Navajo Code Talker and Iwo Jima Hero | Thomas Begay
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
- Thomas Begay was one of the famed “Navajo Code Talkers,” members of the Navajo Nation who were selected by the US Marine Corps to create a code based on the complex, unwritten Navajo language, which ultimately helped the US and Allied Forces win World War II.
Begay enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1943 at the age of 16. He was selected as one of the 33 Navajo Code Talkers to be assigned to the renowned 5th Marine Division Signal Company and in the Radio Section of the H & S Company, 27th Marines. The Navajo Code Talkers developed and used a secret coded Navajo language for radio communication in the Marine Corps battle campaign. During the Battle of Iwo Jima, Private First Class Begay transmitted hundreds of secret messages over the radio network from H-Hour, 19 February 1945 to 27 March 1945. The Navajo Code Talkers were so effective that the Japanese cryptographers were completely baffled and were never able to break that code. Major Howard M. Conner, signal officer of the Fifth Marine Division at Iwo Jima said: “during the first 48 hours while we were landing and consolidating our shore positions, I had six Navajo radio networks operating around the clock. In that period along, they sent and received over 800 messages without an error. Were it not for the Navajos, the Marines would never have taken Iwo Jima and win the war”.
Thomas H Begay was honorably discharged from the Marines as a Lance Corporal in 1946. He then served in the US Army during the Korean War as a parachutist, glider-man and in combat with the 7th Infantry Division in North Korea. He is a survivor of the Chosin Reservoir battle in November to December, 1950 against the Korean and Chinese forces. He was honorably discharged in 1953. Among his many awards are the Presidential Unit Citation with three Bronze Stars and the Meritorious Unit Citation with the Korean Service Medal with five Bronze Stars. Years later in 2001, he received the Congressional Medal from President George W. Bush.
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I was honored to have met Grandfather Thomas Begay in 2008. I and a friend sat with him, as he shared his story as a Code Talker, and his participation on Iwo Jima. We sat and listened for 3 hours. As a gift I gave him an Elk hide I brought.
As we were leaving, Grandfather's grandson came running out. In his hand was the bright orange cap with "CODE TALKER" on the front, that Grandfather had been wearing. On the bill of the cap, it was autographed to me. There was a message in Navaho for me, and it was signed by Grandfather. I donated it to the USMC recruiting station, here in Vancouver Washington, where I live. I also gave them a photo book with his photo and story, along with fellow Code Talkers.
Next to my family, it remains one of the highest points of my life. What an honor it was, I cherish his time always.
Thank you, Grandfather. Rest in peace, your mission here on earth is done.
AHO!
What a wonderful experience to be able to have this hero share his story with you. We are so blessed in this country to have had these Americans that saved so many lives with their old language.
@@robyncollopy1645 I couldn't agree more. We need to listen to them, and never forget their sacrifices and service.
Thank you for sharing his history and his photos. I live in NC so I don't think I will ever get to the museum to see them. It's good to know some will see them. Again I thank you for doing that.
@@hardhead5700 is was an honor to sit and talk with him. He was kind, and easy to talk with.
@@TheDukie54my dad was a Medic in WWII. His was the first ship to land on Nagasaki after the bomb, he saw horrible things that he wouldn’t talk about. He did tell my husband some things. That generation knew how to handle evil and come out with dignity! ♥️
An actual code talker…..if people only realized how fortunate we are to hear this!!! THANK YOU!!!!
Amen
When I was a in my early teens I used to love going to the senor center or nursing homes and volunteering you get to meet so many of these people ! It was my favorite part of the scouts when they stopped doing things like that I quit!
@@derictripp9245 of course they take away anything of good report!! 🤨
Happy to know you enjoyed it!! Blessings ✨️
Gracias Padre Celestial ❤❤❤
Don't talk like like that. I respect all code talkers my dad is one I I don't tell anyone I'm a code talker
My uncle was one of first 28 original Navajo Code talker. One of our teachers in high school was Code Talker too. I was very fortunate to be with my uncles son. He showed us all the memorabilia his father left him. I was in awe, I got to hold the Gold medal. I am very proud to be a Navajo. Thank you for all the sacrifices and help in ending the war in the Pacific. 🇺🇸
Your uncle and also the gentleman who taught you in high school are my hero's as well.
