About the book
Chapter 1: Sent Away
The main character in this book is Kii Yazhi. He obeys his mother and always does what his parents tell him to do. He ends up leaving home to go to boarding school. He is forced to do this because Mexican's treated Navajo Indians with disrespect. Other Americans started treating them with disrespect too. Navajo Indians eventually had no crops and were now slaves because of the treatment they received. The whites ruled their land. This is why Kil Yazhi had to go to boarding school. His uncle takes him to boarding school expecting him to study hard and learn a lot. Kii Yazhi loves to learn and enjoys school and studying.
Chapter 2: Boarding School
Whites were very powerful in the past. They were harsh, mean, and would scream at the Navajos. When Kii Yazhi got to the boarding school, he could not understand the whites or even other Navajo Indians. It was difficult to understand because not everyone spoke the same language as Kil Yazhi. He ended up learning how to speak English. American's hated the Navajo language.
Chapter 3: To be forgotten
Kii Yazhi had to cut off his hair. Navajo Indians are suppose to have long hair, not short. He was very upset about that. When he was finished getting his hair cut, boys and girls were separated into different areas. They were told to remove any expensive jewelry and take off their nice clothing. Whites took their belongings and sold them. The Navajo Indians never saw them again. Their belongings were replaced with military outfits. The whites even gave Navajo Indians new names. It did not matter to the whites. Some Indians were named after dead people. Kii Yazhi's new name is Ned Begay.
Chapter 4: Progress
The whites would abuse Ned or any other Navajo who did not speak English. Navajo Indians would have to put a bar of soap in their mouth. Ned had to do that. Ned Begay's friend, Tommy Nez, had soap in his mouth so much that it did not bother him anymore. If the soap did not affect the Navajo's, they would be beaten. If that did not work, they would go to a cold and dark basement where they would be chained, and have very little to eat or drink.
Chapter 5: High School
Ned's high school is closer to home than the boarding school he went to. Ned loves to learn and does not mind going to school. He talks about how he wants to become a teacher because he has such great knowledge. His teachers expect very little from him and the other Navajo Indians. The Navajos do not understand Americans that well. They are also poor. Even though Navajo Indians were poorer than the Japanese, the Navajo Indians helped the Japanese and gave them food.
Chapter 6: Sneak Attack
Ned was learning a lot about the Japanese He learned that they wanted to control the world and Europe too. There was a surprise attack when Ned was at school. Ned and his friends were listening to the radio to see what had happened. The Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor in the United States.
Chapter 7: Navajos Wanted
During World War II there was a group of people called the Axis Powers. It included Italy, Japan, and Germany combined. They were very powerful and they made the war long. Ned wanted to be a Marine and fight in the war, but he was too young. He had to be between 17 and 32 years of age. He was thinking of liying about his age because they did not have birth certificates back then. His parents would not let him do this.
Chapter 8: New Recruits
If Ned Begay went to fight in the war, he would have to be strong and be able to speak Navajo and English. They took 29 people to fight in the first group. A visitor came to Ned's school to talk to them about being a Marine. His name was Johnny Manuelito. He warned them about the difficulties of becoming a Marine. Sometimes you cannot eat, you walk a lot, you carry heavy things, and you have to learn how to use a gun. Ned still wanted to be a Marine though. He was still 16, but he would soon become a marine.
Chapter 9: The Blessing Way
Ned Begay's parents finally let him be a Marine. In this chapter we learn that Ned's family is Catholic. Ned's siblings are going to school just like Ned. They will be going to the same boarding school that Ned attended. Ned Begay's parents throw a ceremony for him before he leaves to become a Marine. This ceremony would mean he would be blessed and safe while he is away from home.
Chapter 10: Boot Camp
Ned Begay had finally joined the Marines. Ned compares boot camp to being in jail. There were many gates, fences, and barbed wire. Ned felt happy but scared at the same time. He had to have all of his hair shaved off. He also received boots, socks, pants, and shirts. His boots were too big. He had to double tie them really tight. The people at boot camp would scream at him. He was use to it because of his old school. Everyone training to be a Marine had to do everyday routines. They had to walk long miles and carry heavy things. Navajo's were use to this though so they thought it was easy. Whites would get sick because they are not use to it. They also learned how to wrestle and shoot. This proved that Navajos were better than Americans at a lot of things. Ned also had to learn how to swim. He did not know how. He was the last one in the group to learn. Navajos also learned that they get to eat a lot in the United States. Whites would think it was gross, but Navajos liked it. They did not really care about what they got to eat. One of the last things Ned learned at boot camp was that not all white men could read, like Georigia Boy. Ned ends up teaching Georgia Boy how to read. This is how Ned makes a new friend.
Chapter 11: Code School
Ned Begay graduates from boot camp. He gets ready to leave on a ship to go fight in World War II. They will be there for eight weeks. The Navajo Indians had to wait for white Marines to say goodbye to family members. The Navajos were mad because they could not say goodbye to any of their loved ones. Then, the Marines left on a ship. Everyone was very nervous. Two men named Johnny Manuelito and John Benally went to the same boot camp. Instead of going to fight in the war, they stayed back to help this group of Marines become Code Talkers. It was part of their duty. They made the Marines write words on a piece of paper after Johnny and John had written them on the black board. The reason they are using Navajo Indians instead of any other Indian is because their language was the hardest to learn.
Chapter 12: Learning the Code
The Code Talkers had to keep every code they made a secret. They were very important. They could not tell anyone about what it meant until World War II ends. To become a Code Talker Ned had to learn the English language. The assignment for the Navajos was to assign more Navajo words to English words. They had to make up words for real ones.
The next camp Ned went to was Camp Elliott. The white teachers were very friendly and the Navajos would always play tricks on them. Corporal Radant, one of Ned's teachers at camp, would always get frustrated when the Navajos pulled trick on him. The Navajos would practice bayonet fighting and they would end up braking guns. They would also do hand-to-hand combat to upset him. Ned loves Camp Elliott. He danced at Camp Elliott to show his appreciation It was very different than his old boarding school. He can now speak his Navajo language without getting yelled at. He was proud to be a Marine, but he did not boast about it.
The next camp Ned went to was Camp Elliott. The white teachers were very friendly and the Navajos would always play tricks on them. Corporal Radant, one of Ned's teachers at camp, would always get frustrated when the Navajos pulled trick on him. The Navajos would practice bayonet fighting and they would end up braking guns. They would also do hand-to-hand combat to upset him. Ned loves Camp Elliott. He danced at Camp Elliott to show his appreciation It was very different than his old boarding school. He can now speak his Navajo language without getting yelled at. He was proud to be a Marine, but he did not boast about it.
