Navajo Code Talker William Tully Brown passed away on Monday at the age of 96. Mr. Brown is the third Navajo Code Talker to pass away since the month of May.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 6 at 8:00 a.m. at the Church of Latter-day Saints Chapel in St. Michaels, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. at Fort Defiance Veterans Memorial Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Church of Latter-day Saints Chapel in St. Michaels.
Navajo Code Talker Brown was born on Oct. 30, 1922 in Black Mountain, located approximately five-miles north of Tselani/Cottonwood Chapter. According to the Navajo Nation, Mr. Brown was Tó’aheedlííníí (The Water Flow Together Clan) and born for Tł’ááahchí’I (The Red Bottom People Clan).
“On behalf of the Navajo people, we offer our thoughts and prayers for the family, loved ones, and community members who had the honor of knowing and sharing the life of Code Talker Brown. The Navajo Nation has lost another great Diné warrior,” said Navajo Nation President Nez.
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In 1944, Brown enlisted with the Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1946. He received the American
Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and
Honorable Service Label Button.
“On behalf of the 24th Navajo Nation Council, we extend our most heartfelt condolences to the family of Navajo Code Talker and local civic leader William Tully Brown. We will always honor and remember the sacrifices he made at Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima in the protection of freedom and liberty. Mr. Brown’s contributions to the Tselani/Cottonwood community and the Navajo Nation will always be cherished,” said Speaker Damon in a press release.
Vice President Lizer stated in the release, “The Navajo Nation mourns for the loss of our warriors, who utilized
our sacred Navajo language to protect the country and Navajo land during World War II. The Navajo Code Talkers shared their lives with each of us and we will forever be thankful.”