One of the last surviving Navajo Code Talkers from World War II has died. 

The Associated Press reports that John Kinsel Sr. has died at the age of 107.

The news of Kinsel's passing was revealed by Navajo Nation officials in Window Rock, Arizona, on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024.

It was revealed by Kinsel's son that he passed away in his sleep. Ronald Kinsel wrote:

The howling wind brought his parents and relatives that came for him early dawn today. He used to keep asking if it snowed yet. He was waiting for the first snow to take his spiritual journey. Moisture lifted his footprints this morning. He lived a very long, full and accomplished life.

Who was John Kinsel Sr.?

As mentioned at the outset, Kinsel is well-known for being one of the Navajo Code Talkers in World War II.

The New York Times reports:

John Kinsel Sr., a World War II veteran . . . was one of the last surviving Navajo Code Talkers, a group of Marines whose encrypted wartime messages based on the Navajo language helped secure an Allied victory in the Pacific. . .

It is believed that about 400 Navajo Code Talkers assisted the U.S. military during World War II.

The Times writes:

An estimated 400 Navajo Code Talkers served during World War II, transmitting a code crafted from the Navajo language that U.S. forces used to confuse the Japanese and communicate troop movements, enemy positions and other critical battlefield information. Mr. Kinsel, who served from October 1942 to January 1946, was part of the second group of Marines trained as code talkers at Camp Elliott in California, after the original 29 who developed the code for wartime use.

Kinsel was one of the last remaining code talkers.

"Our sincerest condolences"

It was Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren who announced Kinsel's passing.

He did so via Facebook, stating:

On behalf of the entire Navajo Nation, our Navajo veterans and service men and women, First Lady Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren and me, we extend our sincerest condolences and prayers to the family of Mr. Kinsel.

Nygren went on to recall Kinsel's life.

He said:

Mr. Kinsel was a Marine who bravely and selflessly fought for all of us in the most terrifying circumstances with the greatest responsibility as a Navajo Code Talker. He fought alongside his brothers in arms, for the U.S. Marine Corps, for the United States and to protect the Navajo Nation in a time of war.

Nygren concluded, saying, "It is appropriate for us to acknowledge, recognize and honor this distinguished man’s life, bravery and steadfast dedication to his family, community of Lukachukai and to the entire Navajo Nation as a model Navajo citizen and warrior."