Alfred K. Newman
Alfred K. Newman (July 21, 1924 – January 13, 2019) was a United States Marine, best known for serving as a Navajo code talker during World War II.
Alfred K. Newman | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 7, 1924 Rehoboth, New Mexico |
| Died | January 13, 2019 (aged 94) Albuquerque |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Marines | |
| Years of service | November 1943-December 1945 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Spouse(s) | Betsy Eleanor |
| Children | 5 |
| Other work | Ammunition inspector |
Born in Rehoboth, New Mexico,[1] on the Navajo Nation, Newman and his fellow native students were not allowed to speak the Navajo language in school.[2] With the attack on Pearl Harbor in mind, he joined the Marine Corps on March 26, 1943, and became one of over 400 code talkers.[1]
In November 1943, Newman was part of the Guadalcanal Campaign, before he spent a month on Bougainville Island. He then went with the 3rd Division to Guam, before ultimately landing for the end of the Battle of Iwo Jima.[1][2][3] Newman was honorably discharged with the rank of corporal in December 1945, and he worked as an ammunition inspector at Fort Wingate and later at an open-pit mine overseeing blasting at Kirtland Field.[1]
Newman was married to Betsy Eleanor, his wife of 69 years. They had five children. He died at age 94 at the veterans hospital in Albuquerque.[1][2][3] His death puts the number of code talkers still living at around 10.[3]
References
- "President Begaye Honors The Legacy Of Navajo Code Talker Alfred K. Newman". Navajo Nation. January 14, 2019. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
- Ingber, Sasha (January 15, 2019). "One Of The Last Navajo Code Talkers Dies At 94". NPR. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
- Quintero, Donovan (January 14, 2019). "Code Talker Alfred K. Newman passes". Navajo Times. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
