On Wednesday, Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly ordered all flags on the Nation to be flown at half-staff in honor of Code Talker Chester Nez, from sunrise on June 5 to sunset on June 8. Nez passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 93.
On behalf of the 22nd Navajo Nation Council, Speaker Pro Tem LoRenzo Bates (Nenahnezad, Newcomb, San Juan, Tiis Tsoh Sikaad, Tse’Daa’Kaan, Upper Fruitland) extended “heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the last original Navajo Code Talker.
“It is with a heavy heart that I send my sincerest condolences to the family of the late Navajo Code Talker Chester Nez, a highly respected and distinguished warrior,” said Pro Tem Bates.
Code Talker Nez was born in Chichiltah, N.M. and at the young age of 17, he answered the call of duty by enlisting in the U.S. Marines. As a member of the 382nd Platoon in the United States Marine Corp., he served as one of the 29 original Navajo Code Talkers who developed the secret military code using the Navajo language during World War II.
On July 26, 2001, Code Talker Nez was honored by former U.S. President George W. Bush and presented with the Congressional Medal of Honor along with the other members of the original Navajo Code Talkers.
“We will always be grateful for his sacrifice and brave service for our country, and more importantly, for his selfless actions to protect our people and the great Navajo Nation,” Pro Tem Bates stated.
Funeral services are pending.