Chester Nez: The Last of the Original Navajo Codetalkers

In his final interview, WWII Marine Chester Nez reflected on his place in history. 10 days after this interview, Nez died of kidney failure at his home in Albuquerque. Family members, the Navajo Hopi Honor Guard, Marine Corps representatives, veterans and others gathered to pay their respects. After the funeral Mass, a 2-mile-long cortege proceeded 55 miles to the national cemetery in Santa Fe, where Nez was buried in Marine dress blues.

[@kendrickjames1045]

I joined the Marine Corps so I can stand before him in the uniform as a Marine. But I was too late. I really wish I was born earlier so that I could meet him as a Marine. But as a Navajo Marine I will honor him and all the Navajo Code Talkers. It makes me sad that soon they'll all be gone. Semper Fidelis Corporal Chester Nez. Thank you so much for your service. Have a safe journey too

[@steveb1437]

Thank you for your service

[@katherinegates1559]

🇺🇸 Semper Fi 🇺🇸 God Bless you...Thank you for your Service...🇺🇸

[@pastormarkralenedavis5363]

Thank you for your service!

[@STEVE_C_1369]

My Brother...Im caucasian retired Marine,and Nam was my war...but,Im your Brother in the Corps,as you are my Brother. I sat here and saw this video of our Brother,and tears filled my eyes. Such amazing Marines,in all ways. They saved countless souls by their dedication. Semper Fi Brother.

[@jtc6773]

To all the ones who gave the thumbs down, y'all are disrespectful, ignorance MF. My people & language saved this Country for you to dishonor every military branch and individuals willing to fight for this country. Ahe'hee Shi Chei Nez for you service and warrior spirit to stand in front line! ✊🏾❣️🙌🏽

[@raygreen5309]

As a Marine no longer serving, I was privileged to be invited to sit on the stage with them and hear about their time on Iwo Jima. I had escorted some students to the reservation in Arizona to Honor them. When they found out I was there, they insisted I join them on the stage. One of the Greatest Moments of my life. Semper Fi Brother. I'll see you at the Gates.

[@alexandrenikashannicolau9221]

ALL MY RESPECT FOR ALL THE NATIVE VETERANS....

[@mclaine33]

Who are the 3 assholes that disliked this video? Really sad that someone would actually hate this. Rest in piece Marine, you served our nation proudly.

[@michaeldawson3253]

Yeah I agree. I hope they ain't American

[@STEVE_C_1369]

Probably castrated,ball less little 6itches looking to p1ss patriots off.They succeeded. They should try that crap at a vets funeral,instead of hiding behind a keyboard. I fkn guarantee you,theyll be looking for their teeth in the grass.

[@Aussietari]

Chester Nez &. ALL Native American Veterans, are Heroes.😌

[@tigaspinoypower]

I am Filipino. ..I respect and a true Warriors of Native Americans....RIP...SEMFER FI...

[@disregardingsanity2890]

Their contribution saved us from a relentless, ruthless enemy who would've been satisfied with no less than surrender or extermination. After how our ancestors treated them, they still stood for what was right and saved us all. Rest well our hero. You have my deepest respect.

[@stetson711]

I'm proud and sad. Untill the next life Uncle.

[@peytonfan]

To this day.....I regret not going to his book signing. The ONLY book on Navajo Code Talkers from an actual CODE TALKER. But oh so PROUD. RIP.

[@shayla9283]

Peytonfan Chester Nez is my Great great great grandfather I MISS YOU 😭😭 MOM AND I WISH YOU WERE HERE STILL😭😭😭

[@tednorberto3086]

HE is with you. however you wish to live your life it is up to you. Remember him as he was. Be well.

[@shayla9283]

shinobi lb that’s not me with all that make up please know what your doing :)

[@noahn4336]

I've met Chester Nez

[@abramlee9958]

The only thing I regret is not interacting with my great uncle Arthur J hubbards sr’s family when I went to his wife’s 100th birthday

[@hotrodheart26]

My mother and I were blessed to sit down for breakfast with this Marine at Denny's once. Your service and memory will never be forgotten. Thank you, Corporal Nez.

