, and Thomas H. Begay. The Code Talkers, including Kinsel, were part of a group of over 400 Navajo recruits who served in the US Marine Corps during WWII. Their vital work involved using the then-unwritten Navajo language to send secure military messages that confounded Japanese cryptologists during crucial Pacific battles from 1942 to 1945.
Kinsel, born in Cove, Arizona, enlisted in the Marines in 1942 and was trained as part of the second group of Code Talkers at Camp Elliott in California. He served with the 9th Marine Regiment and the 3rd Marine Division, participating in major battles such as Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima.
In an interview in 2003 for the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project, Kinsel described his role, recounting how Code Talkers would send messages about troop movements, often stating in Navajo, “It’s time to jump,” referring to front-line advancements. His service earned him a Purple Heart, and in 2001, he was awarded the Congressional Silver Medal for his contributions.
Kinsel’s legacy extends beyond his military service. He returned to his Navajo roots after the war, with his family performing traditional ceremonies to reintegrate him into the community. His son, Ronald Kinsel, survives him, though a full list of survivors was not immediately available.
Kinsel’s passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in U.S. and Navajo history, as the Code Talkers’ contributions continue to be remembered and honored.