These men truly were "The Greatest Generation"!
their kids screwed the pooch, though. Damn boomers!
Yea it
A TRUE NATIVE WARRIOR ONE OF MANY!,!!!!
ABSOLUTELY TRUE!!🦋
Exactly
This is what a real hero looks like, thank you for your service 🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷
Connie , I totally agree with you about this gentleman. He and his comrades are heroes in my book. There aren’t many WW 2 veterans left. That is why when I see a veteran from whatever war, I, like you, always thank them for their service. May God bless them and keep them safe from all harm.
I couldn't agree more, Connie. 🇺🇲
That’s not the American flag though
Today here on the navajo nation we had a code talkers run. He was here and it’s crazy to think he enlist at 16. He was so nice.
That’s a Liberian flag
Thomas Begay, I have had the honor to meet Peter MacDonald. You Elders are so Precious!
Thank you!
I have read that the Navajo language was the only code the Japanese could not break and saved a lot of lives
There were 30+ tribes that were code talkers in the army, and all used there own languages as did the Diné.
The languages were spoken only, not a written language. They used words for animals and other things for codes, like a certain plane would be a chicken hawk (in a native tongue word of course), for example. This is why the Japanese couldn't break the code. Even if they knew the language they wouldn't know what code words they used meant. This is why the Native Amercans weren't supposed to be taken prisoner because they could give away the code words and the meanings.
ua-cam.com/video/juyJaTfpc0E/v-deo.html
This fellow goes into great detail about the language and the codes and other things if you are interested in the details of it all.
True. I just watched this interview and he talked about how many lives it saved. ua-cam.com/video/juyJaTfpc0E/v-deo.html
@@chetawitko7031 yes Kola glad to see you here, you said what I was here to say!
Thomas Begay--Salute, Sir. I was in the Marine Corps (& Vietnam 20 months) & hardly any mention at all were given the "Code Talkers" during any training. My 1st exposure came from a Navajo who joined our squad in Vietnam (his uncle had been a code talker) & spoke very little of it, only limited responses to direct questions. Maybe the Nicholas Cage movie "Wind Talkers" is the most & best recognition they have ever got, which is a blight on US history. The lives saved by the "Code Talkers" cannot be calculated. Historical value of these interviews is solid platinum! {:-) ✌
My dad enlisted the year he graduated high school and just after Pearl Harbor. He served on a battleship in the Pacific and fighting Japan.
It could very well be that Code Talkers got him back alive so he could meet and marry my mom to start a family.
We owe so much thanks to these heroes. Especially since how poorly their ancestors were treated.
We almost lost the Navajo language to history, thank goodness a few decades ago many of the tribal elders were asked to teach the younger generations the language. I experienced this first hand as growing up in the 60s we were told not to speak Navajo only English.
I'm so sorry for that I hope the Navajo language continues to be passed down through the generations.
@@crystalheart9 At least the language is not totally verbal anymore. There is a college in Arizona that is devoted to Navajos (Dine College). Also, the Bible has been translated into Navajo, so there is some literary substance that will continue.
I went to Albuquerque and got to meet 2 Code Talkers during balloon fest a couple years ago. One of the men signed a Code Talker book for me.
Thats awful, languages and culture should always be preserved regardless how obscure
@@Mr.Obongo Do you have any idea how many languages have been lost since the dawn of the human race? They're all remembered in heaven though.
Whoa!!!!! This guy is just awesome. 17 years old. I could barely tie my shoes when I was 17. He was volunteering to go to war. These WW2 veterans are just another credit to our great nation. Thank you!!!
You could barely tie your shoe at 17?
@@gunbacker9428 😂😂😂😂 he's exaggerating I hope so.
Imagine being raised by the greatest generation? I'm blessed I was bc the survival instinct carries on
@@stevehope6283 God I hope so lmao
Thomas brings a totally different view to the Iwo Jima Campaign, he knew far more that he was saying, such a humble man.
A soft-spoken, heroic Navajo codetalker. This man was a bad-ass MARINE! He and his fellow code talkers saved a lot of Marines and controlled the battlespace with secure communications.
What a man - much respect to Thomas and all who served ...
