"Were it not for the
Navajos, the Marines would never have taken Iwo Jima!"
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One of the most inspiring sagas of World War II is the
story of a dedicated and courageous group of Marines whose accomplishments
contributed significantly to America’s victory in the Pacific. In
the very earliest days of World War II, Navajo Indians rallied to
America’s call. Creating and employing a secret code based on their
native tongue, these young volunteers were able to totally baffle Japan’s
most skillful cryptographers, enabling our armed forces to maintain rapid
and accurate battlefield communications without fear of interception. On
Guadalcanal, Saipan, Tarawa, Guam, Okinawa, Iwo Jima, and other Pacific
islands, the skill and bravery of the Navajo Code Talkers was instrumental
in achieving victory. One Marine officer, Major Howard M. Conner,
unequivocally stated, "Were it not for the Navajos, the Marines would
never have taken Iwo Jima!"
There were 29 Navajos who
originally joined the United States Marine Corps in 1942 with the goal of
developing a communication code that the Japanese military could not
decipher. Some 400 Code Talkers would eventually join the Marines. Through
their efforts, America was able to safely and quickly transmit messages in
the Pacific, and the Japanese were unable to crack the code. The secret
code remained classified for 23 years after the war, robbing those who had
served so honorably and courageously of the accolades and honors they
would have received, if the operation had not been cloaked in such
secrecy.
America Remembers is proud to be issuing this
museum-quality Tribute with Navajo Code Talkers Association, Inc., the
first commemorative firearm they have ever authorized. This is your
opportunity to secure a lasting tribute to the Navajo Code Talkers of the
United States Marine Corps. The Tribute will be a handsome addition to any
collection of fine firearms, and will serve to honor a fascinating chapter
in military history.
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Emblazoned on the right side of the slide in 24-karat gold and nickel with
blackened patinaed accents is a classic image of eight Navajo Marines
serving with a Marine Signal Unit on Bougainville. To the right, Major
Howard M. Conner’s quote, "Were it not for the Navajos, the Marines would
never have taken Iwo Jima," is featured along with another image featuring
Navajo Code Talkers operating a portable radio in the jungles of a Pacific
island.
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The left side of the slide (shown above)
depicts actual battlefield communication scenes, the American flag, and a
Tribute banner which reads Navajo Code Talkers Tribute. On both sides of
the slide an American eagle is proudly displayed at the muzzle end of the
slide, and the revered eagle, globe, and anchor of the Marine Corps is
displayed at the rear of the slide. Both sides of the slide are framed
with traditional Navajo geometric patterns and the code words for Attack –
AL-TAHJE-JAY, Forward – TEHI, and Message – HANE-AL-NEH.
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THE
DISPLAY CASE
A Free Display Case is included with the purchase of
each Navajo Code Talkers Tribute Pistol. It is a handsome, luxuriously
lined display case with a brass identification plaque.
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The Navajo Code Talkers Tribute Pistol is authorized by
the
Navajo Code Talkers Association, Inc. |
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Model: Colt®
Government Model® Pistol
Caliber:
.45 ACP
Barrel Length: 5"
Edition Limit: 300
Decoration: Each Tribute pistol is decorated by craftsmen specifically
commissioned by America Remembers with artwork designed specially for this
Tribute..
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Since the Navajo Code Talkers Tribute Pistol is a working
Colt® Government Model®
Pistol,
we will arrange delivery through a licensed firearms dealer of your choice.
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