AMERICA'S CODE TALKERS
"The Navajo radio code comprised words selected from the Navajo language and applied to military phrases. The initial code featured 211 terms, and during the course of World War II, it expanded to 411. The Navajo language has no military terminology, and most of the code developed was new and instilled with military meaning. For example, the Navajo word used for ships was "Toh-Dineh-ih," which means Sea Force.
Along with the code terms, the Navajo Code Talkers developed an alphabet system using Navajo words. The Navajo words, when translated into English, would spell out one of the 26 letters in the alphabet. Before the end of the war, the alphabet was expanded to 44 words by assigning more words to frequently repeated letters."
"This is the RMS Queen Elizabeth pulling into New York with returning us servicemen in 1945. Finally, WWII is over."
Thanks to Lyanne C. for the photo.
Thank you for the post Rebecca. Canadians and Americans fought side by side in many theatres during WW2 and these men and their language skills were invaluable. I remember listening to many of their stories when the Lamp was Lite in my Marine training. They used to laugh and joke about the thrill of fooling the Japanese with their ability to send crucial messages undetected.
Listening to them in the above videos brings back fond memories.
Oorah!!
Here is Hollywood's rendition which gives you somewhat of an idea of how the Code Talkers worked.