Thomas H. Begay and the Navajo Code Talkers

During World War II, Thomas H. Begay invented and used a secret, unbreakable communications code based on his native Diné language to help win the war in the Pacific. Alysa Landry's book tells his story, from his birth near the Navajo reservation to his decision to enlist in the US Marine Corps. It is the only Code Talker biography for young readers told from a soldier's perspective, and Begay was involved in the book every step of the way.

Format: Hardback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2023
Publisher: Ohio University Press

In World War II, a remarkable Navajo man named Thomas H. Begay played a crucial role in securing victory in the Pacific theater. During the war, Begay invented and utilized a secret, unbreakable communications code based on his native Diné language. This code was instrumental in defeating the Japanese forces and paving the way for Allied triumph.

Although the book includes anecdotes from other code talkers, its central narrative revolves around Begay. It tells his story, from his birth near the Navajo reservation, his childhood spent herding sheep, his adolescence in federally mandated boarding schools, and ultimately, his decision to enlist in the US Marine Corps. Alysa Landry, the author, relies heavily on interviews with Begay, who, as of this writing, is in his late nineties and one of only three surviving code talkers. Begay's own voice and sense of humor make this book particularly significant in that it is the only Code Talker biography for young readers told from a soldier's perspective. Begay was involved with the book every step of the way, granting Landry unlimited access to his military documents, personal photos, and oral history. Additionally, Begay's family contributed by reading and fact-checking the manuscript. This truly is a unique collaborative project.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780821425053