Update

Navajo Nation Mourns the Passing of Code Talker Sgt. Jimmie Begay

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Currents. Discussion »

Code Talker Sgt Jimmie Begay

FORT DEFIANCE, ARIZONA - Navajo Code Talker Sergeant Jimmie Begay, 86, passed away yesterday one week after sustaining a head injury due to a fall.

Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly ordered the Navajo Nation flag be flown at half-staff in honor of Code Talker Sgt. Jimmie Begay.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of Sgt. Begay. His efforts to defend this country and his people make me proud. My prayers, and the prayers of the First Lady, the Vice President and the Navajo Nation are with the family,"

said President Shelly.

Flags at half-staff

President Shelly ordered the Navajo Nation flag to be flown at half-staff from Thursday, February 2, through sundown Sunday evening, February 5.

Code Talker Begay, of Sawmill, Arizona enlisted in the US Marines in November of 1942 when he was 17 years old. He trained to become a code talker at Camp Elliot. He then served in the1st Marine Division, 2nd Battalion.

Services are pending.

posted February 2, 2012 11:50 am est