Only 10 Navajo Code Talkers from World War II remain alive after Teddy Draper Sr. died Thursday morning in Prescott, according to the Navajo Nation.
Draper, 96, served in the 5th Marine Division, fighting in Iwo Jima and earning a Purple Heart and a Congressional Silver Medal, a release from the Nation said.
Draper continued his work to preserve the Navajo language after his time in the military, teaching classes at Rough Rock Community High School and producing materials used to teach Navajo language in schools.
“The Navajo Code Talkers used our language to save this country during World War II," Navajo Nation Vice President Jonathan Nez said in the release. “This is an example of the importance of passing down our language to our children. We are grateful and remember Teddy Draper not only for his efforts on the battlefield but in the classroom as well."
Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye ordered that flags fly at half-staff to honor Draper's legacy.
“The Office of the Navajo Nation President and Vice President offer condolences on behalf of the Nation to the family of Code Talker Draper,” Begaye said in the release. “With the passing of each Code Talker, our Nation mourns these heroes and living treasures.”
The release said no funeral arrangements have been made yet.
Navajo Nation lost another Code Talker, George B. Willie Sr., just last week.
