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Samuel Tom Holiday
Samuel Tom Holiday
Obituary
Guest Book
Samuel Tom Holiday Obituary
He was 94.
Holiday was among hundreds of Navajos who used a code based on their native language to transmit messages in World War II. The Japanese never broke it.
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.
After the war, Holiday returned to the Navajo reservation and worked as a police officer, a ranger and later started his own equipment company. He married Lupita Mae Isaac and had eight children. In 2013, Holiday co-wrote a book about his experience as a Code Talker called "Under the Eagle."
Fewer than 10 Code Talkers are believed to be alive today. The exact number is unknown because the program remained classified for several years following the war.
Holiday spent his later days living at the Southern Utah Veterans Home in Ivins, Utah.
Shortly before his death, family members turned to the crowdfunding site GoFundMe to raise $4,000 to be able to visit him in hospice care. The Navajo Nation said he was surrounded by friends and family when he died.
There will be a viewing at the Hughes Mortuary in St. George, Utah, on Thursday and funeral services in Monument Valley on Friday, according to the Navajo Nation Council.
Holiday will be buried at a veterans' cemetery in the Navajo community of Kayenta, Arizona, next to his wife.
The library at the Kayenta Middle School is named for Holiday.
He is survived by six children, 35 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
We invite you to share condolences for Samuel Tom Holiday in his Guest Book.
Copyright © 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
207 Entries
Eleanor Mitchem
June 3, 2019
Thank you for your service to our country. May you rest in peace
February 26, 2019
Whenever a Purple Heart Patriot leaves us, we know, only too well, that sacrifice made for his comrades, his loved ones and his Nation. Our members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 549 Monterey Bay render a final Salute.
Respectfully, Gerald Pitman Commander, MOPH Ch. 549, Monterey Bay
MSgt Calvin Lucado Jr
October 28, 2018
Semper Fidelis Brother, Fair Winds and Following Seas, thank you for coming before me, to show me and set a standard for Marines everywhere, you were our mentors and examples, we will always keep you in our hearts and thoughts, may you spend the rest of your days in peace with the Creator.
Margaret Miller
August 6, 2018
Thank you for your service.
How you can show support
Emma Glaser
July 13, 2018
Thank you for your invaluable service to our Country.May you rest in peace with your loving
wife and in Gods light
Barbara Blair
July 6, 2018
I am very proud of Mr. Holiday's courage he displayed at such a young age. I give my condolences to his family, The Navajo Nation, and his many friends who surrounded him by his bedside when he passed away.
George Hilbish
July 4, 2018
The Marines and Corpsmen of the Pierce County Detachment #504 Marine Corps League, Share in Your Loss. Rest in Peace Marine, Semper Fi!
June 29, 2018
Sincerest condolences to the Holiday family.
May you keep your hearts full of wonderful memories and know that the Hearer of Prayer is listening to your tears of sorrow and know that he provides peace and comfort to the downhearted.
J Tyler
Chicago
June 20, 2018
While I've not had the PLEASURE of meetiieng Mr. Holiday. . . . . I have DEEP respect for the man and his SERVICE to this country.
My sincere sympathies and SORROW for those in the family and I DEEPLY revere his heroism and contribution to this country.
PEACE and BLESSINGS to ALL of you who morn, but know that he is in a place where he is Blessed, Happy, Joyful and at PEACE with our Father.
Respectfully,
JOHN VELEK
MINNESOTA
Gloria Stacey
June 20, 2018
My father, Navy soldier during war, spoke of the Navajo Code Talkers when we were children; he spoke with pride and respect for the Navajo. He is no longer with us; our families carry the respect and admiration he was so proud of. Rest in Peace Samuel Tom Holiday. Thank you for your contribution to this country, your country.
Elise
June 19, 2018
Thank you for all your service to this country. To the family may you find peace in Mr. Holiday memories.
Donna Blackhawk
June 18, 2018
Thank you for all your service - Rest in Peace - many Blessings to you n your family
June 18, 2018
Thank you for your service, Rest In Peace.
Donnie Shahan
June 18, 2018
Mister Holiday Everyone in our great USA owes you so much for your part in preserving our freedom. I personally feel a great debt of gratitude to you. May you rest in peace and may your memory live on. Thank you so much for your service, Sir.
DOROTHY WALLACE
June 18, 2018
My husband was a World War II veteran. He may have come home as a result of your contributions. Thank you for all that you did. Rest in Peace.
