Navajo code talker dies on Memorial Day

[unhappycamper]

Navajo code talker dies on Memorial Day
The Associated Press
Posted : Friday May 30, 2008 6:50:48 EDT

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Jerry C. Begay Sr., a Navajo code talker who used his native language during World War II to confuse America’s enemies, died on Memorial Day. He was 83. No cause of death was given.

Begay, who received the Purple Heart, served in Tarawa during the U.S. invasion of the Japanese island and was honorably discharged in 1945.

He was born in Sheep Springs, N.M., and enlisted in the Marines when he was 17. He served in the 2nd Marine Division, 297th Platoon.

After the war, he went to work for Phelps Dodge copper mining company in Morenci. He retired in 1982.

He is survived by two sons, Jerry C. Begay Jr. and Daniel C. Begay; and two daughters, Priscilla Begay Coutu and Verna Begay Lopez; 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.


Article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2008/05/ap_codetalker_052808/


uhc comment: RIP Jerry.