Chapter 13: Shipping out to Hawaii
Ned was on a boat leaving for Hawaii to be a Code Talker in World War II. He gets to be with people who are experienced so they can help the new Code Talkers. Ned was excited. He was not scared, but when he was on the boat he was scared. Ned had a flashback. His old teacher, Mr. Lawson, put Ned in the front of the room because he was day dreaming instead of doing his math homework. Ned was taught that he should be afraid of water. He was told that there were weird creatures and monsters below the water. This is how he became nervous. Bill Toledo helps him so he does not become too nervous. He told him he was safe. It ended up being a fast trip. They had made in to Hawaii safely.
Ned was assigned to signal Corps from the Third Division, Second Regiment, and Third Battalion. On the boat Ned had to keep practicing the codes he learned. His job as a Code Talker was to speak, write, translate, and respond. He learned a lot more about the war than anybody else. He shared this information with his fellow Code Talkers. They would change the code a lot so others could not figure it out. They would tell all of the Code Talkers if any changes had been made. A Code Talker named Sam Begay sent a sample message out. Every radio in the United States received the message. Now the Code Talkers would have to say they were New Mexico or Arizona so Japan would not think they are the enemy and attack.
Ned was assigned to signal Corps from the Third Division, Second Regiment, and Third Battalion. On the boat Ned had to keep practicing the codes he learned. His job as a Code Talker was to speak, write, translate, and respond. He learned a lot more about the war than anybody else. He shared this information with his fellow Code Talkers. They would change the code a lot so others could not figure it out. They would tell all of the Code Talkers if any changes had been made. A Code Talker named Sam Begay sent a sample message out. Every radio in the United States received the message. Now the Code Talkers would have to say they were New Mexico or Arizona so Japan would not think they are the enemy and attack.
Chapter 14: The Enemies
There were a lot of explosions while fighting in World War II. There were also many dead bodies. The Navajos were very disturbed by all of the dead bodies, but they did their duty as a Marine. They could not touch the dead bodies because they believed this would cause a bad spirit. Whites thought it was very weird.
Ned also learned the Japanese instruction manual from Sam Begay and Bill McCabe. Japanese citizens were forced to fight in the war by Japanese army. Sam and Bill were sad for them.
Required rules Japan expected:
1. Obey without question or hesitation
2. Always take the offensive
3. Surprise the enemy whenever possible
4. Never retreat
5. Never surrender
Ned also learned the Japanese instruction manual from Sam Begay and Bill McCabe. Japanese citizens were forced to fight in the war by Japanese army. Sam and Bill were sad for them.
Required rules Japan expected:
1. Obey without question or hesitation
2. Always take the offensive
3. Surprise the enemy whenever possible
4. Never retreat
5. Never surrender
Chapter 15: Field Maneuvers
Before Ned could actually participate in World War II, he had to train more before going to South Pacific. His job was to go two days with a little bit of water. What the Navajos did proves that they were smarter than whites. They would cut open a cactus and would drink out of it. The whites were thirsty and they would drink out of their canteen.
On the second day Lieutenant Stormy was surprised Ned's canteen was still full. Everyone had collapsed that day except for four Navajo Indians. They still had plenty of water to drink. Lieutenant Stormy asked the four Navajos to go back to base and bring back water for them to drink. By the time they got back with water the Marines were all dead. Ned never told Stormy about the cactus.
A few days later the Marines shipped out. Their job was to drive out Japan and secure the airfields. First they had to practice at Guadalcanal. They practiced land exercises on October 17-19 in 1943. The Marines would also have to be careful of poisonous insects and dangerous animals.
Ned told a story about Gene-gene, who was a chief. He had scars all over his body from the Japanese. They tied him to a tree because they wanted to know where the Americans were. Gene-gene refused to tell the Japanese. Ned said it was one of the best conversation stories he had ever heard. After that Ned participated in the war. The Marines came off the boat. They did not hear any gun shots and they did not see anyone hurt. All they heard was mosquito's and they had to be very careful around them because they are dangerous.
On the second day Lieutenant Stormy was surprised Ned's canteen was still full. Everyone had collapsed that day except for four Navajo Indians. They still had plenty of water to drink. Lieutenant Stormy asked the four Navajos to go back to base and bring back water for them to drink. By the time they got back with water the Marines were all dead. Ned never told Stormy about the cactus.
A few days later the Marines shipped out. Their job was to drive out Japan and secure the airfields. First they had to practice at Guadalcanal. They practiced land exercises on October 17-19 in 1943. The Marines would also have to be careful of poisonous insects and dangerous animals.
Ned told a story about Gene-gene, who was a chief. He had scars all over his body from the Japanese. They tied him to a tree because they wanted to know where the Americans were. Gene-gene refused to tell the Japanese. Ned said it was one of the best conversation stories he had ever heard. After that Ned participated in the war. The Marines came off the boat. They did not hear any gun shots and they did not see anyone hurt. All they heard was mosquito's and they had to be very careful around them because they are dangerous.
Chapter 16: Bombardment
Ned is reunited with Georgia Boy, his friend. They meet each other in training camp. The Marines were planing an invasion at Bougainville to defeat the Allied Powers. Their plan was called 'Cartwheel.' Part of the plan was to have the Marines make up nicknames during the war. It frightened others, but it was funny to the Marines. Mac Arthur made up part of this plan. His plan was to go to Gilbert Island and attack. The plan failed. Mac Arthur decided to name is new plan ' Operation Shoe String Number Two.' They had to leave their cargo behind when this happened. Everyone was scared afterwards. They could not get to bed. Ned was trying to keep calm by talking. He was talking to Georgia Boy and he learned things about him. He discovered that he liked the New York Yankees. Ned also asked the holy people for protection. He could not hear anything but big booms. Some of the Marines thought the enemies left. Ned does not think so. The Allied Powers have their weapons. They might try and kill them.
Chapter 17: First Landing
It was the Marines first landing. They were 30 people on a ship. They were close to shore and the Japanese were shooting at their boat. It was rocking a lot. The Marines had to keep their head down the entire time. Five out the eight ships survived. Ned was prepared for the war too. At one point everyone was confused. They were shooting in the direction of the bullets and none of the Japanese were visible. 14,000 Marines were on shore and they brought 6,000 pieces of equipment.
Ned's finger nails were broken while the shootings were going on. When the Marines were fighting, they did not see any Japanese people. The marines also met Solomon Islanders. They thought it was strange. Ned noticed how poor they were because they did not have much clothing. Ned and the other Marines gave them fruit. A bomb went off when they were talking to the Solomon Islanders. They did not flinch at all, but Georgia Boy did. He dove in a foxhole.
