In 1981, the Marine Corps announced that it was going to come to the Navajo
Nation and recruit another all-Navajo platoon in honor of the 39th anniversary
of the First 29 Navajo Code Talkers (1942). Many of the young men selected were
grandsons, great-nephews and cousins of many of the World War II Navajo Code
Talkers. This also marked the first and only time that the Marine Corps publicly
acknowledged the Navajo Code Talkers for their contribution in the South Pacific.
The All Navajo Platoon existed from 1981 to 1985.
Below are 9 photos taken by Kenji Kawano,
the "Official Photographer" of the Navajo Code Talker Association,
showing the graduation class of the first All Navajo Platoon of 1981. Photos
were taken on August 28, 1981, at Camp
Pendleton, CA. The TV show "Real People" also was there recording
the event, and was shown on U.S. television.
Platoon members from other years, and others who took photos, are invited to
send in their photos to harry@lapahie.com.
Also, if any one has a copy of the "Real People" segment of the All
Navajo Platoon show, are invited to email harry@lapahie.com.
U.S. Marine Honorman Michael V. Smith leads the Navajo Platoon 3043 marching
in formation.
Another photo of Navajo Platoon 3043 marching in formation. There were also
other non-Navajo platoons marching that graduation day.
Navajo Platoon 3043 standing at attention.
Another photo of Navajo Platoon 3043 members at Camp Pendleton.
The Navajo Platoon at ease.
U.S. Marine Honorman, Michael V. Smith (Acoma/Navajo) next to his Navajo Code
Talker father, Samuel Smith, getting interviewed at Camp Pendleton.
U.S. Marine Michael V. Smith, with his mother Rena, Navajo Code Talker father
Samuel Smith, grandmother, and other relative at Camp Pendleton.
Two Navajo Platoon members congratulating each other after the end of the graduation
ceremony at Camp Pendleton.
Navajo Platoon members being sworn in as U.S. Marines at Camp Pendleton.