June 18, 2018
Sorry for your lost of your beloved family Samuel Tom. May the God who gives Comfort be with the family at this time.q
Steven
June 18, 2018
Thank you, Sir, for your service and the service of your family. I am one of the grateful nation and a baby boomer. Our condolences to the family and may he rest in peace.
June 18, 2018
So sorry for your loss. May Almighty God grant you peace as you cope with your loss. Jer.29:11
SKC (SCW) Don Romero, USNR, Ret
June 18, 2018
Thank you for your great contribution and selfless sacrifice during WWII.
Teresa Bailey
June 17, 2018
To a Hero, Thank you. Let the light guide your path.
Jack zukowski
June 17, 2018
Thank you for your courageous service to this country of ours, you are a hero that surly should have been recognized long ago. God bless.
June 17, 2018
thank you for our life that we have here today
June 17, 2018
Rest in peace brother Holiday. Semper Fi, I would hope to meet you someday and help "Guard The Streets of Heaven" with you. You have served your country well and helped to keep our freedom. When in the Corps, we always held the Code Talkers in high esteem.
Respectfully,
R.A. Thaler
New York
Paula Bryant
June 17, 2018
Thank you for the contibution you and other code talkers made to insure the world is a better place than it would have been if the war was lost. You will live on forever in the history of the world. You are a source of pride in the hearts of Native Americans for the part you played and the sacrifices you gave to insure that the world is a better place. RIP
Jessie Lechevet
June 17, 2018
Thank you so much for your service to our country. You were a very brave man. Rest In Peace.
edward lackey
June 17, 2018
rest in peace sir your service to our country helped us win the war you were a very brave soldier
Christine Rucker
June 17, 2018
Thank you sir for your contribution to this country. Both my parents were WWII Veterans and I'm sure you had a part in protecting them somewhere along the line. May you find peace with your ancestors & those who loved you.
Christine Rucker
Derek Humphreys
June 17, 2018
Thank you Sir for your very important part in the winning of WW2, and thank you for making it possible for me to live my life in peace, deep respect.
Amity Robertson
June 17, 2018
Thank you for all that you did to help during the war, for your bravery and sacrifice. You continued to help and serve others afterwards as well. May your spirit continue to nobly lead those after you. Blessings and peace be with you and your family always.
Anna
June 17, 2018
Mr Holiday thank you Sir for what you and all the other Codetalkers did for our country. You are a true hero for what you did and an enormous source of pride to your country. Thank you and God Bless you and your family.
Alicia Torres
June 16, 2018
Thank you Mr. Holiday for your phenomenal service & sacrifice that saved many lives. Your priceless valor and contributions to humanity will forever be honored. May your family be blessed with love and peace as you and the Great Spirit continue to bless us all in this journey towards unity on Earth. Bendiciones, Sr. Holiday. Siempre estarás en nuestros corazones.
Katherine Leann Ladd
June 16, 2018
Thank you for your Service and for helping to win WWII. May you always walk in beauty!!!!
Katherine Leann Ladd
PLA
June 16, 2018
My sincere condolences to your family. I thank you for your service; I am able to appreciate my freedom every day thanks to the brave actions of men and women such as yourself in the past. What a great gift you gave this country. RIP Mr Holiday.
Yvonne Miskech
June 16, 2018
R.I.P Mr. Holiday. Thank you for your service during WW II at such a young age. You had a unique skill being a Code Talker and the Country thanks you and your fellow Navajo "brothers" for helping to win the war. Now you get to join your wife and children forever.
Larry Loughner
June 16, 2018
God Bless you and all the courageous Code Talkers. I trust the Great Spirit will welcome and treat you well.
COLONEL77
June 16, 2018
WITHOUT THESE HEROIC GENTLEMEN CERTAIN ASPECTS OF WORLD WAR II IN THE PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS MIGHT HAVE GONE VERY MUCH DIFFERENTLY AS THEIR UTILIZATION WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST IDEAS OF THAT WAR AND THEY ARE ALL TO BE COMMENDED MOST HIGHLY FOR THEIR TREMENDOUS VALUE TO THE ENTIRE SITUATION AND FOR THEIR VALIANT SERVICE TO THE NATION AT THAT TIME.
REMEMBRANCE
SEMPER FIDELIS
KANDRA BAKER
June 16, 2018
Thank you for you wonderful and courageous service to our country dear sir. Please rest well, you deserve it!!!