Ned's finger nails were broken while the shootings were going on. When the Marines were fighting, they did not see any Japanese people. The marines also met Solomon Islanders. They thought it was strange. Ned noticed how poor they were because they did not have much clothing. Ned and the other Marines gave them fruit. A bomb went off when they were talking to the Solomon Islanders. They did not flinch at all, but Georgia Boy did. He dove in a foxhole.
Chapter 18: On Bougainville
The next day at Bougainville, was strange for Ned. The jungle was thick and the trails were narrow. It was hotter than Guadalcanal. He had never been in this type of terrain before. Whenever Ned would try and make a foxhole it would fill up with water by the time he was done. There were more insects too. He had to wear nets and take pills so he could be safe from Malaria. One of the watch officers, Alex Williams, would observe them closely and make sure the Marines would take their pills.
The Marines were told that they could not leave their foxholes at night. The Japanese could attack at any moment. The Navajo Indian's secret name for the Japanese was "mouse." This was because they were very quiet and sneaky.
A medic, one of Ned's team mates, thought he killed a Japanese solider. Instead it was one of his teammates named Tsosie. He got confused because of his dark skin and he mistakes Tsosie for the enemy. This is why Smitty and Georgia Boy are always with Ned Begay. They want to make sure no one will mistaken him for a Japanese solider.
One day when the Marines were walking on a muddy trail, they saw a dead Japanese Solider. Willky, another fellow team mate did not believe he was dead. He would shoot every enemy twice just to make sure he was not faking dead.
On November 10th everyone celebrated a birthday for all of the Marines. It was Ned's birthday too. It was not his actual birthday, but his parents just made it up because the Navajo people do not remember birthdays. He kept his birthday a secret because he lied. He was now turning 17 and he had to be 17 to be a Marine. He was too young when he started his training.
On November 11th Ned had to keep his radio with him at all times. He never had a break. Ned saw a sign that the Japanese were on the same trail. They had left clothing, food, and other supplies on the trail. There were C-rations, D-rations, and K-rations. These were food packets that Marines would carry with them to eat. Ned did not grab one. He was afraid one of the Japanese set a booby trap in one of the rations.
In the war against the Japanese, there are four key words for survival for the Code Talkers. They were send, receive, roger, move. Japanese could figure out where a Code Talker was if they did not follow this rule. These rules saved Ned's and Bill Toledo's life. They shut off their radio after they have sent a message and then they ran. The next thing you know there where Japanese soldiers in the area they had just left.
On Bougainville it was hard for the Marines to fight. It was not because of the Japanese, it was because of the land. During the War, on December sixth, there was an earthquake. It saved the Marine's lives. The Japanese soldiers were hiding in trees to shoot the Marines. The earthquake affected them too. They ended up falling out of the trees. During the war Marines found that Seabees were very helpful. They also found that PT boats were helpful as well.
The Marines were told that they could not leave their foxholes at night. The Japanese could attack at any moment. The Navajo Indian's secret name for the Japanese was "mouse." This was because they were very quiet and sneaky.
A medic, one of Ned's team mates, thought he killed a Japanese solider. Instead it was one of his teammates named Tsosie. He got confused because of his dark skin and he mistakes Tsosie for the enemy. This is why Smitty and Georgia Boy are always with Ned Begay. They want to make sure no one will mistaken him for a Japanese solider.
One day when the Marines were walking on a muddy trail, they saw a dead Japanese Solider. Willky, another fellow team mate did not believe he was dead. He would shoot every enemy twice just to make sure he was not faking dead.
On November 10th everyone celebrated a birthday for all of the Marines. It was Ned's birthday too. It was not his actual birthday, but his parents just made it up because the Navajo people do not remember birthdays. He kept his birthday a secret because he lied. He was now turning 17 and he had to be 17 to be a Marine. He was too young when he started his training.
On November 11th Ned had to keep his radio with him at all times. He never had a break. Ned saw a sign that the Japanese were on the same trail. They had left clothing, food, and other supplies on the trail. There were C-rations, D-rations, and K-rations. These were food packets that Marines would carry with them to eat. Ned did not grab one. He was afraid one of the Japanese set a booby trap in one of the rations.
In the war against the Japanese, there are four key words for survival for the Code Talkers. They were send, receive, roger, move. Japanese could figure out where a Code Talker was if they did not follow this rule. These rules saved Ned's and Bill Toledo's life. They shut off their radio after they have sent a message and then they ran. The next thing you know there where Japanese soldiers in the area they had just left.
On Bougainville it was hard for the Marines to fight. It was not because of the Japanese, it was because of the land. During the War, on December sixth, there was an earthquake. It saved the Marine's lives. The Japanese soldiers were hiding in trees to shoot the Marines. The earthquake affected them too. They ended up falling out of the trees. During the war Marines found that Seabees were very helpful. They also found that PT boats were helpful as well.
Chapter 19: Do You Have a Navajo?
Ned returns to Hawaii There are new codes to learn for different things. Some whites had trouble trusting Navajo Indians to know the code. Instead of Ned sending messages, he received a rifle to fight in the war. McAdams, another Marine took Ned's spot and tried to tell Japanese soldiers to stop shooting shells. The Japanese would not stop shooting though. McAdams ended up giving the radio to Ned. He had said something into the radio and the shootings had stopped. Navajo Indians were unappreciated back then. They were taught that white people were better than the Navajo. The Navajo language better prepared them for their role as Code Talkers.
During the war Ned's unit was running out of Code Talkers. There was suppose to be eight Code Talkers in signal company and 100 Code Talkers in the Marine division. Sometimes the Code Talkers would have to send messages by hand. It was dangerous for Ned. Someone could mistake him for the enemy. This is why Smitty and Georgia Boy watch over him.They did not want him to get hurt. He could end up just like Alex Williams.
Alex Williams was a Code Talker and was out fighting in the war. His radio went out so he had to send a message on foot. After he had sent the message, he got lost coming home in the dark and rain. His teammates thought he was a Japanese solider because of his dark skin. He did not have some one like Smitty or Georgia Boy to protect him. He was shot and killed by accident.
The fighting was really bad during World War II. The Marines would try and drink to forget about the bad things that happened. Ned did not drink but he was very tempted to.
During the war Ned's unit was running out of Code Talkers. There was suppose to be eight Code Talkers in signal company and 100 Code Talkers in the Marine division. Sometimes the Code Talkers would have to send messages by hand. It was dangerous for Ned. Someone could mistake him for the enemy. This is why Smitty and Georgia Boy watch over him.They did not want him to get hurt. He could end up just like Alex Williams.
Alex Williams was a Code Talker and was out fighting in the war. His radio went out so he had to send a message on foot. After he had sent the message, he got lost coming home in the dark and rain. His teammates thought he was a Japanese solider because of his dark skin. He did not have some one like Smitty or Georgia Boy to protect him. He was shot and killed by accident.
