Chester Nez

Chester Nez (1921–2014) was one of the Original 29 Navajo Code Talkers who developed an unbreakable military code during World War II. Raised herding sheep in Chi Chil Tah, New Mexico, Chester grew up speaking Diné Bizaad — the same language that boarding schools punished him for using. In 1942, he and 28 other Navajo men were recruited by the Marine Corps to create a code based on their native tongue. The code was never broken. Chester served in combat at Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Guam, Peleliu, and Angaur, transmitting critical messages under fire. The program remained classified until 1968, meaning Chester and his fellow Code Talkers returned home to silence — no parades, no recognition. In 2001, the Original 29 received the Congressional Gold Medal. Chester spent his final years sharing his story, bridging Navajo tradition with his Marine service, and advocating for the preservation of the Navajo language that helped win the war.