Full Breakdown
Honoring the Choctaw Code Talkers: A Historical Marker Unveiled in Fort Worth
4/4/2026, 12:43:14 PM
Historical Recognition of the Choctaw Code Talkers
On April 1, 2026, a Texas Historical Marker was unveiled at Veterans Memorial Park in Fort Worth, Texas, honoring the Choctaw code talkers, a group of 19 Native American soldiers who played a crucial role in World War I by using their language to transmit encrypted military messages. This event was organized by the Fort Worth Park & Recreation Department in collaboration with the Texas Historical Commission and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. The ceremony gathered tribal leaders, military representatives, and community members to celebrate the contributions of these soldiers, who were instrumental in Allied communications during campaigns in northern France.
The Role of the Choctaw Code Talkers
The Choctaw code talkers were part of the 36th Infantry Division and trained at Camp Bowie, a significant military site during World War I. Their unique use of the Choctaw language as a code provided U.S. forces with a critical advantage, as German forces were unable to decipher these messages. The code talkers’ efforts not only aided military operations but also paved the way for future Native American code talkers, notably the Navajo, during World War II.
Nuchi Nashoba, president of the Choctaw Code Talkers Association and a descendant of code talker Ben Carterby, expressed pride in the recognition, stating, “Seeing the marker really brings me a lot of joy. This is what preserves the history for generations to come.”
Community and Official Perspectives
Col. Brent Kemp, commander of the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, emphasized the importance of the Choctaw code talkers' legacy, stating, “Their story is a testament to the resilience and patriotism of the Choctaw Nation.” Fort Worth City Council member Macy Hill remarked on the significance of the location, noting, “This is where the Choctaw code talkers were initially trained and where they will forever be remembered.”
Ta'Na Alexander, Nashoba's daughter and great-great-granddaughter of Carterby, highlighted the growing recognition of their history, saying, “It’s pretty monumental to realize that more people are starting to recognize the significant part of these men who were sworn to secrecy.”
Broader Implications and Future Recognition
The unveiling of the historical marker not only honors the Choctaw code talkers but also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving Indigenous languages and recognizing the contributions of underrepresented groups in American history. The Choctaw Code Talkers Association is exploring further statewide recognitions and memorials to honor the legacy of these soldiers.
Gary Batton, chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, stated that the marker helps preserve their culture and history, emphasizing the significance of their contributions during a time when Native Americans were not recognized as U.S. citizens.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Seeing the marker really brings me a lot of joy. This is what preserves the history for generations to come.” — Nuchi Nashoba, President, Choctaw Code Talkers Association
- “ — Nuchi Nashoba, President, Choctaw Code Talkers Association “Their story is a testament to the resilience and patriotism of the Choctaw Nation.” — Col. Brent Kemp, Commander, 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
- “This is where the Choctaw code talkers were initially trained and where they will forever be remembered.” — Macy Hill, Fort Worth City Council Member
- “This marker connects the past to the future.” — Ta'Na Alexander, Great-great-granddaughter of Choctaw code talker Ben Carterby
The historical marker stands as a lasting tribute to the Choctaw code talkers, ensuring that their story is preserved and shared with future generations.
