PRESCOTT, Ariz., Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Allen Dale June, a Navajo man who helped the U.S. military create unbreakable radio codes during World War II, has died in Arizona at the age of 91.
June's wife, Virginia June, said her husband, one of the original 29 code talkers, died Wednesday at the Veteran Assistance Hospital in Prescott after suffering complications from pneumonia, The Arizona Republic reported Friday.
Virginia June said her husband fell ill while on a trip to visit family in Arizona from their home in Colorado.
June said her husband served as a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II in the Pacific. He was among American Indians used to transmit information by radio because enemy eavesdroppers couldn't understand languages such as Navajo.
"The Navajo Nation lost a great warrior," said Lawrence Morgan, speaker of the Navajo Nation Council. "It is a pleasure to know that we have warriors like Sgt. Allen Dale June, to serve and protect our freedom. His unique service to his country brought positive attention to the Navajo Nation. He will be missed."
A funeral has been scheduled for Monday in Page, Ariz.
