THE NAVAJO CODE TALKERS by Paul, Doris A

Pittsburg, 1973, Dorrance, 14th printing, hard bound in dust jacket, VG/Good+ condition, ( dj shows light edge wear and tears ), 5 1/2 x 8 1/2, xii, 171 pages, illustrated. ........................................................... The Navajo Indians who rallied to America's call during World War II, to perform a unique and vital duty-that of devising and employing a secret code using their native tongue, a code which proved totally indecipherable to the enemy-are immortalized in this fascinating work...................................................................World War II buffs will delight in this dramatic and thoroughly researched account of what has too long been treated as a footnote in history. The bravery, the ingenuity, the patriotism of these "first Americans" is unequaled, their dedication and staunchness are inspirational, in this highly moving human story of courage and purpose........................................................The story of the code is set down in a well-organized, eminently readable style, from its inception as Philip Johnston's idea, through its development (including a vocabulary of terms commonly used in the transmission of messages, and their Navajo equivalents) and ultimate implementation on the battlefield, generously illustrated with photographs of the men in action in the South Pacific, and substantiated by excerpts from official documents and correspondence.Excitement, poignancy, humor, and above all, national pride, highlight this work; it is a book for all seasons, for all people-Navajos, Marines, and everyone interested in the advancement of human accomplishment.