Karen McCormick
June 16, 2018
God bless him with eternal happiness
Prayers for his family
Michael Cahill
June 16, 2018
Semper Fi. 100% MARINE Thank you Sir.
Gail Whissen
June 16, 2018
He helped us and I am proud that he agreed to defend us. I am aware of what you're family went through. My Daddy was a disabilied Vet and to watch him begin to start dying . Thank God I had him for 24 years. I am sorry to hear that he has passed over. My prayers go out for you. You all know that he is safe and out of any pain. He is with our Creator and he will always be looking in on all of you.
June 16, 2018
Thank you for your service and sacrifice. God bless you and may you rest in peace .
Jan Le Flore
June 16, 2018
Thank you for your service Sir. R.I.P.
June 16, 2018
Dear Family and Friends,
we extend our sympathy to
you.Thank GOD for wonderful men that serve their country with honor and dignity as did
Mr.Samuel Holiday.
June 16, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Julie Geldreich
June 16, 2018
What an honor it is to write in your book.
I only wish I had known you personally. What an honorable man you've been thru-out your life. Thank you for helping this country that was/is yours as a Navajo. We all are but immigrants passing thru your home.
May you be blessed always
R Loy
June 15, 2018
Thank you for your service.
G Parker
June 15, 2018
Thank you for your service. May God Bless your soul.
June 15, 2018
What a great man who fought to give us our freedom. Thank you. My prayers go out to his family.
Moss
June 15, 2018
Mr. Holiday made quite a name for himself in serving his country. Thanks be to God for his mercy in that Mr. Holiday will live again in a peaceful new world with everlasting life as the reward. (Psalm 72:7)
KAROL FAASSE
June 15, 2018
Thank you sir for your service. Thank you!
Pauline Cata
June 15, 2018
My deepest sympathy on the loss of Mr Holiday. He was a true hero and his country will long remember his valor. May he rest in Peace.
June 15, 2018
We owe a great debt of gratitude for Mr. Holiday's service in maintaining our freedom.
Sincerest condolences to his family at this time of loss.
Pamela Olson, Plain, Wisconsin
Lynn Gerardot
June 15, 2018
God Bless you Samuel Thank You for your service.
June 15, 2018
God Bless you Sir and rest in peace.
BW from PA
June 15, 2018
God bless you and your legacy sir. A grateful nation mourns your passing.
Bobby Snyder
June 15, 2018
Rest In Peace brave hero. Thank you for your service
Phyllis Johnson
June 15, 2018
Sincerest condolences and much appreciation for this fine mans service to our country! We need men like him! He will be missed!
June 15, 2018
Semper Fidelis!
Eric Johnson
United States Marine Corps
Houston Texas
Amy Walsh-Kuenneke
June 15, 2018
We would like to extend our sympathy to Mr. Holiday's family and say Thank You for your service to our Nation.
Dan and Amy Kuenneke
US Army Vet
Sharon Wilkin
June 15, 2018
The world has lost a true hero! Mr. Holiday was without a doubt one of the most courageous and bravest! I pray that you soar with the eagles and continue your journey into the next life!
June 15, 2018
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
June 15, 2018
A true American! Thank you, Mr. Holiday! May you rest in God's peace!
AM
Houston
Donald Strickland
June 15, 2018
I did not know him only through history in school about the Navajo Code Talkers helping out during the war. Heaven is rejoicing now. May the Great Spirit give the family the comfort they need.
Donald Strickland
North Carolina
John Kulas
June 15, 2018
I would like to express my deepest and sincere thank you for your service to our country. You will always be one of "America's Greatest Generation". Rest in peace, you have been relieved.
H R
June 15, 2018
Condolences to the family of Samuel Tom Holiday, may the God of comfort be with you during your time of loss.
Lw W
June 15, 2018
I'm truly sorry for his passing and your loss. May the God of all comfort hears your cries and rescue you with comfort and peace during this sad occasion. Psalms145:18,19
Tracey Lynch
June 15, 2018
With gratitude and respect.
Thank you, WWII Veteran, Samuel Holliday
June 15, 2018
Sorry for your loss there a wonderful promise from our creator Isaiah25:8 to end death and the cause I hope the family fine comfort and peace in the reading. Cleveland Ohio
Martin
June 15, 2018
Thank you sir for your service.
June 15, 2018
Thank you Sir for your service and sacrifice for our country! Prayers for comfort and healing for Family and Friends !
B H
June 14, 2018
An all too belated Thank you, sir.
