Code Talker

The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII

By: Chester Nez, Judith Schiess Avila

Narrated by: David Colacci

The first and only memoir by one of the original Navajo code talkers of WWII.

His name wasn’t Chester Nez. That was the English name he was assigned in kindergarten. And in boarding school at Fort Defiance, he was punished for speaking his native language, as the teachers sought to rid him of his culture and traditions. But discrimination didn’t stop Chester from answering the call to defend his country after Pearl Harbor, for the Navajo have always been warriors, and his upbringing on a New Mexico reservation gave him the strength—both physical and mental—to excel as a marine.

During World War II, the Japanese had managed to crack every code the United States used. But when the Marines turned to its Navajo recruits to develop and implement a secret military language, they created the only unbroken code in modern warfare—and helped assure victory for the United States over Japan in the South Pacific.


* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF which contains the Navajo Code Talkers’ Dictionary appendix from the book.

Critic reviews

Praise for Code Talker

“Gripping in its narrative, Code Talker is history at its best.”—Colonel Cole C. Kingseed, U.S. Army (Ret.), co-author of Beyond Band of Brothers: The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters

“A fascinating inside look at one of WWII’s most closely guarded secrets…This is an important book, a previously untold piece of our history.”—Marcus Brotherton, author of Shifty’s War

“You don’t need to be a fan of World War II literature to appreciate this memoir…a fascinating melange of combat in the Pacific theater, the history of the Navajo people and the development of a uniquely American code.”—Associated Press

“A unique, inspiring story by a member of the Greatest Generation.”—Kirkus Reviews

“A remarkably affecting first-person account of the Navajo Marines who served their country with distinction through some of the worst battles of the Pacific theater.”—The Washington Times

A must-listen-to

This was an excellent telling of a piece of WWII history that should never be forgotten!

Navajo Hero of the Pacific front

This book was a thoughtful and thorough memoir read in an enjoyable manner. The Navajo Nation and the culture saved the Pacific front during WWII and did so with humility. The way the book being read had the feel of the oral tradition of Indigenous Americans, almost as if I was transported to a camp fire on the reservation. Chester Nez’s story is one that should be told. The sacrifice made by these men without accolade was admirable. Military service steals a piece of those who serve. Despite the harsh treatment during his youth by the country he served, the code talker never lost sight of the greater good. The younger life of Mr. Nez prepared him for the unspoken realities of military life. Younger generations could learn much about community, sacrifice and service by reading this book. Chester Nez and the other code talkers are the definition of a hero.

It's very. Interesting.

I like the part when they went to boarding school and they spoke Navajo. They had to wash their mouths out with soap and then when they join speaking Navajo.

interesting subject, personal history

easy listening about a serious topic, though not as griping as some ww2 books I've listened to

Untold History

I loved learning more about history that wasn’t really shared in school. I recommend everyone to read it!