[@thenachonacho1243]

My grandmother’s brother was a code talker he was a code talker and also helped the other marine set mines to fight against the enemy he made it home safely he is the main reason I want to keep my tradition alive and I am being taught by my grandmother and my school (Page High School) Navajo. So thank you grandpa for giving your life for this country we miss you and all of the people back in WW2 for risking your lives.

[@jennicemckillop1933]

I’ve just finished reading his autobiography:”Code Talker. Chester Nez. With Judith Schiess Avila”. Buy the book! I can only say that we owe our lives today 2 this man & his fellow Marines who faced the devil, fought & overcame, 2 preserve the American nation. Their loyalty 2 a country that treated them poorly is amazing. We must thank God for those who overcame hate, rose in love, & served the motherland. It’s a bloody shame that the contributions of minority groups for so many years were placed on back burners, not taught in schools as part of American history. “Thanks “ seems such an insufficient word, but that’s what is available. Thanks Sir. Rest In Peace and beauty. Cpl Chester Nez.

[@michaeldawson3253]

Am gonna buy the book now

[@frogblogs]

I'm reading it now for a class assignment and I'm very glad about it

[@eileensickel]

Thank you, Navajo code talkers. You saved our lives.

[@tm13tube]

I am humbled by the bravery of the Code Talkers.

[@kirk4086]

This is a man among men!!! Incredible!

[@B.R.B.69]

RIP Chester. Your service to this country is truly heroic.

[@n8vsarestillhere111]

My uncle, Jack Nez, was also one of the original 29. He and Chester developed the code with the other 27. My whole family defended this country. My grandfather was a B17 machine gunner in WW2, my dad caught the very end of the Korean war, another uncle was a Vietnam vet, then another uncle stationed at the Fulda Gap in West Germany during the cold war. One cousin in the USAF, me and another cousin are Desert Storm vets.

[@supersonicstrat]

Was he deployed on Iwo Jima?

[@mikewhite3682]

A real American hero and one of the BEST of the greatest generation. R. I. P. marine.

[@lil_chainmail8795]

I like to see old people smile and say there happy I'm a TENDER SOUL 😭

[@ridernthasun]

All My High Respect For This Man and All The Great Native Veterans Semper Fi Chester Nez

[@marc96ish]

A great elder who was once a young warrior with a fighting Navajo spirit with the burning fire to fight for his country and his people rip Chester nez

[@lorenzotoney2270]

Intro transmission was Chester Nez first Message he transmitted in Guadalcanal. Finished reading Code Talker by Chester Nez Great Book!!!! Semper Fidelis RIP never forgotten

[@Ghostofachance-iw8pr]

You've answered a question! My dad was a Marine 36-66 1-5. He spoke of the Australian Cost Watcher's on Guacanal, but not the Navajo Code Talkers! I found the Code Talker book in the local library. I'll pick it up this week. My God bless the United States of America!

[@PaulPetrea]

Bless you, sir. And thank you for your service.

[@BoogieBrownMedia]

Rest easy, brother!

[@surgeland9084]

Hey, Spielberg, can you please, please, please make a film about this guy? His memory needs preserving. It's difficult for me to think about, but most people won't remember this guy unless an effort is made to educate people. I would love to make the film, but no one would watch it and I don't have anywhere near the required budget. Spielberg would be perfect.

[@kurtjordan2838]

His book is way better trust me (;

[@surgeland9084]

@@kurtjordan2838 The widescale audience is the difference there. His book could provide the inspiration for the film, though.

[@jamesturnbough4837]

thank you for you're service and god bless and my grandfather was a code talker

[@brosrcool]

wow, Im moved to tears. What a man. Thank you sir!

[@radcam69]

Watch over us, Marine, but RIP. HERO.

[@chunguss180]

❤ rip great Navajo warriors... we cannot thank you enough

[@fernand0167]

Major respect to these guys

[@brodyhill1449]

Thank you Sir, for your valiant and courageous service! Same goes to all Indigenous Code Talkers in the US military. Our warrior ancestors are proud and thankful for you keeping the traditions of protectors alive and well. May you find peace in the happy hunting grounds. Salute!

[@irahartmann9705]

Thank God for good people like him.

[@eleeashley2304]

Semper Fi Granpa Nez. Thank you for your devotional service. With love and Honor, RIP.

