Choctaw Code Talkers Honored with Fort Worth Memorial

Descendants gather to unveil historical marker recognizing Native American soldiers' crucial role in World War I

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:36pm

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An extreme close-up of a solitary military helmet and dog tags resting on a wooden bench, the warm sunlight casting deep shadows and highlighting the weathered texture, conceptually representing the forgotten history and eventual recognition of the Choctaw code talkers.A memorial to the Choctaw code talkers of World War I honors their resilience and patriotism, even as their contributions went unrecognized for decades.Fort Worth Today

Descendants of the Choctaw code talkers, a group of 19 Native American soldiers who used their language to transmit encrypted messages to the Allies during World War I, gathered in Fort Worth, Texas to unveil a new historical marker honoring their legacy. The marker was placed at the city's Veterans Memorial Park, where the code talkers were initially trained at Camp Bowie during the war.

Why it matters

The Choctaw code talkers were the first Native American soldiers to use their language as an unbreakable military code, paving the way for the more well-known Navajo code talkers of World War II. Their story highlights the resilience and patriotism of Indigenous communities, as well as the importance of preserving Native languages and cultures.

The details

The Choctaw Code Talker Historical Marker was unveiled during an April 1 ceremony hosted by the Oklahoma tribe, the Texas Historical Commission, and the Fort Worth parks department. Several descendants of the Native soldiers attended, including Nuchi Nashoba, president of the Choctaw Code Talkers Association, and her daughter Ta'Na Alexander. The marker details how the Choctaw soldiers used words like 'tanampo chito' for artillery and 'tvshka' for warriors to transmit messages the Germans could not decipher.

  • The Choctaw code talkers served during World War I campaigns in northern France.
  • The Choctaw Code Talker Historical Marker was unveiled on April 1, 2026.

The players

Nuchi Nashoba

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

Ta'Na Alexander

Great-great-granddaughter of Choctaw code talker Ben Carterby and Nashoba's daughter.

Col. Brent Kemp

Commander of the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the National Guard.

Macy Hill

Fort Worth city council member representing the Camp Bowie area where the Choctaw code talkers were initially trained.

Ben Carterby

A Choctaw code talker who served in World War I.

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What they’re saying

“Their story is a testament to the resilience and patriotism of the Choctaw Nation. Their ingenuity and bravery reminds us of the power of cultural heritage and the importance of preserving Indigenous languages.”

— 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

“It's pretty monumental to realize that more people are starting to recognize the significant part of these men who were sworn to secrecy. This marker connects the past to the future.”

— Ta'Na Alexander, Great-great-granddaughter of Choctaw code talker

What’s next

The Choctaw Code Talkers Association is exploring additional statewide recognitions and memorials to honor the legacy of the Native American soldiers in Texas and beyond.

The takeaway

The unveiling of the Choctaw Code Talker Historical Marker in Fort Worth serves as an important step in preserving the untold stories of Indigenous veterans and highlighting the vital role Native languages played in America's wartime efforts. This recognition helps ensure the sacrifices and contributions of the Choctaw code talkers will not be forgotten.