Navajo Code Talker Samuel Sandoval dies
Navajo Times | Donovan Quintero
Navajo Code Talker Samuel Sandoval poses for the camera on Nov. 11, 2020, in Shiprock. Sandoval died on Friday, according to the president’s office.
Navajo Code Talker Samuel Sandoval has passed on.
According to a press release from the president’s office, Sandoval died Friday evening.
Sandoval was originally from Nageezi, New Mexico. He was Naasht’ézhí Dine’é and was born for Tł’ááshchí’í. His maternal grandfather was Tsenabahiłnii, and his paternal grandfather was Ta’neeszahnii.
Sandoval enlisted into the Marine Corps on March 26, 1943, and completed his basic training in 1942. After his training, Sandoval served in five combat tours, including Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Guam, Peleliu, and Okinawa.
He was honorably discharged on Jan. 26, 1946, and returned home. He enrolled in college and earned a certificate in substance abuse counseling. He worked in Farmington as a counselor.
The Nageezi-native earned a Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, a Combat Action Ribbon, a China Service Medal, a World War II Victory Medal, a Navy Occupation Service Medal with Asia Clasp, and an Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with a silver star, in place of five bronze stars.
Navajo presidential candidates expressed condolences to Sandoval’s wife, Malula Sandoval, and his family.
“That’s so sad to hear. We saw and acknowledged him at our first forum. As a Code Talker that represented our Navajo Nation, I am honored to have met him,” Presidential candidate Rosanna Jumbo-Fitch said. “Prayers to his family.”
“Thank you, Sam, for all your support throughout the years for me to become a leader for Navajo,” Presidential candidate Dineh Benally said on Saturday. “My condolences to the family.”
“It’s very, very saddening to hear that one of our Code Talkers has passed on into the spirit world,” Presidential candidate Buu Nygren said. “One of the things I can always remember and what makes what warms my heart, and it will continue to warm my heart throughout my life, is the strength of our language and how they continue to honor it. My condolences to all of his family.”
Three Navajo Code Talkers, Thomas H. Begay, John Kinsel Sr., and Peter MacDonald Sr., remain.
Funeral services for Sandoval are pending.
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