John Kinsel Sr.- Navajo Code Talker

Photo by Tom Grier/Navajo Oral History Project.

Navajo Oral History Project

John Kinsel Sr. was born in 1921 and raised on the Navajo Nation in Lukachukai, Arizona.  During his last months of high school, in 1942, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.

Photo by Tom Grier/Navajo Oral History Project.

After he graduated, John enlisted in the U.S. Marines. During his time in World War II, 1942-1945, he was a Navajo Code Talker in the 3rd Marine Division in the South Pacific.

Photo by Tom Grier/Navajo Oral History Project.

John Kinsel, Sr.- Navajo Code Talker – Navajo Oral History Project Video

Project completed by:
Marcus A. Lake – DC
Revaline Nez – DC
Michael Ruka – WSU

This documentary film was researched, photographed, edited and produced by students of Winona State University (Winona, Minnesota) and Diné College (Tsaile, Arizona, Navajo Nation) during summer 2009.

It contains stories Grandma Marjorie Thomas of Chinle, Arizona, told the students during several hours of interviews about her life.

This documentary film is archived at the Navajo Nation Museum, Navajo Nation Library, Winona State University Library, and Diné College Library, and will be archived at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian.

The film is part of the Navajo Oral History project, a multi-year collaboration between the Winona State UniversityMass Communication Department and Diné College– The official Tribal College of the Navajo Nation

Navajo People Website Links:

Navajo Culture – Navajo History – Navajo Art – Navajo Clothing Navajo Pictures – Navajo Rugs – Navajo Language– Navajo Jewelry – Navajo Code Talker – Navajo Pottery – Navajo Legends – Hogan’s – Sand Painting – Navajo Food – Navajo News – Navajo Nation