Colleen Renken
June 14, 2018
My condolences to Mr. Holiday's family and friends. The Code Talkers served a specific role in the war. They sent messages via radios, to who needed to hear, to get things they needed or to tell the powers that be where the enemy was. Their code was never broken. If it hadn't been for the Code Talkers and all the other soldiers who fought, we may not have won the war. Freedom is never free, there was much blood shed. But because of the jobs of the soldiers, the courage they had, we have freedoms we have today. My many, many thanks and huge respect to Mr. Holiday, the Code Talkers, and all the soldiers who have ever fought and currently do fight to defend our country. We owe them everything! Thank you
Vinnie Howard
June 14, 2018
The Marine Corps Prayer
Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of thy presence and obedient to thy will.
Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family. Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Make me considerate to those committed to my leadership. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.
If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again.
Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer
Amen.
My thoughts & prayers are with you & yours.
Semper Fidelis,
Vinnie Howard
Commandant
Brevard County Detachment #513
Department of Florida
Marine Corps League
Erline
June 14, 2018
Mr. Holidays courageous and kind presence will be remembered. He is resting in Gods memory. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Lois Irby
June 14, 2018
My sincere sympathies to the family in the loss of this valiant soldier and family leader. I have heard my parents speak highly of the Navajo Code Talkers who were so essential to our victory during World War II. This great man was a true American hero, and I humbly thank him for his high level of integrity and care for the cause of freedom in this great land. May God continue to bless America.
June 14, 2018
Thank you for your service.May you be at PEACE.
David Santschi
June 14, 2018
A great man for what he did for the US in WWII. God bless you, Mr. Holiday.
Kathryn Irby
June 14, 2018
I didn't have to know you to know that your integrity was the strongest among men; specifically, the American soldier, given your amazing history. Thank you for your stellar service, Soldier. Rest in Eternal Peace.
June 14, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family of Samuel Tom Holiday. May God comfort you during this difficult time. Romans 12:15
Dwaine Johnson
June 14, 2018
My Sincere Condolences to all of Mr.Holidays Family and Friends. Thank You Sir for your Service and Loyalty to your country and populace.... Fly high and soar, great one......
Linda Rgsby
June 14, 2018
Thank You for your service to this Great Nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with you family.
June 14, 2018
God Bless Mr Holiday He Is Part Of The Great Generation What Saicfics They Made
Pattie Solomon
June 14, 2018
I am so sorry for the loss of your love one you have my deepest condolences.may the God who gives us tender mercies,and comfort, give it at this time to your family and friends.
S Bennett
June 14, 2018
Thank you Brother
Joe and Pam Ross
June 14, 2018
Thank you for your service. You made us all proud.
Wayne Cantin
June 14, 2018
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE IN THE MILITARY.
June 14, 2018
Thank you sir for your service to not only our country but the world. Without you and your sacrifices the war could have had such a different outcome. Semper Fi!
June 14, 2018
I never knew you, I knew of you, through the stories of the "code talkers", you were a special person to many. Thank You Sir for your service. Linda McGurk, Annapolis Maryland.
Alvin
June 14, 2018
Mr Holiday and family..
Thank you from the bottom of my heart,
what an honor and blessed privilege to read this article and to be able to send my condolences..
Thank you and God bless
June 14, 2018
To the family of Mr. Holiday,
We are grateful to the Lord for the bravery of this patriot.
My father was in WWII, and in his name I salute your family.
Randy Gardner, Atlanta, GA
June 14, 2018
semper fi rest in peace bro
Abigail Doggie
June 14, 2018
Thank you sir, for your service. May you rest at peace.
June 14, 2018
Thank you mr holiday for your service, you were a brave man.
R. W. Kocher
Elizabeth High
June 14, 2018
Our condolences to the Holiday family. It is evident that he was an fascinating individual, who touched the lives of so many people in a positive way. As a member of a Native American community I find it dear to my heart to have known him. May God grant you peace as you rest. Philppians 4:7
Vilma Arias
June 14, 2018
To a Great American Warrior: Thank you for your service during World War II. May your family be comforted at this time, and may you rest in peace.
Sherry Marriott
June 14, 2018
Thank you Sir for your service. My Father was a Marine and because of all that you did he survived the war. If not for you and other Code Talkers,I would not be here. RIP your job here is done. Rest well.
Lady White Eagle
June 14, 2018
Forever in the hearts of those you have saved. Forever may eternity remember.
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