Honoring America’s Veterans is proud to recognize Thomas H. Begay as a Veteran Grand Marshal for World War II in the 2023 Phoenix Veterans Day Parade. In a nation shaped by countless brave souls, Mr. Begay stands out as an embodiment of valor and resilience. Born in a remote area south of Gallup, New Mexico, in 1926, his journey from a young Navajo-speaking boy to a distinguished veteran is remarkable.
At 16, Begay enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during World War II, embarking on a path that would forever alter the course of history. His service as a Navajo Code Talker within the renowned 5th Marine Division Signal Company during the Battle of Iwo Jima proved to be a turning point in the war. Using their secret coded Navajo language, Begay and his fellow Code Talkers transmitted hundreds of messages without error, baffling Japanese cryptographers and contributing significantly to the Allied victory.
Begay has
shared his story many times throughout the years, explaining that he signed up to be an aerial gunner but was chosen instead to be in the elite group of Code Talkers.
“I went through boot camp, then they sent me to a line camp,” Begay said in an interview with the Library of Congress. “All the orders were ‘report to Building So-and-so,’ so I did. And there was a whole bunch of Navajos in there. I didn’t know any of them; they were from another location on the reservation. And a sergeant says, ‘You will be a Code Talker.’ I said, ’I didn’t sign up to be a Code Talker, I don’t want to be a Code Talker! I want to be an aerial gunner.’ ‘Too bad!’ he said.”
Begay’s heroism didn’t stop there. He continued his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he was part of the 7th Infantry Division and survived the grueling Chosin Reservoir battle. His military awards include the Presidential Unit Citation with three Bronze Stars and the Meritorious Unit Citation with the Korean Service Medal with five Bronze Stars.
Upon discharge, Begay dedicated himself to public service, working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs for 40 years. His dedication and contributions extended beyond the battlefield, impacting the Navajo Nation and its tribal trust programs.
In 2001, Begay received the Congressional Silver Medal, recognizing his exceptional service as a Navajo Code Talker. But his legacy extends beyond awards and accolades. He was a community leader, a family man, and a symbol of resilience and patriotism.
“Everybody in the United States, no matter what nationality, no matter what tribe, I think we know there’s one flag, one nation, one of us – all,” adds Begay.
Thomas Begay’s journey to national heroism is a testament to the spirit of our veterans, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.