John Kinsel Sr., a final Navajo Code Talker, passes away at 107

Oct. 20 (UPI) -- John Kinsel Sr., a revered Navajo Code Talker who used his tribe's unwritten language to send coded messages during World War II, has passed away at the age of 107. His death was confirmed by both the Navajo Nation and the U.S. Marines on Saturday.

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren praised Kinsel's bravery, stating, "He fought for the U.S. Marine Corps and to protect the Navajo Nation during a time of war." Kinsel's son, Ronald Kinsel, reported that his father passed away peacefully in his sleep.

Ronald celebrated his father's long and influential life, noting the significant impact Kinsel and the other Code Talkers had on history, emphasizing that their achievements would forever be remembered.

Initially, around 400 Navajo Code Talkers served in the Marines during WWII and developed an unbreakable code, playing a crucial role in military communications. Kinsel, born in Lukachukai, Arizona, enlisted between October 1942 and January 1946 and fought in significant battles, including Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima.

In honor of John Kinsel Sr., President Nygren has ordered flags throughout the Navajo Nation to be flown at half-staff from sunrise on Sunday to sunset on October 27. Currently, only two Navajo Code Talkers remain: Peter McDonald and Thomas H. Begay.