The fighting was really bad during World War II. The Marines would try and drink to forget about the bad things that happened. Ned did not drink but he was very tempted to.
Chapter 20: The Next Targets
It was June of 1944 and the Marines were moving to their next destination, Marianas Island. They have to fight Saipan, Tinian, Guam, and Peleiu. Ned had to fight in Guam. It was worse than fighting in Saipan, but everyone survived. There were shells shooting at them when they were on the boat. Some kept their heads down and some had to swim. The Marines did not have their equipment with them. Some of them almost died. The Japanese general refused to retreat. They kept shooting.
The Japanese people had told horrible things about the Americans to their people. Their government frightened them. They told the Japanese that the Americans would kill and torture them. Japanese children and women were terrified. In Saipan, 3,000 Americans died between June 15th to July 13th. In all over 20,000 people died.
A member in Ned's unit, Danny Akee, would always tell funny stories even thought the war was awful. He would always make his teammates happy when sad things had happened. Danny told a story that he had thought he got shot in the head. Instead, a frog jumped on his helmet.
The Japanese people had told horrible things about the Americans to their people. Their government frightened them. They told the Japanese that the Americans would kill and torture them. Japanese children and women were terrified. In Saipan, 3,000 Americans died between June 15th to July 13th. In all over 20,000 people died.
A member in Ned's unit, Danny Akee, would always tell funny stories even thought the war was awful. He would always make his teammates happy when sad things had happened. Danny told a story that he had thought he got shot in the head. Instead, a frog jumped on his helmet.
Chapter 21: Guam
Ned was suppose to be at Guam on June 18th. He was sent to Guam late and he does not know why. It ended up being a better experience than he thought it would be. When he did reach Guam, other Marines stayed on the ship while Ned was on shore. It was better to be on shore because Ned could swim, play cards, eat fish, complain, and sleep. The other Marines were stuck on a hot crowded ship out at sea. They could not enjoy the Island. Ned did not like crabs. There were a lot of crabs on Guam.
There was an admiral in the Navy named Conolly. He led the United States in a fight over Guam. United States owned Guam, and then Japan owned it. Now, the United Sates owns Guam again. Wherever Ned goes he finds a book about the place he is going to. This is how he learns so much about Guam. He told other Marines about Guam too.
Ned and the other Marines invaded the Island on July 21st. It is easier to run on the island. The Code Talkers have light weight radios they can carry with them. They use to be 40 pounds! The Code Talkers barley had a break during this battle. There were 18,000 Japanese troops and Ned had to send a lot of messages.
Smitty would joke with Ned during the war. He would always joke with him about how he is really short, but Ned would always tell him that bigger people are easier targets.
Ned had a different assignment. The Marine unit was moving to a different island. Every town the Marines went to was destroyed by the enemy. There would be no sign of life. The day of the first attack Ned could not sleep. The Japanese would usually attack at night while the Marines would attack at dawn. Many Japanese soldiers died from machine guns. After the first group of Japanese soldiers were hurt or killed, there was always a new group of soldiers that would come to fight. 3,500 people died during this battle. Johnson Housewood, a Code Talker that was part of Ned's unit, died too.
On July 27, Americans and the Navajo Indians were taking back Guam. They won the Island. The Marines made hospitals in Agana, Guam's capital to help the Chamorros people. Some Chamorros managed to escape from the Japanese soldiers. Some of their families died from the Japanese. Some were seriously hurt. Some families were poor and did not have any food. Since the Marines built the hospitals and helped them, the Camorros told the Marines where the Japanese were located.
A seven year old boy named Johnny was captured by Japanese soldiers. They killed everyone in his family. On December 8th one of the Marines, Wilsie, brought him into the Marine tent. They gave him food and allowed him to sleep in their tent. Ned said Johnny had made a difference in his life and that he would never forget him. Johnny wrote a poem about his family's death. He was very sad. Later the Marines had to leave Guam. They took Johnny to the Red Cross aid so he could find a good home. Wilsie ended up giving Johnny his address so they could both send letter to each other and keep in touch.
A Marine named Charlie Begay walked into an ambush when he was on Guam. Charlie had died. Wilsie, Ned, and the entire unit was sad. Charlie Begay was Wilsie's best friend. Everyone was sad, but Wilsie was sad the most. He took his dog tags and put one in his pocket and the other one in Charlie's mouth. It was because it showed that a dead man's body will not get lost. Someone had also sent a letter to his family saying that he had died.
Weeks later Ned got back from his vacation. He was sad someone was going to replace Charlie. The next thing you know, a jeep pulls up to their tent. It is Charlie Begay and he was not dead. Everyone was shocked and overjoyed, especially Wilsie. The Marines took Charlie to the hospital. He had a huge scar and had lost a lot of blood. He would return shortly as soon as he felt better.
There was an admiral in the Navy named Conolly. He led the United States in a fight over Guam. United States owned Guam, and then Japan owned it. Now, the United Sates owns Guam again. Wherever Ned goes he finds a book about the place he is going to. This is how he learns so much about Guam. He told other Marines about Guam too.
Ned and the other Marines invaded the Island on July 21st. It is easier to run on the island. The Code Talkers have light weight radios they can carry with them. They use to be 40 pounds! The Code Talkers barley had a break during this battle. There were 18,000 Japanese troops and Ned had to send a lot of messages.
Smitty would joke with Ned during the war. He would always joke with him about how he is really short, but Ned would always tell him that bigger people are easier targets.
Ned had a different assignment. The Marine unit was moving to a different island. Every town the Marines went to was destroyed by the enemy. There would be no sign of life. The day of the first attack Ned could not sleep. The Japanese would usually attack at night while the Marines would attack at dawn. Many Japanese soldiers died from machine guns. After the first group of Japanese soldiers were hurt or killed, there was always a new group of soldiers that would come to fight. 3,500 people died during this battle. Johnson Housewood, a Code Talker that was part of Ned's unit, died too.
On July 27, Americans and the Navajo Indians were taking back Guam. They won the Island. The Marines made hospitals in Agana, Guam's capital to help the Chamorros people. Some Chamorros managed to escape from the Japanese soldiers. Some of their families died from the Japanese. Some were seriously hurt. Some families were poor and did not have any food. Since the Marines built the hospitals and helped them, the Camorros told the Marines where the Japanese were located.
A seven year old boy named Johnny was captured by Japanese soldiers. They killed everyone in his family. On December 8th one of the Marines, Wilsie, brought him into the Marine tent. They gave him food and allowed him to sleep in their tent. Ned said Johnny had made a difference in his life and that he would never forget him. Johnny wrote a poem about his family's death. He was very sad. Later the Marines had to leave Guam. They took Johnny to the Red Cross aid so he could find a good home. Wilsie ended up giving Johnny his address so they could both send letter to each other and keep in touch.
