#VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Sibby LeBeau

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Sibby LeBeau. Sibby served from 1942 to 1946 during World War II.

Sibby grew up on a Native American reservation in South Dakota as a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. He was trained by the elders of his reservation in the languages, dialects, survival methods and traditional songs and dances of his tribe. When he joined the Navy, he became a code talker, using Native American languages to transfer information among the Allied powers. Sibby participated in Operation Torch in Africa from August to November 1942. He was later stationed in the South Pacific and Europe, where he served in Operation Overlord in 1944.

Sibby received a Purple Heart and a Commendation Medal for his service. After his service, he worked in oil fields, earned a degree in mechanical engineering and worked for the Navy in research and development. Sibby passed away on Oct. 23, 2014 at the age of 90.

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 Damin Jung: Damin Jung is a student studying Web Design. She has a BS in International Relations and Politics.