Navajo Nation mourns passing of Code Talker David Patterson Sr. at age of 94

Tuesday, October 10, 2017  

David Earl Patterson Sr., a citizen of the Navajo Nation who served as a Code Talker during World War II, died on Sunday. He was 94.

Patterson was among the hundreds of Navajo soldiers who used their language to transmit unbreakable codes during the war. He was eventually awarded a Congressional Medal for his efforts.

“It’s a sad day on the Navajo Nation when we lose a national treasure like we did in losing Navajo Nation Code Talker David Patterson, Sr.,” President Russell Begaye said in a press release. “Beyond his service in protecting our freedom, he was a beloved husband, father and grandfather."

"The members of the Navajo Nation Council send their condolences and prayers to the family of Navajo Code Talker David Earl Patterson, Sr., who was a great example for all of the people of the Navajo Nation through his honorable service in the U.S. Marine Corps, and the entire Navajo Nation," Speaker LoRenzo Bates of the Navajo Nation Council added in a press release.

Patterson is being laid to rest on Thursday in Shiprock, New Mexico, according to his obituary. The family is raising funds to offset funeral costs.

Read More on the Story:
Tribe says Navajo Code Talker has died in New Mexico at 94 (The Associated Press October 9, 2017)
Navajo Code Talker David E. Patterson Sr. dies at 94 (The Farmington Daily-Times October 9, 2017)