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Friday, Mar 29th

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U.S. Marine Navajo Code Talker Alfred K. Newman laid to rest

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President, VP attend the Crystal, N.M. service

A part of the dedicated U.S. Marine Navajo Code Talkers, whose language skills outwitted the Japanese during WWII, Alfred K. Newman was laid in Whiskey Creek, near Crystal, N.M., Jan. 19.

He was born on July 21, 1924, at Rehoboth Hospital in Gallup, N.M. and resided in Kirtland, N.M. He passed away at Bloomfield Nursing Home in Bloomfield, N.M. Code Talker Newman was Naaneesht’ézhi Dine’é (Zuni Clan) and born for Tsi’naajínii (Black Streak Wood People Clan).

Newman enlisted with the United States Marine Corps on March 26, 1943, at Fort Wingate and became part of the 1st Battalion, 21st Marine Regiment, 3rd Division.

According a press release issued by the Office of the President and Vice President, Newman’s daughter, Cherylin Newman, said he was honorably discharged on Dec. 30, 1945, with the rank of corporal.

Using Diné bizaad, Newman fought with his fellow Marines in the Bougainville Campaign, the Battle of Guam and the Battle of Iwo Jima.

After the war, Newman worked as an ammunition inspector at Fort Wingate. Then he moved to Kirtland and worked for a coal mining company until he retired after 25 years.

President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer offered their condolences to his family, loved ones, comrades, and community members.

“The Navajo Nation is saddened by the passing of a Diné warrior,” Nez said. “His service and dedication as a Navajo Code Talker will forever be remembered and cherished. The Nation is truly grateful for Code Talker Newman’s sacrifices and those of his family, to defend the freedom and liberty of our country.”

Lizer said, “Newman paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect the Navajo Nation and the United States. I could not imagine what his family went through during and after his service. He was a man of faith and worked hard to provide for his family. We offer our prayers for strength and comfort.”

He is survived by his wife Betsy Eleanor. Together they were married for 69 years and had five children: Alfred Jr., Marvin, Cherylin, Donovan and Kevin; 13 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.