by CL Nelson

Created on: October 23, 2008

The Desert's Most Famous People and What Makes them Famous.

Arizona was admitted to the Union on February 14, 1912. Although it is a relatively young state (48th) its history is as rich and diverse as its topography. Many famous Americans hail from Arizona or now call this breathtaking desert oasis home. There are many celebrities, writers, and musicians that love the Sonoran Desert. However, it is the war heroes, politicians, civil rights activists, and ordinary people who did extraordinary things that endear us to the Grand Canyon State.

Navajo Code Talkers: World War II, Korean War

First and foremost are the Native Americans. There are many that have earned a place in American history, but none more than the Navajo Code Talkers. Hailing from the Navajo Nation in Northeast Arizona, the Navajo Code Talkers played a pivotal role in winning World War II and are credited for saving countless lives. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the United States entered World War II against Japan. Fighting against the axis powers was difficult and made more so by the fact that Japanese intelligence continually intercepted and broke American codes. The U.S. struggled to find a way to relay messages without their intelligence being intercepted. Finally the U.S. military turned to the Navajo Nation for help. More than 400 Code Talkers served in the Marines from 1942 to 1945. Their primary role was to transmit vital battlefield intelligence via radio transmission and Morse code. Since the Navajo language is unwritten, extremely complex, and vast, the Japanese were never able to decipher any of the Navajo codes. It is to their credit that the Marines took Iwo Jima.

Ira B. Hayes: World War II

Ira B. Hayes was born in Sacaton, Arizona on the Gila River Indian Reservation just south of Phoenix. During World War II, Ira left school and enlisted in the Marines in 1942. He became a paratrooper, but the division was later disbanded. He is best known as one of the six flag raisers photographed raising the flag on Iwo Jima. A statue commemorating the brave Marines stands at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery. Ira Hayes was born January 12, 1923 and died January 23, 1955. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington Virginia, USA Plot: Section 34, Grave 479A.

Cochise: Apache Leader, Apache Wars

Cochise was a leader of the Chiricahua Apache. During the nineteenth century the Apache territories covered present day portions of Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico. Due to encroachment

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