https://abc7amarillo.com/news/nation-world/navajo-code-talker-wwii-veteran-passes-away-at-96
HAYSTACK, N.M. (WSET) -- A Navajo Code Talker has passed away at the age of 96.
Joe Vandever, Sr. died in Haystack, New Mexico on Friday from health complications, according to his family.
RELATED | 105-year-old Navajo World War II veteran passes away
"The Navajo people have lost another great warrior who sacrificed more than we’ll ever know to defend our country," Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said in a statement. "We offer our prayers and heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, and many other loved ones."
Vandever's family said he was born on February 5, 1923 into the Red Running Into the Water People clan, born for Two Who Came to the Water clan.
His wife of 73 years, Bessie, passed away in September 2019.
Vandever enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps in Santa Fe in 1943 before being honorably discharged as a Corporal in 1946. His family said he served in northern Colomons, Bougainville, Emirau Islands, Guam, Marianas Islands, Okinawa, Ryukyus Islands, Occupation of Japan, and Occupation of China.
He is survived by his sister, sons, daughters, 36 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Vandever will be buried in Santa Fe National Cemetery.
RELATED | Navajo Code Talker William Tully Brown dies at 96
He was among hundreds of Navajos who served in the Marine Corps, using a code based on their native language to outsmart the Japanese in World War II.
HAYSTACK, N.M. (WSET) -- A Navajo Code Talker has passed away at the age of 96.
Joe Vandever, Sr. died in Haystack, New Mexico on Friday from health complications, according to his family.
RELATED | 105-year-old Navajo World War II veteran passes away
"The Navajo people have lost another great warrior who sacrificed more than we’ll ever know to defend our country," Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said in a statement. "We offer our prayers and heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, and many other loved ones."
Vandever's family said he was born on February 5, 1923 into the Red Running Into the Water People clan, born for Two Who Came to the Water clan.
His wife of 73 years, Bessie, passed away in September 2019.
Vandever enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps in Santa Fe in 1943 before being honorably discharged as a Corporal in 1946. His family said he served in northern Colomons, Bougainville, Emirau Islands, Guam, Marianas Islands, Okinawa, Ryukyus Islands, Occupation of Japan, and Occupation of China.
He is survived by his sister, sons, daughters, 36 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Vandever will be buried in Santa Fe National Cemetery.
RELATED | Navajo Code Talker William Tully Brown dies at 96
He was among hundreds of Navajos who served in the Marine Corps, using a code based on their native language to outsmart the Japanese in World War II.