Updated Nov 8, 2012 - 6:05 pm
91-year-old Navajo Code Talker to get KU degree
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LAWRENCE, Kan. -- A 91-year-old New Mexico man who was a Navajo Code Talker in World War II will receive a degree next week from the University of Kansas.
Chester Nez is the last living member of the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers- an all-Navajo Marine platoon that created a secret code based on their native language.
He left the university in 1952 after three years because his GI Bill funds ran out and he couldn't afford to complete his fine arts studies.
The university says that in honor of Nez's service and to celebrate Veterans Day, it will present him with the degree he was unable to complete 60 years ago.
Nez now lives in Albuquerque, N.M., with his son. He'll receive the degree Monday in a ceremony that Kansas First Lady Mary Brownback is scheduled to attend.
