[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 13, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E919]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                  HONORING THE LIFE OF SAMUEL SANDOVAL

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. TERESA LEGER FERNANDEZ

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 13, 2022

  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Mr. 
Samuel Sandoval, a Navajo Code Talker of World War II.
  In 1922, Mr. Sandoval was born in Nageezi, New Mexico. At just 16 
years old, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and joined 
other Navajo servicemembers in the fight for freedom and liberty. He 
endured five combat assignments including at Bougainville, Guadalcanal, 
Guam, Okinawa, and Peleliu. He was highly decorated for his actions 
throughout the campaigns. In fact, Mr. Sandoval was the person who 
received and decoded the message of Japanese surrender on August 15, 
1945.
  Mr. Sandoval's devotion to service and his community continued long 
after World War II. He became a certified substance use counselor to 
restore harmony to the lives of many of his kinsmen from his military 
service. He worked to preserve Dine Bizaad, the heart language of the 
Navajo people, and to emphasize the Navajo language code's impact on 
the country.
  At 98 years old, Mr. Sandoval served as the Vice President of the 
Navajo Code Talkers Museum Corporation. He pushed for the realization 
of a museum to showcase and honor the code and the culture of Dine.
  Mr. Sandoval and his wife, Malula Sandoval, raised 11 children. On 
July 29, 2022, Samuel Sandoval--warrior, teacher, and motivator--drew 
his last breath and passed away.
  May we all give thanks for his service and honor his legacy.

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