[@gcoon760]

what a wonderful truth ,they saved the day! Our real American heros! God Bles the Navajos!

[@sociologybydesign5004]

Stories like these need to be told. Thanks for posting!

[@GrummanIsComin]

RIP. You are a great American! Thank you for your service! With much gratitude 🙏

[@dalehuffer4506]

You and the code talkers did a lot for this nation. You will be remembered for this. you may rest easy

[@mickryan2450]

And just oz abos treated like shit

[@petedetects7012]

Wow , words can't express my gratitude for our great nation's men and women that fought for our freedom we enjoy today .

[@wes4824]

he was a great code talker

[@trisgilmour]

Thanks brother for all you did for our country

[@Who_Am_I_d.i.y.ryanpanana1349]

After watching all the battles and hearing about the code talkers I got Nez's book. Code Talker. He is the a awesome guy and hero. R.I.P.

[@txrick4879]

Rest in peace . We will not forget history will not forget your service.

[@sandysimmons9997]

Mr. Nez may your beautiful soul fly free Sir. You were a wonderful Soul!!

[@ceebee312]

REST IN PEACE Your honor will forever b cherished

[@dlara1986dl]

Thank You for you service my Beautiful people🙏

[@nilacurry4230]

Rest in peace

[@rubyjames3105]

hello from BC Canada, my granny is a Chilcotin Native, also from the Athapaskan language familiy. We are cousins!

[@GuyWithAEpicHat]

These men help win the war, thank you for your service 🇺🇸

[@michael.santoyo9825]

I'm reading Code talkers in class rn so far it's been one of the best books I've really been emotionally impacted by

[@carolv8450]

I never learned about this in school. 😞

[@charleyshelton2834]

Its something the history books don't talk bout

[@supersonicstrat]

@@charleyshelton2834 Indeed. It's a real shame.

[@213davidbennett]

This is by far my favorite video on ALL of KZbin and it upsets me that it doesnt have billions of views

[@seankakegamic7172]

Its ok..as long as we know

[@Who_Am_I_d.i.y.ryanpanana1349]

Same.

[@kiingloscoldl3759]

i bless you so much to help us American i of a better life rip

[@donkeycamel101]

Love , hugs , and tears to the memory of Chester Nez and his family . God bless in Jesus name . ♥️🙏✝️🦅🇺🇸🌹😇❤️

[@bobsemos5283]

Thanks for your service, R.I.P.

[@5809AUJG]

Walk in beauty, dearest sir, great U.S. Marine. Joy to you in your new life, with the Angels and Archangels, for all time. Thank you for your courage and your generosity. Thank you, so very much, for your precious service. God bless you!

[@inspiredme7030]

Thank you for your service sir

[@steveb1437]

Made me cry! Thank you for your service!!! 😭

[@mrbbollywood]

Rest in peace my brother, I hope GOD heals your wounds so you can find eternal happiness and peace. Thank you for your service.

[@gomamon15]

Thank you :)

[@TheRealGrinch313]

Thank you for your service, Sir! I recently bought your book and have started to read it. God bless your soul 💛

[@garciareviews1455]

Thank you for your service sir rest easy

[@centpushups]

Just finished the memoir that was made of him. Damn it makes you really appreciate everything way more. Just getting a glass of water is now so much more appreciated. Reading it just makes the war so much more real.

[@rubymckinley4909]

Thank you, so very much. God bless

[@markortiz141]

A'jo, Ahe hee for your Valuable Service that saved this Country. A Great naabaahi, ya' asshdi honilonii.

[@MrJustdoit838]

Semper Fi My brother

[@NavajoBabyS]

#ThankYou! #NativePride

[@anapalacios660]

His mind was so sharp & the code they created was pretty amazing. True warrior

[@raymondkoehler9299]

Thank you sir .

[@johndes574]

RIP MARINE..... much respects from Australia

[@DreamScape799]

YOU ROCK!!!! :-)

[@918kickinwing]

Just finished his book. Awesome and great read.

