Another hero gone

**Retread** · 10-10-2017, 10:10 AM

WWII Navajo Code Talker dies at 94

WINDOW ROCK — A Navajo Code Talker who used his native language to outsmart the Japanese in World War II has died in New Mexico, Navajo Nation officials said.

David Patterson Sr. died Sunday in Rio Rancho at age 94 from pneumonia and complications from subdural hematoma.

Patterson and hundreds of other Navajos trained in radio communications were prohibited from talking about their work until it was declassified in 1968.

**SarasotaRepub** · 10-10-2017, 01:09 PM

A fallen hero indeed!

**Retread** · 06-14-2018, 09:39 AM

Is 94 a magic number for Navajos?

https://www.military.com/daily-news/...es-age-94.html

He was 19 when he joined the Marine Corps and became a part of operations in several locations across the Pacific during the war, according to The Spectrum. A mortar explosion left him with hearing loss, but he would later tell family that he always felt safe during battle because of a pouch around his neck holding sacred stones and yellow corn pollen.

He received a Congressional Silver Medal, a Purple Heart and other recognition for his action during the conflict.