Code Talker Identity Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

Concentrate. Pray. I prayed to both the white and the Indian Gods. (13.68)

In the midst of the battle for Mt. Austen on Guadalcanal, Chester appeals to both his Navajo and "Anglo" Gods to help him. Chester's a guy who's good at reconciling his two cultures—Navajo and American—and here we see him doing that.

Quote #5

Suddenly two United States soldiers waylaid us.

"Don't move, Japs," one of them said. "Why are you wearing United States Marine uniforms?" (16.14-15)

It's hard enough being confused over whether they belong in the Navajo world or the "Anglo" world. But being confused for Japanese? That adds a whole other layer of complication—and danger. These U.S. soldiers must be pretty ignorant to think that Chester and his buddies are Japanese.

Quote #6

From behind his desk, the man stared at me, the Navajo Marine, and his eyes narrowed.

"You're not a full citizen of the United States, you know […] You can't even vote." (17.2-3)

Chester's gone off and risked his life for his country, and here is this racist civil servant telling him he's not a full citizen. This scene shows us how as a Native American, Chester not only has to deal with enemies abroad, he also has to deal with enemies at home.