Descendants of Choctaw Code Talkers Honored in Fort Worth

New historical marker unveiled to commemorate the secret World War I service of Native American soldiers.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 6:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Nuchi Nashoba, the great-granddaughter of Choctaw code talker Ben Carterby, has spent the past 20 years leading advocacy efforts to spotlight the hidden legacy of the 19 Native American soldiers who used their language to transmit encrypted messages to the Allies during World War I campaigns in northern France. Now, the Choctaw Code Talkers' contributions are being recognized with a new plaque at the Veterans Memorial Park in Fort Worth.

Why it matters

The Choctaw code talkers played a crucial but long-overlooked role in World War I, using their native language to provide unbreakable communications for the Allied forces. Their story represents an important part of Native American military history that is only now beginning to receive the recognition it deserves.

The details

Carterby and the other Choctaw code talkers were sworn to secrecy about their wartime service, keeping details hidden from their own families for decades. It wasn't until 1989, when Nashoba was in her late 20s, that she learned about her great-grandfather's role as one of the 19 Choctaw soldiers who transmitted coded messages in their native language during key battles in northern France.

  • Nashoba learned about her great-grandfather's service as a Choctaw code talker in 1989.
  • Over the past 20 years, Nashoba has led advocacy efforts to spotlight the Choctaw code talkers' legacy.
  • The new historical marker was unveiled at the Veterans Memorial Park in Fort Worth in April 2026.

The players

Nuchi Nashoba

The great-granddaughter of Choctaw code talker Ben Carterby and the president of the Choctaw Code Talkers Association.

Ben Carterby

One of the 19 Choctaw soldiers who served as code talkers during World War I, transmitting encrypted messages in their native language to the Allied forces.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It wasn't until 1989 — when Nashoba was in her late 20s — that she learned a deep secret about her ancestor.”

— Nuchi Nashoba, Great-granddaughter of Choctaw code talker

The takeaway

The unveiling of the historical marker in Fort Worth represents an important step in honoring the legacy of the Choctaw code talkers, whose vital contributions to the Allied victory in World War I were long overlooked. Their story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and heroism of Native American soldiers throughout US history.