American Indian Culture and Research Journal

This article is based upon interviews dating from 1999 to 2010 with Mr. Albert Smith (Na'asho'ii dich'izhii), chronicling his personal experiences, motivation, purpose, and goal in serving in World War II as a code talker. He describes the iconic significance of his Navajo Code Talker uniform, and most importantly, how it symbolizes the Sacred Home/Land he worked to protect by serving in the US Marines during World War II. The article conveys firsthand information regarding indigenous environmental practice through warrior work, the role of spirituality in maintaining health, both in the field and upon return to home, and how Navajo worldview motivated his actions.