Code Talkers

Two Navajo Marines go into battle.

Word Count: 914
Written for

FORUM

Honoring Our Veterans - Challenge  (ASR) Celebrating Veterans Day every day #423698 by StephBee

August 2025

1st Marine Division, Aug 1942


Lance Corporal Jacy Adakai sat on the bench in his Amtrac, ready to hit the beach in Guadalcanal. The air was wet and sweat rolled down his brow. He was used to a dry heat, not humid heat. The hint of sea salt in the air teased his nostrils. His friend from his tribe, Kele Nez, sat next to him. Both remained quiet. The action would start shortly. They were loaded down with communications equipment, specifically heavy duty radios, telephone wire, tools, and their M1 Garand rifle. Both were also carrying a .45 caliber 1911 pistol. The equipment was burdensome, but Jacy was ready. He had trained hard and was honored to be a marine. This was his first assignment along with Kele.

His sergeant came by and placed a hand on his shoulder. “You ready, Adakai?”

“Yes, Sergeant.”

“Remember, stick to Lieutenant Wilson like glue. Nez, you’re with Lieutenant Smith.”

Nez nodded.

Jacy hadn’t talked to the lieutenant much. Wilson had a reputation for being brave, and tactically smart, but he could be gruff around his marines.

The vehicle slammed into the beach. Jacy heard gunfire.

“Don’t get yourself killed – go!” The sergeant motioned for them to take off. Both lieutenants were waiting for Jacy and Kele at the opening.

“You ready, Navajo?” Lieutenant Wilson looked directly at Jacy.

“Yes, Sir.”

Lieutenant Wilson jumped out and Jacy followed. Gunfire splattered sand all around them. The enemy was up on the sand dunes. Wilson pointed to some brush and rocks near a walking path close to the start of the dunes that would provide cover. Jacy could barely see. Sandy dirt flew up in the air along with smoke. The sky was hazy and the air was moist. Sweat poured down his back and Jacy drew on his inner reserves. His heavy gear slowed him a bit, but he ran hard and fast, staying close to LT. A near miss fractured a rock they passed, but the rock pieces bounced off his helmet. They dove into the bushes and found adequate cover.

Jacy took off his rucksack with the radio and turned it on. Lieutenant Wilson stayed alert, watching for the enemy, rifle at the ready.

“They won’t come down from that sand dune. I think Smith can flank them if our platoon draws fire. Get Smith’s Navajo on the radio, tell him to stay put for ten minutes, then flank to his right.”

Jacy nodded, and keyed the radio. He spoke in Navajo, his native language. Kele answered. Lieutenant Wilson used hand signals, pointing to his sergeants who were in charge of the assault teams. They acknowledged his direction with thumbs up.

After two minutes, the firing stopped from above the dunes briefly, then resumed.

“Why would they stop? To reload?” asked LT.

“Maybe, Sir. Or maybe they stopped to listen to us.”

Lieutenant Wilson’s grimy face frowned. “I sure hope they didn’t break your code. Heck, I don’t even understand your language.”

“Japanese and Navajo have nothing in common, Sir.” Jacy offered him a reassuring smile. He could sense his lieutenant was worried.

Wilson nodded and watched his watch. When it was time, he motioned to his sergeants. Jacy got on the radio and spoke to Kele. Jacy’s platoon began to fire on the Japanese positions, team after team, machine guns, rifles, grenades. The enemy concentrated their fire on Wilson’s teams.

Jacy and Kele spoke on the radio.

“Flanking maneuver in progress. LT Smith reporting they aren’t detected.” Jacy paused. “Beginning to engage…”

The gunfire grew louder and into a crescendo and then nothing. LT Wilson looked at Jacy. “Is it safe?”

Seconds passed and felt like long minutes.

Kele raised Jacy on the radio, then Jacy turned to face his lieutenant. “Yes, Sir. They didn’t know what hit them. Lieutenant Smith’s platoon has several prisoners, several enemy troops are wounded, most are dead.”

Just then, Jacy and Lieutenant Wilson saw Lieutenant Smith and Kele on top of sand dunes. “All Clear!” Lieutenant Smith yelled.

Lieutenant Wilson and Jacy walked out from their position and Wilson motioned for the assault teams to come forward.

“Wilson, we need to set up a perimeter and post guards. Let’s fortify the area. There are more Japs in the interior, but they expected to defend this position easily. When they figure out we’ve got the land, they’ll come at us,” yelled Smith from his spot on the sand dune.

Lieutenant Wilson nodded, and the marines quickly organized themselves. A perimeter was established, guards posted. Both Jacy and Kele were exempt from guard duty, as they were attached specifically to the lieutenants. As night fell, their leaders motioned for them to eat their rations alongside them.

“What happened up there, Smith?” Wilson drank his water. “I didn’t expect the engagement to end so quickly.”

Smith grinned and pointed to Kele and Jacy. “These marines happened. The Japanese had no idea what we were saying. They expected a direct assault from the beach and not a flanking maneuver.”

“We need to report back to Captain White,” said LT Wilson. “After we eat.” Wilson looked at Jacy and Kele. They nodded.

“I’ll tell you what, Nez, you and Adakai have my respect,” said Smith. “Well done. I’ll go into battle with you two anytime.”

“Yes, well done, Marine.” LT Wilson patted Jacy on the shoulder. Jacy nodded, proud of the work he’d done with Kele, and proud that his language had played a pivotal part in winning the battle.