God bless him, he and other code talkers, saved thousands by Protecting communications.
Real Heroes!
My dad served in the Marines during WW2. Fought in the Pacific campaign. This gentleman might have save my Dad’s life with the intelligence that he and his comrades passed on. Thank you, sir, for a job very well done.
Mine too....(28th Marines Iwo) He enjoyed telling us about the Native American code talkers.
@@wpiofm I’m not sure what unit my dad was in
After listening to this whole story. I come to the immediate conclusion of what an extraordinary intelligent and interesting man !!!! I am immensely PROUD of who and what he is and stand for !!!!! Besides my father, I can think of no better man. I will remember him and this story and I will tell it to my grandchildren. This man deserves the highest respect from everyone who is free !!! This has blown my mind to tears !!!!!!
You don’t find many men who could fill his shoes. God bless you Sir, and thank you for your service.Such a humble man.
Well said!
When I have an appointment at the VA, I see him, shake his hand, we talk, say our goodbyes see each other, semper Fi Marine again!👹
He is amazing so humble that he is smarter than more people who don’t understand how simple he understood the military learning system.
... A National Treasure ...
Global treasure. These men are bigger than life here in Canada.
@@andrewwebb-trezzi2422 True Hero Forever 🙏 Viva Cristo Rey 💪🙏
@@andrewwebb-trezzi2422 Canadians were a big part of the code talkers. There were told to keep it secret and so they did for decades after they came home. ua-cam.com/video/VzkEsMYxhFM/v-deo.html
Yes he certainly is. I enjoyed him telling his story in his own way.
...Give a smile, a nod, a handshake, a pat on the back, a hug, or a salute, to every military veteran you see...And tell them thank you for everything they sacrifice for us...Honor, love, and remember them, they truly deserve it!!!
Hero! A true American hero and a fellow Marine. The Code Talkers saved our bacon during WWII. I have nothing but total respect for these men: Part of The Greatest Generation. We owe them!
Semper Fi
What a MAN!! Im sorry I wasn't able to live up to your character. I felt so ashamed of myself listening to you speak. I took my service for granted. I was immature, disrespectful, and ungrateful to the men and women who served before me. Thank you for serving a country that tortured and murdered your ancestors. But found it in your heart and soul to defend that country anyway. May God bless you and your family.
How can someone give this a thumbs down. These men went through he'll. The Code Talkers made the difference in the war, the Japanese could not figure out the messages sent. Thank you to all who have served and to those serving now. Semper Fidelis and God Speed to all.
Racism is alive and well.
I love the way he remembers everything. He remembers everyone's name.
I met the gentlemen at the VA n Albuq. Interesting stories about the code talkers he told. I enjoyed his conversation with him. A veteran who enjoys being with other Marines. Semper Fi my brother always!👹
Respect to the native people. And Code Talkers. Thank you. I'm proud to live in NM and be native as a artist. Its a good thing here.
He was a handsome young man and even in his senior years a remarkable speaker.
Humble and dutiful! That was the way of life! ❤️
Bless his heart.
America, wake up, repent, honor those who served with your own life of service and commitment to Liberty and Freedom, and bless God, Great Spirit.
My son is half Navajo and it’s crazy how much he looks like them.
Joe Begay is a Silversmith jewelry maker here in Tucson,Az. who also served in Korea & co starred in many war movies Much Respect To My Fellow Native Americans..Proud "YAQUI" Indio De Pasqua Tucson, Az.
Semper Fi Mr. Thomas Begay. Thank you for your service, well done.
Thank you Marine Thomas Begay for your service as a Navajo Code Talker. I am indebted to you for your sacrifice. You are a hero Sir.
What a great guy, Thank you for telling your story Sir your a true hero.
I totally agree.
Favorite so far. Signed him up with a thumb print! Humble warrior.
A fabulous man. Top class.
I joined the marines on my 17th birthday, it was best decision of my life. 62-66, San Diego, Pendleton, Okinawa and Quantico!
Thomas Begay’s boot camp experiences didn’t change from his time to mine.
Amazing man with an incredible story. To think only a 17 year old kid from New Mexico. I was just in Gallup MN at the train station and thought of this man standing there. Thank you for your service.
