PAWTUCKET, R.I., Jun 11, 2002 -- Hasbro, Inc. has announced the re-issue of its popular G.I. JOE Navajo Code Talker figure.

This "talking" action figure honors the more than 400 Navajo Code Talkers, whose unbreakable code was instrumental in Marine maneuvers that took place in the Pacific during World War II--from Guadalcanal in 1942 to Okinawa in 1945. To this day, the Navajo Code remains the only unbroken code ever implemented in the history of war.

"The G.I. JOE line celebrates real American heroes, and we constantly look around for those stories that are particularly deserving to be told to a new generation of kids. The tale of the Navajo Code Talkers is uniquely American, filled with bravery," said Derryl DePriest, Director of Marketing for the G.I. JOE brand. "The G.I. JOE Navajo Code Talker figure was incredibly popular when it was first released in 2000. We're happy to bring it back as part of our 2002 lineup of collectible G.I. JOE action figures and to continue spreading the word about the historic accomplishments of these unsung heroes."

Standing 12-inches high, the G.I. JOE Navajo Code Talker figure speaks seven different phrases in Navajo Code followed by an English translation. The figure's voice was recorded by a veteran World War II Navajo Code Talker. The figure is authentically clothed in a standard-issue World War II U.S. Marine Corps uniform, featuring a camouflage-covered helmet, web belt, hand phone set, backpack radio, M-1 rifle, dog tags, shirt, pants, and boots. A brief overview of the Code Talkers' incredible story and courage is featured on the packaging. The G.I. JOE Navajo Code Talker figure is available at Toys "R" Us and select other retailers nationwide at an approximate retail price of $24.99.

About Navajo Code Talkers

During the early 1940s, the Allied forces of World War II were faced with a grim situation in the Pacific campaign. The Japanese were excellent code breakers and could anticipate every move the Allies made. To regain control, an unbreakable code was needed.

Navajo is a spoken language: no written form exists. Hence, it had to be documented phonetically for code use. And until World War II, the language had only been spoken on Navajo reservations in the American Southwest. Complex, sophisticated, impossible for non-natives to learn or understand, the Navajo language--encrypted for military use--became the perfect unbreakable code.

On February 28, 1942, two Navajo recruits successfully encoded, transmitted, and decoded messages in Navajo Code in about 20 seconds: more than 29 minutes faster than the encryption machines that were in use at that time. The project was given the go-ahead and with the approval of the Navajo Tribal Council, male tribal members were recruited for the war effort.

The first trial of the code occurred at Guadalcanal in 1942. It was so successful that the military recommended further deployment of Marine Code Talkers (as they came to be known) to all divisions. By the war's end, there were approximately 400 active Navajo Code Talkers in the Pacific campaign.

The Navajo Code retained its usefulness even after the war. The Code Talkers were discharged without fanfare and told to keep the code a secret. It wasn't until 1969 that the Code Talkers were officially recognized for their efforts. And in 1971, they received Certificates of Appreciation from President Nixon.

For more information about G.I. JOE, visit www.gijoe.com. For additional information about the Official G.I. JOE Collector's Club, call (817) 448-9863, or visit www.mastercollector.com.

Hasbro is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.