Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Keith M. Little, PFC USMC 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division – WWII, Navajo Code Talker, United States of America Congressional Silver Medal holder and leader of the Navajo Code Talkers. He fought in the bloddiest battle of WWII in the South Pacific, notably the Battles for the Marshall Islands, Sai Pan, and Iwo Jima. An honored United States Veteran of WWII, a proud United States Marine, he will be sorrowfully missed by his family, friends, fellow Veterans, the Navajo Code Talkers Association, and a fundamental loss to our country. A funeral service is scheduled at 10 a.m., tomorrow (Saturday January 7, 2012), at the Fort Defiance, Arizona Family Assembly of God Church. Donation and other funeral information appears at the end of this post.
“…Keith Little served as a Navajo Code Talker with the US Marine Corps from December of 1943 until after the war. He fought in numerous engagements of WWII, including battles in the Marshall Islands, Sai Pan, and Iwo Jima. Like most of the Navajo Code Talkers, he wasn’t aware of the significance of his contribution to the war effort until much later in life. It was only then that he understood the importance of documenting their story for posterity. In conversation about his hopes for the new museum, he speaks with certitude of his desire to teach the younger generations of the importance of striving for excellence and of serving above and beyond the call of duty. Promoting a greater understanding of the Navajo culture, traditions and way of life is a cause he also holds dear. When asked why he chose to go to war, he answers simply: “[because] the Japanese made a sneak attack on the US,” adding that he wanted “to protect our people, land and country…” via Navajo Code Talkers Association
Funeral arrangements for Navajo Code Talker Keith M. Little
10:00am, Saturday, January 7, 2012 - Funeral Service - Family Church Assembly of God, Fort Defiance, Arizona
Burial immediately following Funeral Service - Family Plot in Crystal, New Mexico
Reception following Burial - Crystal Chapter House, Crystal, New Mexico
Funeral Expense Contributions - Donations to cover funeral expense can be made to the Keith M Little Memorial Fund at any Wells Fargo Bank
In lieu of floral tributes, the family would like to have donations made in honor of Keith M Little to the Navajo Code Talkers Foundation to support the building of the National Navajo Code Talkers Museum & Veterans Center at www.navajocodetalkers.org or by postal mail: Museum Donation – KML PO Box 1266 Window Rock, AZ 86515