Thank you sir, for you're service and our freedom. 💖 💖 💖 💖 💖 💖 💖 💖 💖
Thank you for your service Sir. So proud to have you tell your story. I hate to think what would have happened without all of you code talkers. God bless each and every one.
Much respect Mr. Begay, thank you for sharing your story.
Total Respect !
This is one of those moments you gather all the kids a have them listen
I have nothing but the upmost respect for these gentlemen.
Back to Back world war champs!!! Forever great-full. They Don’t make them like that no more! Thank you, will never be enough. God Bless you and yours, ladies and gentlemen. It’s truly an honor to hear your stories. Very humbling, true grit.
What a wonderful Marine and American. Makes me very proud of the Navajo. And to be an American.
Shame on the people who voted Thumbs Down to this veteran's story. What the hell is wrong with you? Seriously....
Exactly.
Milk duds
Exactly.
What POS would do a thumbs down to a REAL HERO like this man.
The Greatest Generation.
They saw a Great Depression when they were kids and endured a World War in their youth.
Thank you for your service and the sacrifices that you made to free the world from Tyranny!
this man is a hero
Totally agree! They must be sub-human!!!!!
What a beautiful soul. Watching him makes miss my grandmother. They have the same cheek lines. His military life story, is so detailed it's amazing. I sure miss my grandfather and father, both WWII veterans. What a sweet, honorable, generation of people.
God Bless you Sir! Thank you for your service and sacrifice for our country. It's men like this man that has given us the very freedoms we have today.
Thank you for your service sir AMERICANS do appreciate it.
True warriors
Much respect ✊
We owe them more than we'll ever be able to repay thank you
Thanks to you and all you're comrades for your service and dedication.
My dad, T.Sgt., Army: was in many places in the Pacific. He fought with units connected to Gen. MacArthur, he disliked the good, “mild-mannered” General. But he went in with those unit on Leyte. He was no hero, had few stories that he told his kids. I made him tell me one as we painted the house when I was in High School. My dad was quite the Sgt. at home with his kids. Every time I see one of these code talkers, watched the Nick Cage movie, too; I think of my dad. He was just a Sargent to his platoon. He and my mom gave me life, that was enough of an accomplishment to me. I retired from a career in education, as a High School Principal. Thanks, Dad, you gave me life and helped keep our country free. By the way this man in unequal to any other man on Iwo. His abilities were beyond measure. Thank the Lord he was on our side. Thank you Thomas, and a special thank you to Ira Hayes. He was given short shrift in Iwo history.
Amazing memory after all these years! Well done Mr. Begay, well done!
What an amazing story. I love listening to this type of military history. This gentlemen is a true American patriot . God bless him and his family.
I enlisted in the Army to go to photography school. When I got to Ft. Monmouth they tried to change me to field radio repair. I said like Hell. I went to photography school. Retired 27 years later - Major. Signal Branch told me I would have retired as a lieutenant colonel if I had not specialized in photography. Did not care, I wanted to stay in photography. Even today, 2021, I still have a photography studio.
At which point did you go green-to-gold, Sir? Thank you for blazing the trail ahead of us, Sir!
@@ThePursuitofHappiness1988 Served three years 56-59 and not sure why I let myself be discharged. I worked for about four year’s, realized I liked the Army, but thought I would enjoy the bennies of being an officer more. Went through basic then took Grunt AIT then Infantry OCS. Graduated Dec 64. Retired 1 Nov 1980. Three combat tours and many years of fun assignments. Travelled throughout Latin America on Sam’s dime.
@@multitieredinvestor183 the taxpayers dime, yes. and you were a paid government killer, no more.
@@stephcrumpled war is war. Then you either got drafted or you enlisted. It's not the warriors fault! If you were of age back then you got three choices and one of them is CANADA! we all know the government thing. But this is about a code talker who helped keep your grandparents and parents in the 🇺🇲
me? 8and a half years army. Field Artillery & infantry (2) combat MOS
I served so you would have the right to make stupid comments 🤫
Thank you for serving!
Bless this man. A true warrior.
Bless you Sir! And thank you for your service! I’m proud to live in the state you protected!
A true hero. God bless him and all of the men who served.
