Navajo Code Talker Frank Chee Willeto dies | News

Frank Chee Willeto, a Navajo Code Talker who served in the Pacific Theatre in Saipan and Okinawa during World War II, died today.

Navajo Code Talkers Association Secretary Yvonne Murphy announced Willeto's death Saturday morning.

Details about his death are unknown.

Willeto enlisted in the U.S. Marines 6th Division in 1944.

After training he joined the Code Talkers, a secret mission that implemented radio signals to Allied forces and remained undecipherable by Japanese soldiers.

The Code Talkers are credited with saving thousands of lives during World War II.

Willeto returned to the Navajo Nation and served as a public servant. In his lifetime he was appointed as a judge to the Navajo Supreme Judicial Council and the vice president of the Navajo Nation. 

He recently served as the Pueblo Pintado Chapter President.

In 2011, he received the Congressional Silver Medal.

A family gathering is scheduled for Monday at the Pueblo Pintado Chapter House.

Stay with KOB.com for more details about this developing story.