Ep 3. True Whispers: The Story of the Navajo Code Talkers

True Whispers: The Story of the Navajo Code Talkers is the third episode of the first season of PBS Military Specials. This documentary explores the extraordinary story of the Navajo Code Talkers during World War II. The Navajo were the only code talkers who served in every Marine assault in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945.

The episode delves into the history of the Navajo people and their language, which was unwritten and orally transmitted. When the United States entered the war, military officials realized the need for secure and efficient communication that the enemy could not intercept. The Navajo language was identified as a potential solution due to its complexity and the fact that it was not well-known outside of the Navajo Nation.

True Whispers examines how 29 Navajo men were recruited to develop a code based on their language. These men were specially trained to memorize complex words and phrases, then use them to convey crucial military messages. The code was not written down, which ensured that it could not be compromised. This code was instrumental in the United States' victory in the Pacific theater of World War II.

The episode features interviews with surviving code talkers as well as archival footage and photographs. Voices of past code talkers are heard as the documentary tells their story. The code talkers were instrumental in conveying critical messages during the Battle of Iwo Jima, and the episode takes a deep dive into their involvement in this pivotal battle.

True Whispers: The Story of the Navajo Code Talkers highlights the challenges faced by Navajo code talkers during their service. They were often discriminated against and were not allowed to speak their native language outside of the code. Despite these hardships, they continued to serve their country and play a pivotal role in the war.

Moreover, the documentary explores how the Navajo code has shaped modern cryptography. It has inspired modern encryption systems, and replicas of the code are used in training the linguists of the National Security Agency.

In addition to the interviews and archival footage, viewers can expect a host of other visual elements. The episode includes recreations of the code talkers in action, voice actors who represent past infantry officers, and animation that helps viewers understand the logic behind the code.

Overall, True Whispers: The Story of the Navajo Code Talkers is a compelling and educational examination of an essential part of American military history. This episode provides an in-depth look at Navajo code talkers and the impact they had on the United States' victory in the Pacific theater of World War II.