Ya' 'at' 'e 'e h!...... It's Amazing That Friends & I Were Speaking About IRA HAYES Yesterday & The Song Bob Dillon Sang Honoring Him...Both Of You Are True Warriors/Totally Patriotic The First Real Americans!
You are a hero. Thank you. My son just finished seven years.
I could listen to these men all day. They are men of honor.
Ya'ateeh Cheii. Good to see you on You Tube! God bless you and thank you for your service, Shi Cheii, Ah'he'hee! ♥️🙏. From Querino AZ.
Thank you for everything you did for this Nation. All of the Code Talkers deserve the highest award for their dedication, courage, and sacrifice.
It’s Marines like this stud, this MAN, that I ALWAYS remembered that I represented and made sure I ALWAYS passed that on to younger Marines. Semper Fi.
Thank You Sir
Thank you for mentioning my uncle, sargent j
Johnny Manuelito.
We have so few of our brave WW 2 vets still among us. We are less of a country without their presence. God Bless to all who served during that time as well as all who served before and after.
Few..
I grew up with many WW2 men...I only know one Living... Philippines... Manila 1945...Dirty Work. .
Thank you for your service to your country. Happy you made it back home safe. I know you live with your memories forever.
I love these testimonies without an interviewer continuously prodding with quesitons.
Bless you and thank you for your service.
A humble hero who used humor to get through hell but his sadness was palpable at times. This gentleman and the code talkers saved countless lives. 🇺🇸
the 15 dislikes are japanese soldiers ,the gentleman has a great sense of humour ,hope he is still soldiering on
Respects from a younger Kiowa man...
God bless guys thanks for being there
Thank you,sir for your service every day
Thank you and shout out to all the Navajo Im bless to know
What a great hero and a great person. I wish some how these survivors stories could be told to our younger generation in school today, just maybe they would take away the greatness of not only his story, but the few that we have left, tell their‘s. No propaganda just the truth. I guess it’s easy to stand up and riot in our streets of today, because many of the Greatest Generation died so that they could.
Thank you so much for your service.
My father served in Germany from 44 and 45 and when asked, what did you do..... and he would always just say “I got there too late, I didn’t do anything”.
Code-talkers saved that war, they could not break the code!
+
To reward US...
Did Nothing!
When has a corporation ever rewarded any one?
Other than Weisselberg.😁
What a patriot. God bless Tom.
These men saved our country there will never be a stronger generation!!
Aiigghh!!! What an absolute treasure!! So happy you tracked him down! God bless this man!
Edit: His Iwo Jima pin with the little sticky-out flag is slaying me lol!
Also, I have to say that Thomas was a hottt-tay! ;)
For the much hated Indians in the 1800"s by the white man to the much wanted in the 1940's. Karma does work in many ways. My most respect to you Thomas and the rest of the code talkers. Thank you for your service and this great story.
Thank you for sharing....
What a treasure this man is!
thank you Sir for your commitment and your bravery. My father fought in the Ardenne in 1944. We owe you so much. Again thank you sir for your service!
I met him and his wife. He's a true hero.
I love this guy! I could listen to him all day!
When he started twisting his hands was a sign that his memory was getting vivid!! was starting to get to him!!--David.
Thank You For Your Service My Navajo Brother.
Just marvel at his interview.... Remember the range name in Camp Pendelton , the TPX radio, SCR300. SOS.
He just states the facts.
Semper Fi. Marine. Code Talkers performed an invaluable service to the Corps.
"Don't you know a war is on? You clean that plate!" God that made me crack up, sounds like something my grandpa would say.
True hero’s, wishing him & fellow talkers were truly compensated for their deeds! Just like the Tuskagee pilots! Excuse my spelling.
Great memory! Semper Fi
Thank you for sharing
Thanks for your service sir god bless you
He talks like all navajo elders for anyone who wonders. He's a legend but he's also a navajo man... like father, grandfather and so on. My grandfather(cheii) was a spec ops but he's never talked about it. First time he said anything in front of me was during a traditional ceremony. I don't know what his missions were but apparently there's still alot of navajos who haven't come through because it's top secret even from back then. It's respected....
He reminds me of my granddad..he isn't Navajo but Miccosukee..he was a radar operator on a p-61
THANK YOU SIR
What a beautiful story coming indigenous man where the country took everything from them and they still went and fought a true hero