[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 137 (Monday, September 12, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S5500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING JOE HOSTEEN KELLWOOD

  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, today I wish to join the entire State of 
Arizona in mourning the passage of Joe Hosteen Kellwood this week. Joe, 
a decorated war hero, father, and grandfather, was a loyal servant and 
patriot of this country. It is with great respect that I commemorate 
the passing of this honorable man, who volunteered his life during one 
of the most trying times for our Nation.
  Joe will be remembered as one of the legendary Navajo Code Talkers of 
World War II, who developed the only Allied code that the enemy was 
never able to decipher. Using their unique language skills, about 430 
Native Americans turned the tide of battle against the Japanese, which 
military experts estimate shortened the war in the Pacific. Their 
bravery, resourcefulness, and tenacity in the line of duty remains a 
testament to their remarkable service.
  During World War II, Joe was inspired by the brave acts of servicemen 
during the Battle of Guadalcanal. He then enlisted in 1942, telling his 
sister, ``I'm going to war'' to defend his nation. Shortly thereafter, 
he was selected for the Navajo Talkers' School at Camp Elliot in San 
Diego where he studied on his own at night and arduously memorized 
those codes. On his transport ship to Australia, where he would join 
the 1st Marine Regiment, Joe conducted a Navajo ritual for safe return. 
Although such rituals were not allowed under military rules, he 
secretly used a piece of gum mixed with corn pollen he had brought from 
home and spat the mixture into the ocean as he prayed to the Holy 
People. His faith gave him the confidence he needed.
  Joe received numerous awards and honors including the Congressional 
Silver Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, Naval 
Unit Commendation, Good Conduct, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-
Pacific Campaign Medal, and WWII Victory Medal for his heroic service.
  After returning to the Navajo reservation, Joe returned to his trade 
as carpenter and lived for over 60 years in his same Sunnyslope home 
with his loving wife, Andrena, where they watched his 5 sons, 15 
grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren grow. He served as an 
inspiration for his fellow Navajo as a speaker at numerous events and 
sang the ``Marine Corps Hymn'' in his native language. Joe was a proud 
member of Veterans of Foreign Wars post 9400 and American Legion post 
75 for many years.
  We owe a debt of gratitude to the sacrifices of selfless patriots 
like Joe whose remarkable courage and patriotism will be long 
remembered by his country.

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