Lloyd Oliver facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lloyd Oliver
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|---|---|
| Born | April 23, 1923 Shiprock, New Mexico |
| Died | March 16, 2011 (aged 87) Avondale, Arizona |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1942–1945 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Awards | Congressional Gold Medal |
Lloyd Oliver (April 23, 1923 – March 16, 2011) was an American hero who served in the United States Marine Corps. He was one of the first 29 members of the amazing Navajo Code Talkers during World War II. His brother, Willard Varnell Oliver, was also a Code Talker.
Who Was Lloyd Oliver?
Lloyd Oliver was born in Shiprock, New Mexico, on April 23, 1923. His parents were Howard and Olive (Lee) Oliver. He grew up in a time when the world was facing a huge conflict.
During World War II, the United States needed a secret way to send messages. They needed a code that enemies like Japan could not break. The U.S. Marine Corps found the perfect solution with the Navajo people.
The Navajo language is very complex and not widely known. It was the perfect choice for a secret code. Lloyd Oliver was part of the very first group of 29 Navajo men chosen for this special mission. They created a code using their native language.
These brave men used Navajo words to represent military terms. For example, a word for "iron fish" might mean "submarine." This code was never broken by the enemy. It helped the U.S. win many important battles.
Serving His Country
Lloyd Oliver joined the United States Marine Corps in 1942. He served his country for three years, until 1945. During his service, he reached the rank of corporal. A corporal is a non-commissioned officer who leads a small group of Marines.
His work as a Code Talker was extremely important. He helped send vital messages quickly and secretly across battlefields. This saved many lives and helped the Allies win the war.
A Special Honor
For his incredible service, Lloyd Oliver was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. This is one of the highest awards a civilian can receive in the United States. It is given by the U.S. Congress to people who have made outstanding achievements.
The Navajo Code Talkers were not fully recognized for their bravery until many years after the war. The code was kept secret for a long time. Finally, their amazing contributions were celebrated, and they received the honors they deserved. Lloyd Oliver passed away on March 16, 2011, in Avondale, Arizona. He is remembered as a true American hero.
