1 of last original Navajo Code Talkers dies

PHOENIX - A Navajo Code Talker who was part of the original group recruited to develop what became an unbreakable code that confounded the Japanese during World War II has died.

John Brown Jr., of Crystal, N.M., died Wednesday morning, according to tribal officials. He was 88.

Several hundred Navajos served as Code Talkers during the war, but a group of 29 that included Brown developed the code based on their native language. Their role in the war wasn't declassified until 1968.

Navajo Code Talkers Association president Keith Little says Brown appeared well when he saw him recently and was shocked to hear of his death.

Brown received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2001 along with other members of the original 29 Code Talkers. Less than a handful are still alive.

Brown and his wife, Loncie, had seven children.