Navajo Code Talker passes on

Posted by Navajo Times | Jun 4, 2016 | News |

Navajo Code Talker Arcenio Smiley.

WINDOW ROCK

Navajo Code Talker Arcenio Smiley has passed on.

According to the Navajo Nation President’s Office, they were informed by his granddaughter that her grandfather died Wednesday in Phoenix, Ariz.

Smiley was born in Toadlena, N.M., a small community nestled against the Chuska Mountain,, about 20 miles west of Burnham, N.M. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps on in 1944 and became a code talker. From 1945 to 1946, Smiley served in the Pacific fighting the Japanese. After completing his service, Smiley was honorably discharged and left the Marine Corps as a corporal.

Smiley earned the marksman level qualification with the rifle. He was also awarded the Congressional Silver Medal and Good Conduct Medal for his service as a Navajo Code Talker, the press release states.

Smiley worked for the Navajo Service Warehouse (1949-1951), Gallup Navajo Clinic (1951-1953), and the Gallup Indian Medical Center’s Office of Environmental Health where he retired after 30 years of service in 1981.

“Our grandfather was a great man who was very proud of his heritage and service to his country,” his grandchildren said. “He will be missed by all, as great warrior who is on his journey back home.”

Smiley was Tse’ Naabilnii (Sleep Rock People), born for Hona’gha’ahnii (One-Walks-Around). His maternal grandfather’s are Naakaii Dine’e’ (Mexican) and paternal grandfather’s are Hashtl’ishnii (Mud).

Funeral services for Smiley will be held on Monday, June 6, 2016, at 10 a.m. in Newcomb, N.M. at the Newcomb Assembly of God Church.