World Famous Comics: In Search of History - Navajo Code Talkers (History Channel)
In Search of History - Navajo Code Talkers (History Channel)
Starring: In Search of History Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) Binding: DVD Format: Color, DVD-Video, NTSC Label: A&E Home Video Number of Items: 1 Region Code: 1 Release Date: March 28, 2006 Running Time: 50 minutes Theatrical Release Date: 1996
Product Description: "We weren't fighting for your country, we were fighting for our country." Carl Gorman, 2nd Marine Division. "Without the Navajo, the Marines would never have taken Iwo Jima." Major Howard Conor, 5th Marine Division.
Their forefathers had battled the U.S. Cavalry with grim determination and fierce pride. They had lost, and the Navajo Indians were forced to live on reservations where U.S. policy tried to strip them of their heritage and history. Yet, when World War II thrust the nation into its hour of need, young Navajo soldiers responded with one of the most important, secret and least heralded accomplishments of the conflict.
NAVAJO CODE TALKERS tells the incredible story of the only unbroken code in modern military history Navajo soldiers weaved their ancient language into a cipher that the enemies were unable to break. Numerous interviews with surviving code talkers illuminates their role, heroism and motivations. See how their legacy affects the Navajo people today and how the code they devised has served America since WWII.
Great History This DVD is very informative. I never realized the impact that the "code talkers" had in the war until I saw this DVD. This DVD draws your interest in such a way you will find yourself watching it over and over again. It is tragic that Native Americans today are living in such poverty. Go to youtube and type in an indian nation and see their poverty.
Best comprehensive video on the code talkers I have studied this subject for some years, and by far and away, this is the most extensive and comprehensive presentation of the history of Native American (primarily Navaho)code talkers in World War II. The only issue I am aware of the video doesn't address or expand on is the theory each code talker had a Marine "buddy", who was required to kill the code talker if he was about to be captured.
Impressive work on Dine' Veterans This documentary was made before the Hollywood film "Wind Talkers." The film implied that non-Native soldiers were instructed to kill Navajo translators if they were about to be captured by the Japanese. This documentary mentioned a Navajo non-Code Talker who was tortured by the Japanese, but doesn't make the aforementioned claim.
This work is much stronger than "The Navajo Code Talkers: Top Secret Mission." That documentary praised a clergy member involved with the program whereas this documentary questions that person's significance. Furthermore, this documentary talks about the genocide that Navajos faced in the past. They had their own Trail of Tears which led in the opposite direction. Further, just as African-American soldiers have decried the racism in the 1940s military, this documentary noted that the Code Talkers received no special accolades after the War ended. One Navajo equated Japanese aggression in Asia with what Navajos faced in America; this was insightful in the same way that Celie's daughter equated African sexism with American racism in "The Color Purple."
All the veteran Code Talkers were male, but this documentary includes female curator that adds gender diversity. The Navajo vets are now sweet, old men that will remind many of their grandfathers. This may be a great work for teachers to show to Native American students. In fact, foreign language instructors may want to show this to all students. Unfortunately, the military could use this as a recruitment tool as well.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
