ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —

They played a pivotal role during World War II, and only two Navajo code talkers are still alive.

Peter MacDonald Sr., 97, visited Albuquerque Thursday to speak with employees at PNM, highlighting the significance of his role in shaping American history.

MacDonald, who joined the Marines at the age of 15 by lying about his age, was part of a group of roughly 420 Navajo code talkers who played a crucial role in transmitting secret tactical messages using their indigenous languages.

"We want you to develop a military code. That's going to be used in the Pacific," MacDonald said, reflecting on the directive given to the code talkers. "There's a box full of military codes sent in battle. These are actual messages that were sent in combat. Look at it and see how you can

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