A Marine named Charlie Begay walked into an ambush when he was on Guam. Charlie had died. Wilsie, Ned, and the entire unit was sad. Charlie Begay was Wilsie's best friend. Everyone was sad, but Wilsie was sad the most. He took his dog tags and put one in his pocket and the other one in Charlie's mouth. It was because it showed that a dead man's body will not get lost. Someone had also sent a letter to his family saying that he had died.
Weeks later Ned got back from his vacation. He was sad someone was going to replace Charlie. The next thing you know, a jeep pulls up to their tent. It is Charlie Begay and he was not dead. Everyone was shocked and overjoyed, especially Wilsie. The Marines took Charlie to the hospital. He had a huge scar and had lost a lot of blood. He would return shortly as soon as he felt better.
Chapter 22: Fatigue (below)
Georgia Boy announced that the army has brought in tanks and trucks. They would always get used supplies from the army. The Marines would always have to paint or prepare the tanks so they would be in better shape to use in World War II.
Ned got to go on vacation for a little bit. He was hurt in the war. He was walking in the jungle and got shot by a sniper. He had thought someone slapped him in the shoulder, but when he looked at his shoulder he saw blood. He started to become weak as he lost more and more blood. Georgia Boy and Smitty helped Ned, and they carried him back to base. The Marines were going to help him get to the hospital. This means when he goes back to fight in the war, he cannot fight as hard as he did before. He has to take it easy. He was lucky he could go back to fight. Some Marines could not. They were hurt too bad. Their spirit and body were worn out and sad because they could not fight in the war. Even though Ned was tired, hurt, and worn out from the war, he knew it was his duty to go back and fight in the war.
Ned got to go on vacation for a little bit. He was hurt in the war. He was walking in the jungle and got shot by a sniper. He had thought someone slapped him in the shoulder, but when he looked at his shoulder he saw blood. He started to become weak as he lost more and more blood. Georgia Boy and Smitty helped Ned, and they carried him back to base. The Marines were going to help him get to the hospital. This means when he goes back to fight in the war, he cannot fight as hard as he did before. He has to take it easy. He was lucky he could go back to fight. Some Marines could not. They were hurt too bad. Their spirit and body were worn out and sad because they could not fight in the war. Even though Ned was tired, hurt, and worn out from the war, he knew it was his duty to go back and fight in the war.
Chapter 23: Pavavu
It was New Years Day, 1945, and Ned's arm still ached from the shot. Smitty and Ned were pouring beer on each other and celebrating, but it was hard for Ned because his arm was so stiff. Some of the Marines were dressed in hula skirts so they could entertain their friends. When they were on Hawaii, there were a lot of hula dancers. That is why the Marines dressed up like them. When the Marines were celebrating they were on a boat heading to a Pacific Island called Pavavu. It was hotter than Bougainville and the insects and creatures were worse. The Marines had to use DDT so they would not get Malaria or any other diseases. This was the only kind of poison the Marines could use to prevent the insects and creatures from biting them.
The Code Talkers kept repeating what they have been doing during the war, creating new codes. Some of them were about the underwater Frogmen. They were people that went underwater during the war. Ned thought of them as underwater monsters. It was uncomfortable for him to look at them in their gear.
The Marines were traveling to Pavavu and the Japanese were well prepared. Not only were the Japanese using bombs, but they were also bought in kamikazes planes. They were suicide planes used in World War II. The Japanese soldiers would give up their life just to kill Americans. The Japanese solider would have a funeral before he stepped foot into the plane. Once the solider got in the plane, he was going to die no matter what. The Japanese thought they were saving their people by going into the plane. On October 1944 was the day the Japanese had their first suicide flyer. His name was Masafumi Arima. He became a martyr even though he did not kill anyone. Once a Chinese ruler named Kablai Khan tried to invade Japan. He went out to sea with Chinese soldiers. It did not turn out like Kablai Khan had planned. A typhoon came and every ship sunk. Seven years later he tried attacking Japan again. This time a wind destroyed the ships. The Japanese called this wind the kamikazes wind that would protect them. They ended up naming their planes this too.
The Japanese people were not very successful during the war. Their newspaper made it seem like they were doing amazing. It was obvious that the Americans were winning the war. During the war the Japanese people would not take pictures of dead bodies. This changed in 1943. They started putting pictures in the newspaper.
Ned was glad that the war was almost over, but he was still worried. This war was different than fighting in Europe. When someone would surrender in Europe, you would be taken into prison. Being captured or even being killed in the war brought great shame towards your family and your nation. The Japanese soldiers were suppose to die or kill himself instead of giving up. Allied forces that were captured by the Japanese were beaten or forced into slave labor. When the war was over Ned had a chance to talk to some Japanese soldiers. They were very sorry about all that had happened during the war.
When the Americans and Navajo Indians were fighting in the war they focused on two ways to defeat the Japanese. One option was to set up blockades. This would mean Japan would have to get food from other countries. They might starve. Another way to defeat the Japanese was to bomb them. Ned was always afraid of these ideas. He felt better when he was with other Navajo Indians. There were 400 Navajos in the war. He could not share any secrets about the war with them because some of them were not Code Talkers. Near the end of the Pavavu, all of the Marines got together to have a powwow. They were going to tell each other all of the secrets about the war.
During the war, Ned learned a lot of things he and white people had in common. They would share the same nicknames, Chief. They were called this name though out the war.
The Code Talkers kept repeating what they have been doing during the war, creating new codes. Some of them were about the underwater Frogmen. They were people that went underwater during the war. Ned thought of them as underwater monsters. It was uncomfortable for him to look at them in their gear.
The Marines were traveling to Pavavu and the Japanese were well prepared. Not only were the Japanese using bombs, but they were also bought in kamikazes planes. They were suicide planes used in World War II. The Japanese soldiers would give up their life just to kill Americans. The Japanese solider would have a funeral before he stepped foot into the plane. Once the solider got in the plane, he was going to die no matter what. The Japanese thought they were saving their people by going into the plane. On October 1944 was the day the Japanese had their first suicide flyer. His name was Masafumi Arima. He became a martyr even though he did not kill anyone. Once a Chinese ruler named Kablai Khan tried to invade Japan. He went out to sea with Chinese soldiers. It did not turn out like Kablai Khan had planned. A typhoon came and every ship sunk. Seven years later he tried attacking Japan again. This time a wind destroyed the ships. The Japanese called this wind the kamikazes wind that would protect them. They ended up naming their planes this too.
