Allen Dale June, one of the 29 original Navajo Code Talkers who confounded the Japanese during World War II by transmitting messages in their native language, has died. He was 91.
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June, who attained the rank of sergeant, received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2001 along with other members of the original Code Talkers.
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June first tried to sign up for the Marines in his hometown of Kaibeto on the Navajo Nation, but a recruiter told him he was too young. He then traveled to the reservation town of Chinle to enlist – because he figured people there wouldn’t recognize him – and he could lie about his age and forge his father’s signature, Virginia June said.
[photo] Sgt. Allen Dale June is thanked for his service by Brig. Gen. Scott Harrison of Utah Air National Guard.
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