After his return from World War II, Nez pursued education and personal growth. He enrolled at Haskell Institute, an all-Native American high school in Kansas, before advancing to the University of Kansas. During this period, he engaged in various activities including boxing, singing, and art studies. He competed in Golden Gloves boxing tournaments and even auditioned as a singer for the popular radio show Ted Mack’s Amateur Hour.

At the University of Kansas, Nez studied fine arts with aspirations of becoming a commercial artist. He developed a romantic relationship with Ethel Pearl Catron, a fellow Navajo student. However, his educational pursuits were interrupted when he received orders to serve in the Korean War. Having joined the reserves to earn extra money, Nez found himself returning to military service.

His Korean War experience differed significantly from his World War II service. Stationed in Hawaii and later Idaho, Nez primarily performed guard duty and supply management rather than combat operations. The Navajo code was not utilized during this conflict, as military leaders anticipated a quick resolution and wished to preserve the code’s secrecy. Nez achieved the rank of Marine Corporal before his discharge in 1952.