Photo: Sam Green/The Cortez Journal via AP

In this 2013 photo, Navajo Code Talker Samuel Sandoval talks about his experiences in the military in Cortez, Colo. Sandoval, one of the last remaining Navajo Code Talkers who transmitted messages in World War II using a code based on their native language, has died at age 98. Sandoval died late Friday, July 29, 2022, at a hospital in Shiprock, N.M., his wife, Malula told The Associated Press on Saturday.

Samuel Sandoval, one of the Navajo Nation’s heroic WWII code talkers, has died. He was 98.

Sandoval was one of around 420 men of the Navajo Nation who served as code talkers during World War II,CNNreported, citing a release from the Navajo Nation. The group of Native Americans used the Navajo language to evade Japanese code breakers over radio communication. The group was able to relay matters from coordinates to troop movements, and were crucial to American victories throughout the war.

Sandoval served in the U.S. Marine Corps in five combat tours, including Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Guam, Peleliu, and Okinawa. He was 18 when he enlisted in 1943, and was honorably discharged in January 1946, per the release.

USMC/Interim Archives/Getty

Private First Class Samuel Sandoval, a Native American Navajo Indian serving with the United States Marines, relaxes under a torii gate in a former park in Okinawa, 1945.

Many have expressed their thanks for Sandoval’s service via statements on social media, including New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grishamvia Twitter.

“New Mexico is deeply proud to have been home to so many Navajo Code Talkers, including national hero Samuel Sandoval of Nageezi,” Grisham said.

“I am grateful for Mr. Sandoval’s incredible service to our nation – may he rest in peace, and may we never forget the dedication of the Code Talkers,” she added.

The GoFundMe is asking for $10,000 in donations with the message: “My grandfather, Samuel F. Sandoval, has gained his heavenly wings. Please consider helping my grandmother Malula with funeral expenses. Thank you in advance.”

Sandoval was born in 1922 in Nageezi, New Mexico. His wife toldABC Newshe had always been dedicated to the Navajo community.

“Sam always said, ‘I wanted my Navajo youngsters to learn, they need to know what we did and how this code was used and how it contributed to the world,’ " she told the outlet. “That the Navajo language was powerful and always to continue carrying our legacy.”

He liked to tell his story in-person, but also helped write a book about his experience, calledNaz Bah Ei Bijei: Heart of a Warrior.

After his military service, he became a certified substance abuse counselor, even opening his own clinic in the 1970s called To-Tah Alcohol Counseling, which is where he met his wife. They were married for 33 years, per ABC News. He also helped raise 11 children.

Brett Butterstein/The Daily Times/AP Photo

Navajo Code Talker Samuel Sandoval of Shiprock, N.M., poses for pictures Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2004, during a ceremony where Oreland C. Joes Code Talker sculpture was unveiled at the Navajo Nation Fairgrounds in Window Rock, Ariz. The contribution of the Code Talkers of World War II was unknown for decades because the U.S. military kept the entire effort a secret. Only in recent years have the Navajos been honored with medals for valor.

“Navajo Code Talker Samuel Sandoval was a great warrior and a compassionate family man. In every aspect of his life, he was a loving person who cared greatly for his people,” said Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer in a release, per CNN.

“Today, I ask our Diné people to keep his spirit and his family in your prayers as we give thanks for his life and his legacy,” he added.

According to the outlet, there are three remaining Navajo code talkers alive: Peter MacDonald, John Kinsel Sr. and Thomas H. Begay.

source: people.com