#VeteranOfTheDay Marine Corps Veteran David Patterson

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Corps Veteran David Patterson Sr. David served during World War II from 1943 to 1945.

David was a member of the Navajo Tribe and was a code talker during World War II. The Navajo code talkers would transmit secret messages to each other in the Navajo language that the Japanese could not understand. They communicated valuable tactical information from the battlefield to command stations.

David was deployed to Japan during the war and served in Iwo Jima, where the code talkers played a key role in the United State’s victory. He and his fellow code talkers conveyed more than 800 crucial messages throughout the battle. David also served in Saipan and the Marshall Islands. He received the Congressional Silver Medal of Honor for his service.

In 1945, David was honorably discharged. He worked as a social worker and become a foster grandparent. Throughout his life, he attended as many code talker events as he could.

David passed away on October 8, 2017.

We honor his service.

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Veterans History Project

This #VeteranOfTheDay profile was created with interviews submitted to the Veterans History Project. The project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations may hear directly from Veterans and better understand the realities of war. Find out more at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.

Graphic By Lilian Vo: Lilian Vo is an undergraduate senior at George Mason University studying Global Affairs and Intelligence Analysis.