O'Halleran Mourns Loss of Navajo Code Talker Samuel Sandoval

VILLAGE OF OAK CREEK – Today, Congressman Tom O’Halleran (AZ-01) expressed his deepest condolences to the family of Samuel Sandoval, one of the last living Navajo Code Talkers, who passed away this weekend at the age of 98.

“In covert missions attached to every major Marine operation in the Pacific theater, the Navajo Code Talkers used their native language to send messages in unbreakable code and turn the tide of World War II. For years after, they had to keep their selfless service secret from their families and their tribe until the Code Talkers mission was declassified in 1968. Their sacrifice for the safety of our nation cannot be overstated; the Code Talkers were paramount to America’s victory, preserving our democracy and ending years of world strife. The Navajo Code Talkers must never be forgotten.

“Today, it is with a heavy heart that I extend my condolences to Samuel’s wife Malula, their children, grandchildren, and the entire Navajo Nation as they mourn the loss of a hero.”

Navajo Code Talkers Day is recognized each year on August 14. This year, O’Halleran will attend the Navajo Code Talker Day celebration in Window Rock, honoring the three remaining Code Talkers and their service to our nation.