[@timcrouch2415]

The reasons why the Marine Corp chose Navajo as the basis of their coded language: 1. At the time of WWII, Navajo was still a very pure, traditional language, so it had very exotic structure and was still a true language isolate so deciphering without a native speaker was impossible. 2, There had been no published books on learning the complete language at that time. 3. The Nation had no record of the language being taught to anyone outside of the North American continent. 4. The Nation had no record of any fluent speakers living in Axis-controller countries. 5. There was a large body of fluent speakers in the USA and northern Mexico to choose Code Speakers from compared to other native tongues.

[@denepride2910]

Tim Crouch funny how Americans forbidden the Natives from using their Native tongue and its the Native language they out law saved them from the Nazis......yet, they got no recognition for how much Natives contributed to America.... Not black enough or white enough I guess....

[@licktin1091]

Dene Pride fucking idiot. Navajo are Americans too. They have their own reservations but its on American soil. The recognition that they got and are getting now is out of this world. Theres even a museum dedicated to them. Everyone is getting their credit now for serving their country.

[@dalydose]

Semper Fi, sir!

[@ptRruby]

R.I.P Sir

[@rwgross98]

I believe that Chester Nez was one of the Navajo Code Talkers I met in Window Rock, Arizona when I was working on the Navajo Nation. . . .

[@WolfReader]

Who let the Onion Ninjas in here?!?!

[@poky1958]

That's beautiful.

[@markisaac3550]

Great hero

[@jesusvonnazareth1130]

Gottes Segen alter Herr!!!

[@best.knockouts]

Semper Fi

[@patriciadamon5636]

Yes he sure was One of the Reginal 29 NCT." With my Uncle Lowell S. Damon from Fort. Defiance, Ax. RlP.... SEMPER-FI! 👍🇺🇸🌹🙏.

[@jashawnbrown671]

I love u grandpa I also miss u it's me Shayla u never met me but mom tells me story of u wish you still with me 😞😞 Please don't hate cuz u don't know how much I love him

[@whereismyxanax]

Oh he is so cute!

[@anthony17932ify]

The Lord will bring a nation against you from afar, from the ends of the earth, as the eagle swoops down, a nation whose language you shall not know. Deuteronomy 28:49. Bravo Zulu Code Talker Marines! SEMPER FI!

[@gloversrage9334]

rest in piece devil dog, and give em hell on the other side! semper fi

[@Patriot-Logic]

All American Patriots love and respect this man! The rest can leave our borders!🇺🇸✝️👍

[@liamnguyen4380]

to day i my 3th grade class we learned about cheeseter nez

[@trevorclausen2994]

R:I:P Mighty Old Warrior.

[@amosmaclin4665]

Rip sir

[@FrankdaFrickinTank]

I find it truly sad we don't talk about the importance of Navajo codetalkers.

[@supersonicstrat]

I myself am doing a project on them.

[@grokomtur2015]

Rest In Heaven

[@usa9308]

Rest in peace fly with the Angles peace be with you 🕊️

[@wdym5758]

Thx to the navajos.

[@kid5084]

Join him now and forever....

[@vicki8726]

Couple years back I want to get my mail and I get a lot of mail from people that have lived here so from years back it's a senior citizen building well in my mail at this time it was right before Christmas I opened it up and it was a Christmas ornament memorializing the code talkers even though I'm not native American I keep that on my tree every year in memory of them

[@jerseybob1000]

My dad was a marine, seabee, 20th marines, 121 seabees on saipan, he said he was jumping from foxhole to foxhole in a battle when he jumped into one with code talkers, course he had no idea who they were but swung his carbine around as he thought they were Japanese in matine uniforms, their marine guard yelled at him, hey these are our Indian guys. Dad went on, later he built them a quonset hut, they always had a guard. Top secret stuff but he knew them all from getting them quartered , he only told me before he passed in his 80s as he said it's a secret. He said he could have used a guard on saipan.

[@reubentinio503]

They served and saved the lives, thosands of americans and its allies, how can 10 people thumb ths down?

[@maureendevries1904]

Great question

[@michaelbegay9573]

When they were released from service, the u.s government told them "do not talk about this", they kept their word.

[@kid5084]

My father was there for you. Generator operator Cpl. Claude C Calhoun.

[@glennsanjuan7545]

❤

[@supersonicstrat]

Rest in peace, veteran. Hopefully I'll see you on the flipside.