On Monday, members ofthe 23rd Navajo Nation Council offered their condolences to the family of Navajo Code Talker David Earl Patterson, Sr., who passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2017, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico at the age of 94.
“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 US Marine Corps, and the entire Navajo Nation. We will miss his presence and service in our communities where he helped many of our Navajo people,” stated Speaker LoRenzo Bates (Nenahnezad, Newcomb, San Juan, Tiis Tsoh Sikaad, Tse’Daa’Kaan, Upper Fruitland).
Patterson served in World War II with the Marine Corps from 1943-1945. As a Code Talker, he developed coded messages that helped win the war for the United States. For his courageous service, he was awarded the Silver Congressional Medal of Honor on November 24, 2001.
After his military service, Patterson went to college and became a social worker and was employed with the Navajo Division of Social Services until he retired in 1987.
Council Delegate Tom Chee (Shiprock) recalled Patterson as a hard working and humble person, as he got to know him when working together for several years.
“He never said ‘I did this or I did that,’ but I got to know of his great service through his family,” stated Delegate Chee.
The Navajo Nation Government website includes history information on the Navajo Code Talkers at www.navajo-nsn.gov/history.htm.
Source: Navajo Nation Council, Window Rock, Arizona
