BOP
Well-Known Member
http://marines.dodlive.mil/2013/05/09/code-talkers-grandson-shares-navajo-roots/
More than 60 years ago, a group of Native-American Marines, known as the Navajo Code Talkers, used the Navajo language to transmit secret tactical information using radios during World War II, leaving the enemy unable to decipher their messages.
That’s what Lance Cpl. Tyler Slim’s grandfather, or Cheii, Navajo for grandfather, did during his time in the Marine Corps. Hearing Cheii’s account of the Corps from an early age of five years old, made Slim want to follow in his footsteps.
“One story that really sticks out to me that I really take to heart is when he landed on Iwo Jima,” said Slim, a rifleman and radio operator with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin. “He was part of the first wave. He talked about how quiet it was, and he said he was scared because he wasn’t sure what was going to happen. [The code talkers] were so nervous, they put corn pollen on their tongues so they wouldn’t mess up, and, within a couple of minutes, they took contact.”
After listening to his grandfather’s experiences and realizing he didn’t think he was ready for college, Slim decided to see a Marine recruiter.
More than 60 years ago, a group of Native-American Marines, known as the Navajo Code Talkers, used the Navajo language to transmit secret tactical information using radios during World War II, leaving the enemy unable to decipher their messages.
That’s what Lance Cpl. Tyler Slim’s grandfather, or Cheii, Navajo for grandfather, did during his time in the Marine Corps. Hearing Cheii’s account of the Corps from an early age of five years old, made Slim want to follow in his footsteps.
“One story that really sticks out to me that I really take to heart is when he landed on Iwo Jima,” said Slim, a rifleman and radio operator with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin. “He was part of the first wave. He talked about how quiet it was, and he said he was scared because he wasn’t sure what was going to happen. [The code talkers] were so nervous, they put corn pollen on their tongues so they wouldn’t mess up, and, within a couple of minutes, they took contact.”
After listening to his grandfather’s experiences and realizing he didn’t think he was ready for college, Slim decided to see a Marine recruiter.