Warbird Information Exchange

The Navajo Nation will honor a code talker Thursday after he died at age 92.

John C. Sells, who died Friday, served as a Navajo code talker during World War II.

The Navajo Nation will honor his efforts by flying the United States and the Navajo flags over the Navajo Nation on Thursday, said George Hardeen in a press release from the Navajo Nation. This is done to honor all fallen code talkers and soldiers in war, Hardeen said. Sells served in the South Pacific and received the Congressional Silver Metal of Honor in recognition of his service. The Navajo code talkers assisted the United States Marines transmitting messages by telephone and radio in their native language. The Navajo language was used as a code during World War II in the South Pacific. Sells is survived by his wife Alice S. Sells, Joseph H. Sells and Erma J. Archuleta of Santa Fe, N.M., Trudy Erickson of Cortez, Colo., Christopher F. Sells of Montona, Alton D. Sells and Cheryl Davis Sells of Upper Fruitland, N.M. He had 18 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Sells was born in Oak Springs on Feb. 15, 1915. Sells worked as an X-ray technician, auto mechanic, and heavy equipment operator at Navajo mines in Fruitland, N.M., according to the release. He was also the owner and operator at Plateau Gas Station in Shiprock.

Teana Wagner
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 29, 2007 01:05 PM

I'm sorry to hear that. I have been considering moving to the 4 corners area and am hoping there will be a few left when I do. I would love to thank them for what they did for us, way back when our country wouldn't.

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