Navajo Nation mourns death of another code talker—Joe Antonio Silversmith

[kpete]

Source: NM Daily Times

Navajo Nation mourns death of another code talker
The Associated Press
Posted: 03/02/2011 06:27:26 AM MST

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz.—Joe Antonio Silversmith, a member of the Navajo Code Talkers who confounded the Japanese during World War II by transmitting messages in their native language, has died. He was 86.

Navajo Nation officials say Silversmith died Monday at his home in Coolidge, N.M. No cause of death was immediately available.

Tribal President Ben Shelly ordered flags on the Navajo Nation Nation to be flown at half-staff from March 2-5 to honor Silversmith.

Silversmith joined the 297 Marine Platoon at age 18 and served in the South Pacific from March 1943 to 1946.

In 2001, Silversmith received the Silver Congressional Medal of Honor for serving in World War II.


Read more: http://www.daily-times.com/farmington-news/ci_17518858

---

Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Navajo code talkers in 2000

[xchrom]

1. thank you, mr silversmith and may your family know Peace at this difficult time. nt

[Uncle Joe]

2. RIP, Joe and thank you for your service.

I can't tell you how many times, I've watched that movie "Windtalkers" with Nicolas Cage.

Thanks for the thread, kpete.

[Jmaxfie1]

3. Seconded n/t

[avaistheone1]

4. Very sad news.

RIP

[Kingofalldems]

5. RIP sir.

[revolution breeze]

6. About ten years ago Mr. Silversmith was in Washington State

He arrived with a group of people helping to build a church on the reservation in LaConner. The group arrived on Sunday, Mr. Silversmith worked all week working, never mentioning his achievement. He spent alot of time talking to teenagers and really listened to them. Finally, at dinner Friday night he told everyone his story. The kids were amazed that this man, a hero, had shown such an interest and concern for them.

[Ex Lurker]

7. RIP Mr Silversmith, but does the AP proofread any more?

297 Marine platoon? Silver Congressional Medal of Honor?

[Sal Minella]

9. Nobody proofreads any more. Proofreaders were deemed

superfluous by the beancounters some time back.

The only people now who know the proper usage of lie/lay/lain/laid and/or awake/awaken/awoke, populace/populous and defuse/diffuse are retired or dead.

Sometimes I feel I am the only living creature remaining who understands when to use "effect" and when to use "affect."

Woman/women, than/then, where/were and reign/rein are following close behind.

Not to mention "tow the line."

Ugh.

[The Second Stone]

8. Godspeed to a true American hero

He and his brothers in arms will never be forgotten.

[Vidar]

10. RIP Joe, and thank you.