The Japanese people were not very successful during the war. Their newspaper made it seem like they were doing amazing. It was obvious that the Americans were winning the war. During the war the Japanese people would not take pictures of dead bodies. This changed in 1943. They started putting pictures in the newspaper.
Ned was glad that the war was almost over, but he was still worried. This war was different than fighting in Europe. When someone would surrender in Europe, you would be taken into prison. Being captured or even being killed in the war brought great shame towards your family and your nation. The Japanese soldiers were suppose to die or kill himself instead of giving up. Allied forces that were captured by the Japanese were beaten or forced into slave labor. When the war was over Ned had a chance to talk to some Japanese soldiers. They were very sorry about all that had happened during the war.
When the Americans and Navajo Indians were fighting in the war they focused on two ways to defeat the Japanese. One option was to set up blockades. This would mean Japan would have to get food from other countries. They might starve. Another way to defeat the Japanese was to bomb them. Ned was always afraid of these ideas. He felt better when he was with other Navajo Indians. There were 400 Navajos in the war. He could not share any secrets about the war with them because some of them were not Code Talkers. Near the end of the Pavavu, all of the Marines got together to have a powwow. They were going to tell each other all of the secrets about the war.
During the war, Ned learned a lot of things he and white people had in common. They would share the same nicknames, Chief. They were called this name though out the war.
Chapter 24: Iwo Jima
Iwo Jima was close to Tokyo. The Marines destination was to get to Mount Suribachi which was the highest peek in Iwo Jima. The name of their objective was not mentioned until two weeks before the invasion. The Marines called it Island X or Workman Island. Iwo Jima was not a huge island, but it might be hard to conquer. Ned was afraid to die. The Marines were trying to figure out a bombing plan. In order for their plan to work they had to find an emergency landing field. Japanese soldiers would shoot their weapons at any American bomber. The Marines also started attacking with planes and ships. Instead of making the Japanese weaker, it made them stronger. Japanese commander, Kuribayashi, would not let the United States kick Japan out of their home.
The Japanese enemy soldiers wore special clothing during the war. They wore a white band around their head and a special cotton waist band. It was either made by a wife, mother, or sister. It was suppose to protect them from any bullets. A Marine named Sam Begay said his grandfather had also worn special clothing when he fought in the war. It did not protect him and it did not protect the Japanese soldiers either. His grandfather's clothing were now in a museum and you could count how many holes were in it from the bullets. That day, 20,000 Japanese soldiers had died and many Americans and Navajo Indians died that day too.
The Japanese enemy soldiers wore special clothing during the war. They wore a white band around their head and a special cotton waist band. It was either made by a wife, mother, or sister. It was suppose to protect them from any bullets. A Marine named Sam Begay said his grandfather had also worn special clothing when he fought in the war. It did not protect him and it did not protect the Japanese soldiers either. His grandfather's clothing were now in a museum and you could count how many holes were in it from the bullets. That day, 20,000 Japanese soldiers had died and many Americans and Navajo Indians died that day too.
Chapter 25: In Sight of Suribachi
The Marines were getting use to the battle at Iwo Jima. They thought it was getting easier. They struggled out of sinking landing craft. They ran across the beach when machine guns were shooting at them. They heard terrible sounds of people dying, and saw their best friends die. They thought a volcano could not be worse.
Ned discovered something about the Japanese on Iwo Jima. The Japanese soldiers would go deep under the ground to sleep during the war because the bombs made really loud noises. Since they were underground, they could not hear the bombs. Ned had the chance to go underground with other Marines to see what was in their hiding area. Ned was very angry and shocked when he saw that the Japanese had a lot of food supplies from the United States. That food was suppose to be for the poor and starving people in Japan. Instead, the government stole the food and gave it all to the Japanese soldiers.
The Marines had 464 ships out at sea to fight in the war. It was one of the largest invasions ever. There were more Code Talkers and there were fake ones too. The fake Code Talkers would trick the Japanese soldiers if they heard their conversation. On February 11th, they had reached the shore of Iwo Jima. Ned prayed to the holy people to protect him when he went to fight in the war.
Before Ned would go out to fight in the war, he would receive a huge breakfast. It was suppose to energize him. Ned was suppose to eat a T-bone steak, eggs, biscuits and gravy, and a lot of coffee before going onto his landing craft. Instead, Ned did not eat a big breakfast. This is because he might need food for later. He might get sick at sea. If he got shot, it is better to get hit on an emoty stomach. Ned would rather eat his T-bone steak sandwich later when he neeeds it. Also, Ned was not hungry.
When the Marines were attacking the island, a lot of planes were roaring and there were a lot of tanks. There was no sign of life. There was no sound. The Marines thought the Japanese were dead from the American bombers, but General Howling Mad Smith did not believe that. He thought the war was going to be really fierce and bloody.
The Marines were now running onto the island. There were 9,000 of them out fighting in the war. There were no signs of an enemy shooting. The Marines were shooting a lot. They were well prepared. Ned was assigned with just Smitty this time. During the shootings, Smitty thought it was easy. Then the Japanese sprung their trap. The Marines were caught in an ambush.
The sand was very hot because it was made out of the volcanoes. If any ones skin went to deep in the sand it would get burned.
Ned discovered something about the Japanese on Iwo Jima. The Japanese soldiers would go deep under the ground to sleep during the war because the bombs made really loud noises. Since they were underground, they could not hear the bombs. Ned had the chance to go underground with other Marines to see what was in their hiding area. Ned was very angry and shocked when he saw that the Japanese had a lot of food supplies from the United States. That food was suppose to be for the poor and starving people in Japan. Instead, the government stole the food and gave it all to the Japanese soldiers.
The Marines had 464 ships out at sea to fight in the war. It was one of the largest invasions ever. There were more Code Talkers and there were fake ones too. The fake Code Talkers would trick the Japanese soldiers if they heard their conversation. On February 11th, they had reached the shore of Iwo Jima. Ned prayed to the holy people to protect him when he went to fight in the war.
Before Ned would go out to fight in the war, he would receive a huge breakfast. It was suppose to energize him. Ned was suppose to eat a T-bone steak, eggs, biscuits and gravy, and a lot of coffee before going onto his landing craft. Instead, Ned did not eat a big breakfast. This is because he might need food for later. He might get sick at sea. If he got shot, it is better to get hit on an emoty stomach. Ned would rather eat his T-bone steak sandwich later when he neeeds it. Also, Ned was not hungry.
When the Marines were attacking the island, a lot of planes were roaring and there were a lot of tanks. There was no sign of life. There was no sound. The Marines thought the Japanese were dead from the American bombers, but General Howling Mad Smith did not believe that. He thought the war was going to be really fierce and bloody.
