American Indian John Junior Willie is a Notable burial at https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/rockisland.asp.  He was born ca. 1920 in Arizona. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942, and Private First Class Willie was recruited as part of the inaugural Code Talker program in the World War II. He was one of twenty-nine Navajos who developed an unbreakable code based on their native language. PFC Willie and the Code Talkers saw action in the Pacific Theater, and Willie was present at the battles of Tarawa and Saipan. The original twenty-nine Code talkers were recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal in 2000, though only nine were still living at the presentation in 2001. Willie's honor was posthumous. He died July 20, 1962,  *The preceding content is not intended as a comprehensive biography, but it highlights their significance as a result of military or civilian distinction, lasting achievements, or association with impactful national events. 

Rock Island National Cemetery

Honored to remember one of the original Navajo Code Talkers, whose courage, intelligence, and service helped save countless lives and secure victory in World War II. Your legacy endures.

JOHN JUNIOR WILLIE

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