Code Talker: Chapter 12 Summary & Analysis

Because so many lives depend on the code, no one must ever be told about it. It has to be strictly committed to memory. Only a small number of code books are ever printed, and those are closely guarded in training areas; they are certainly not carried around by the code talkers. The code talkers must even be willing to be tortured and killed before they would reveal the code to the enemy. Ned feels proud to make this promise.

The code itself is straightforward. The code talkers have to learn a new alphabet in which a Navajo word is assigned to each English letter (from “ant” to “zinc”). Ned’s class also adds more Navajo words for the English letters that are used most often, in order to guard against potential code-breakers. Less frequently used terms, such as Mount Suribachi, are spelled out, while frequently used terms receive their own separate code words. The constant learning and memorization is hard work, but Ned is proud of what he’s doing.

The class enjoys kidding around with the white instructors who teach them how to operate their signal equipment. Their favorite is the Morse code teacher, Corporal Radant. During breaks, the recruits enjoy practicing bayonet fights in the classroom to drive Corporal Radant crazy. During smoking breaks, they sneak up on Corporal Radant and wrestle him to the ground. In addition to the good-natured fun, these are peaceful weeks for Ned. After years of being forced to try to forget Navajo, things have reversed dramatically. The recruits are even encouraged to speak Navajo with each other outside of class. This feels wonderful to Ned, and he can tell that his fellow Navajo marines feel proud and fulfilled, too.

Ned explains to his grandchildren that the Navajo recruits were not “proud” in the sense of becoming self-important. They remained quiet and humble, remembering that their sacred language had been passed down to them by their elders. Ned remembers his family and his land each day as he goes through his corn pollen ritual. He wears a pouch of corn pollen and greets the dawn by scattering pollen every morning. He believes that this blessing keeps him balanced and safe.

At the end of code school, the Navajos decide to hold a special dance to honor their Camp Elliott instructors and to entertain their non-Indian friends. They wear ceremonial clothing and perform some dances and songs. Corporal Radant and Ned’s friend Smitty even try to join in the dancing. They close the program by singing a Navajo translation of the Marine Corps hymn. It’s a light-hearted, memorable day.