The Marines were now running onto the island. There were 9,000 of them out fighting in the war. There were no signs of an enemy shooting. The Marines were shooting a lot. They were well prepared. Ned was assigned with just Smitty this time. During the shootings, Smitty thought it was easy. Then the Japanese sprung their trap. The Marines were caught in an ambush.
The sand was very hot because it was made out of the volcanoes. If any ones skin went to deep in the sand it would get burned.
Chapter 26: The Black Beach
The fire storms at Iwo Jima were really bad. There were a lot of flames. There were also machine guns firing as well which made it even worse. A Marine named Johnny Manuelito almost was hit with a shell. He was very shocked. The shell should have exploded right in front of him. Instead, it bounced off of the land going into a complete different direction. When Ned was fighting in the war he kept sinking in the sand because it was so bad. His mouth kept getting full of it too. The sand was black from the volcanoes so it tasted really grouse.
The two days fighting in the war were the hardest. The Marines saw people die in front of them and they could smell the odor of gas and rubber. Sometimes Japanese soliders could communicate through the Code Talker's radios. They would scream in them or would hit pans together to make loud noises to hurt the Marines ears.
When Ned reached the top of Mount Suribachi, he saw a medal pole with a flag on it. It was the American flag. The Marines put it up for their victory and hard work at Iwo Jima. They also took a picture with the American flag. Then, two Japanese soldiers came up behind the six Marines. the Marines were able to killed them. A picture was taken but the photographer's camera was broken. The film inside of it was fine though. This meant the United States was close to defeating Japan. People were clapping, whistling, cheering, over joyed, and crying. The Marines had worked hard. The Japanese were too ashamed to give up in the war even though they knew they were not going to win. 20,000 Japanese soldiers died and 6,821 Marines were lost too. 19,207 Marines were injured during this battle.
Three Code Talkers had ended their time at war. Their names were Sam Morgan, Willie Notah, and Paul Kinlahcheeny. Paul died when a Japanese solider shot him with a machine gun. Also, Jimmy's ankle had been shattered from the crossfire. He was still alive, but lost his leg. He was now staying at home recovering.
Ned had a lot of white friends during the war. He was sad when he saw many were dead. He had grown so close to them in such little time and then. People could lose their lives at any time. It could happen any day, any time. One of Ned's close friends, Georgia Boy, got shot in the neck. There was a lot of blood coming out of him. Ned was screaming really loud and was crying. He was sad to see his best friend suffer. That was the last time Ned had seen Georgia Boy in Iwo Jima.
At the end of the battle the photographer wanted to take one last picture of the American flag. It was taken down so it could be a souvenir from the war. They had replaced it with a bigger flag so people could see it better. The photographer just decided to stage the picture. Six Marines became famous from that staged picture. Some of them were embarrassed because it was a staged photograph. Ned thought they deserved the praise for fighting in the war. Shorty after the picture was taken, three of the men in the picture died. One of the men in the picture named Ira, was Wilsie and Ned's best friends. He was the only Indian in that famous picture at Iwo Jima. This picture made him famous. He started to drink more because he did not like thinking about the war and it helped him forget about it.
The two days fighting in the war were the hardest. The Marines saw people die in front of them and they could smell the odor of gas and rubber. Sometimes Japanese soliders could communicate through the Code Talker's radios. They would scream in them or would hit pans together to make loud noises to hurt the Marines ears.
When Ned reached the top of Mount Suribachi, he saw a medal pole with a flag on it. It was the American flag. The Marines put it up for their victory and hard work at Iwo Jima. They also took a picture with the American flag. Then, two Japanese soldiers came up behind the six Marines. the Marines were able to killed them. A picture was taken but the photographer's camera was broken. The film inside of it was fine though. This meant the United States was close to defeating Japan. People were clapping, whistling, cheering, over joyed, and crying. The Marines had worked hard. The Japanese were too ashamed to give up in the war even though they knew they were not going to win. 20,000 Japanese soldiers died and 6,821 Marines were lost too. 19,207 Marines were injured during this battle.
Three Code Talkers had ended their time at war. Their names were Sam Morgan, Willie Notah, and Paul Kinlahcheeny. Paul died when a Japanese solider shot him with a machine gun. Also, Jimmy's ankle had been shattered from the crossfire. He was still alive, but lost his leg. He was now staying at home recovering.
Ned had a lot of white friends during the war. He was sad when he saw many were dead. He had grown so close to them in such little time and then. People could lose their lives at any time. It could happen any day, any time. One of Ned's close friends, Georgia Boy, got shot in the neck. There was a lot of blood coming out of him. Ned was screaming really loud and was crying. He was sad to see his best friend suffer. That was the last time Ned had seen Georgia Boy in Iwo Jima.
At the end of the battle the photographer wanted to take one last picture of the American flag. It was taken down so it could be a souvenir from the war. They had replaced it with a bigger flag so people could see it better. The photographer just decided to stage the picture. Six Marines became famous from that staged picture. Some of them were embarrassed because it was a staged photograph. Ned thought they deserved the praise for fighting in the war. Shorty after the picture was taken, three of the men in the picture died. One of the men in the picture named Ira, was Wilsie and Ned's best friends. He was the only Indian in that famous picture at Iwo Jima. This picture made him famous. He started to drink more because he did not like thinking about the war and it helped him forget about it.
Chapter 27: Okinawa
Since the Marines had conquered Iwo Jima dozens of planes land there for emergencies after bombing Japan. This does not mean the war has ended. Now Ned had to go to Okinawa. He had never thought that he would have to fight at Okinawa. The people there were very peaceful, but Ned had to go to war there. The Japanese took over their Island. They were flying Kamikaze planes and they were trying to kill Marines on the island and on their boat. Usually young men from Japan, who have never flown a plane in their lives would fly a Kamikaze plane. They were also allowed to get drunk because it was their last drink. They were going to die no matter what, so the Japanese people did not care about what they did.
A surprise happened before heading to Okinawa. Georgia Boy had survived from the bullets. He was going to fight in the war with Ned. Ned was overjoyed when he came back. Georgia Boy, Smitty, and Ned were joking around before the battle. Japanese soldiers would announce messages through their radio to the Marines. Ned would usually get scared, but now he jokes around with his white buddies about it. Ned was having a fun time with his friends.
April 1st, 1945 was landing day. It was also Easter Sunday. Ned's stomach felt sick when he went on the boat. After awhile he felt better. It was very peaceful and there were no shootings. Ned thought it was going to be an easy battle. On April 8th, the Japanese had made a plan. It was to hold off their defense line and it almost worked. Many good men had died that day on Okinawa. It was a really hard place to fight. The hills were really high. This made it hard to run.
