Tom Udall: “the Navajo Code Talkers were a small group of marines who contributed to the American victory in the Pacific during…”

“the Navajo Code Talkers were a small group of marines who contributed to the American victory in the Pacific during World War II. Their language and their bravery made victory possible and helped save Allied soldiers' lives. These Navajo warriors have one less man among their ranks today. My home State of New Mexico and the Navajo Nation lost a great man on February 28, 2011, when Joe Antonio Silversmith passed away at the age of 86. I would like to take a few moments to honor Mr. Silversmith's memory and his service to our country. In 1943, as a young man of only 18, Mr. Silversmith heeded the call of duty and enlisted in the 297th Marine Platoon. He served in the South Pacific until 1946. Mr. Silversmith and the 45,000 other Native Americans who enlisted to serve our country in World War II had only been recognized as citizens of the United States for 17 years when World War II began. Approximately 400 of these men, including Mr. Silversmith, served as Code Talkers--turning their native language into a powerful code, unbreakable by the Japanese. In 2001, Mr. Silversmith finally received the recognition he deserved for his heroic World War II service when he and his fellow Code Talkers received the Congressional Gold Medal. For Mr. Silversmith, his service to others did not end with his military career. A man of strong personal faith, he eventually became a full-time minister after returning to New Mexico. For those who knew him, Mr.…”