Navajo Nation Declares War on WWII Code Talkers’ Erasure from DOD Website

Recent reports indicate that articles regarding the World War II Native American Code Talkers have been removed from military websites, leading to outrage within the Navajo Nation.

In response, the Navajo Nation Council condemned the removal, referring to it as an “erasure” of vital historical information. This controversy follows an executive order from the White House, which aims to eliminate content that pertains to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

According to a memo from a Pentagon official last month, all military branches were instructed to purge materials that promote DEI from their websites and publications. By Monday, Axios uncovered the deletion of at least ten articles related to the Code Talkers, though some references still exist in photo captions and transcripts.

One notable article, previously titled “Code Talkers Helped U.S. Win World Wars I and II,” now leads to a “404- Page Not Found” error on the Department of Defense website. The Code Talkers played a crucial role by crafting an unbreakable code using the Navajo language, which facilitated secure military communications during the war. In recognition of their contributions, President Ronald Reagan declared August 14 as Navajo Code Talkers Day in 1982.

Navajo leaders expressed deep concern regarding the potential conflation of their historical narrative with broader DEI initiatives, emphasizing the tribe’s distinct political status. “The Navajo Code Talkers earned their place in history through their courage and sacrifice,” stated Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley. “Erasing their extraordinary contributions is not only disrespectful, it is dishonorable.”

Council members are currently seeking clarification from federal authorities concerning the rationale for the omissions. Curley reiterated the essential role of the Navajo Code Talkers in shaping the nation’s history, stating, “The United States would not be the nation it is today without their bravery and service.”