It took 83 days for the Marines to conquer the Okinawa. It was on June 2nd, the same day that General Ushijima committed suicide. About 12,000 Americans were died or missing, 36 ships had sunk from Kamikaze planes, 80,000 Okinawa people were dead, and the Japanese had lost 3,600 planes and 110,000 people. A lot of citizens wanted peace and the war to end. The Japanese did not. They would kill any Japanese citizens that would speak out against their god or government (Thought Police). They could not speak out against their god because he was perfect. He had done nothing wrong. The Japanese citizens would tell him there was too much sacrifice doing the war. Some Japanese citizens would kill themselves to show that they wanted the war to end.
On April 12th, the Code Talkers received the saddest message ever during the war. President Franklin D. Roosevelt died from polio. Ned was crying. He loved FDR. He was a very kind and generous man. Ned was also sad that he would be leaving Okinawa. He had the best memories there. Him and his Navajo friends would just sit in a circle around a campfire. It was peaceful. It reminded Ned of the good old days back home.
A surprise happened before heading to Okinawa. Georgia Boy had survived from the bullets. He was going to fight in the war with Ned. Ned was overjoyed when he came back. Georgia Boy, Smitty, and Ned were joking around before the battle. Japanese soldiers would announce messages through their radio to the Marines. Ned would usually get scared, but now he jokes around with his white buddies about it. Ned was having a fun time with his friends.
April 1st, 1945 was landing day. It was also Easter Sunday. Ned's stomach felt sick when he went on the boat. After awhile he felt better. It was very peaceful and there were no shootings. Ned thought it was going to be an easy battle. On April 8th, the Japanese had made a plan. It was to hold off their defense line and it almost worked. Many good men had died that day on Okinawa. It was a really hard place to fight. The hills were really high. This made it hard to run.
It took 83 days for the Marines to conquer the Okinawa. It was on June 2nd, the same day that General Ushijima committed suicide. About 12,000 Americans were died or missing, 36 ships had sunk from Kamikaze planes, 80,000 Okinawa people were dead, and the Japanese had lost 3,600 planes and 110,000 people. A lot of citizens wanted peace and the war to end. The Japanese did not. They would kill any Japanese citizens that would speak out against their god or government (Thought Police). They could not speak out against their god because he was perfect. He had done nothing wrong. The Japanese citizens would tell him there was too much sacrifice doing the war. Some Japanese citizens would kill themselves to show that they wanted the war to end.
On April 12th, the Code Talkers received the saddest message ever during the war. President Franklin D. Roosevelt died from polio. Ned was crying. He loved FDR. He was a very kind and generous man. Ned was also sad that he would be leaving Okinawa. He had the best memories there. Him and his Navajo friends would just sit in a circle around a campfire. It was peaceful. It reminded Ned of the good old days back home.
Chapter 28: The Bomb
The Allied powers have been combing Japan. The Emperor of Japan, Emperor Hirohito, sent a letter to the Supreme Military Council asking for peace. They had ignored his message. Then on August 6th, the Americans dropped an atomic bomb on Japan. Not just one, but two. Over 70,000 people died because of the bomb. Emperor Hirohito wanted to surrender even though the Japanese people were not suppose to. Then on August 15th, he sent a message to the Japanese soldiers saying they had surrendered the war. Everyone was in great shock. Not only about surrendering, but the people of Japan have never heard their god's voice before.
When Ned heard Japan was surrendering he was over joyed. He was so happy that he could go home to his family. All of the Marines started dancing and singing because they were so happy.
When Ned heard Japan was surrendering he was over joyed. He was so happy that he could go home to his family. All of the Marines started dancing and singing because they were so happy.
Chapter 29: Going Home
Ned could not go home yet. He had to help Japan. Rex and Paul are two Marines that are helping Japan while Ned was in San Francisco radioing them. Rex and Paul were in shock. The atomic bomb destroyed everything. There were a lot of Japanese citizens on the street with out a home. Also, some Indians went to Australia and New Zealand. They were welcomed there but Americans were not.
Ned still had to keep the code a secret even though the war was not over. One Marine told Ned that he may have to fight in another battle against Russia. Ned was worried. He just wanted peace in the world. He prayed that it would not happen and his prayers came true.
When Japan was finally cleaned up, Ned was allowed to go home. He had to take a bus to Arizona first. Some Marines on the bus were talking about what they were going to do when they got home. Ned's choices were to either finish one more year of boarding school, or to go straight to college. Ned decided he would rather go to college. He wanted to become a teacher and to share his great knowledge with other people. The people in the United States could have someone build a new house for them. Ned could not. The Navajo Indians could neither build or buy a house. They did not have the funds. Despite this Ned continued to work hard in his life.
When he had the chance to get off the bus, he wanted to get a Coke. When he was walking in the street he had still had has Marine uniform on. Random strangers would say hello or they would thank him for his hard work in the war. As he reached the bar the people there were not friendly. The bartender was very prejudice and would not serve an Indian. Ned got kicked out of the bar.
Ned was finally at home. His parents had a ceremony for him when he got back. Whenever Ned would go to sleep he would have horrible nightmares about the war. It would drive him insane that sometimes his parents would have to calm him down.
Finally in 1969 Ned could speak about the code used in World War II. He would have associations about the war. The President of the United States would always invite the Code Talkers over to the White House. They would even have books written about them sometimes.
Ned still had to keep the code a secret even though the war was not over. One Marine told Ned that he may have to fight in another battle against Russia. Ned was worried. He just wanted peace in the world. He prayed that it would not happen and his prayers came true.
When Japan was finally cleaned up, Ned was allowed to go home. He had to take a bus to Arizona first. Some Marines on the bus were talking about what they were going to do when they got home. Ned's choices were to either finish one more year of boarding school, or to go straight to college. Ned decided he would rather go to college. He wanted to become a teacher and to share his great knowledge with other people. The people in the United States could have someone build a new house for them. Ned could not. The Navajo Indians could neither build or buy a house. They did not have the funds. Despite this Ned continued to work hard in his life.
When he had the chance to get off the bus, he wanted to get a Coke. When he was walking in the street he had still had has Marine uniform on. Random strangers would say hello or they would thank him for his hard work in the war. As he reached the bar the people there were not friendly. The bartender was very prejudice and would not serve an Indian. Ned got kicked out of the bar.
Ned was finally at home. His parents had a ceremony for him when he got back. Whenever Ned would go to sleep he would have horrible nightmares about the war. It would drive him insane that sometimes his parents would have to calm him down.
Finally in 1969 Ned could speak about the code used in World War II. He would have associations about the war. The President of the United States would always invite the Code Talkers over to the White House. They would even have books written about them sometimes.