Choctaw Code Talkers Honored with Historical Marker in Fort Worth

Descendants of World War I Native American soldiers gather to unveil memorial at Veterans Memorial Park

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A detailed, textured painting in warm tones depicting the solitary uniform and equipment of a Choctaw code talker, conveying the quiet dignity and historical significance of their wartime service.The unveiling of a new historical marker honors the legacy of the Choctaw code talkers, whose bravery and ingenuity during World War I paved the way for future Native American code talkers.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 before deploying to the battlefields of France.

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 famous Navajo code talkers of World War II. Their story highlights the resilience and patriotism of the Choctaw Nation, as well as the importance of preserving Indigenous languages and recognizing the contributions of underrepresented groups in American history.

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 and recreation department. Several descendants of the Native soldiers attended the event, including Nuchi Nashoba, the president of the Choctaw Code Talkers Association, and her daughter Ta'Na Alexander, the great-great-granddaughter of code talker Ben Carterby. The marker details how the Choctaw soldiers used words like 'tanampo chito' for artillery and 'tvshka' for warriors to transmit messages that the Germans were unable to decipher.

  • The Choctaw code talkers served during World War I, when Native Americans were not yet recognized as U.S. citizens.
  • The historical marker was unveiled on April 1, 2026 in Fort Worth's Veterans Memorial Park.

The players

Nuchi Nashoba

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

Ta'Na Alexander

The great-great-granddaughter of Choctaw code talker Ben Carterby.

Choctaw Code Talkers Association

An organization that has led advocacy efforts to spotlight the legacy of the Choctaw code talkers, including placing a bronze sculpture honoring the group and advocating for the renaming of 23 Oklahoma bridges after the code talkers and other Native veterans.

Col. Brent Kemp

The commander of the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the National Guard, who spoke at the unveiling ceremony.

Macy Hill

The Fort Worth city council member who represents the Camp Bowie area, where the Choctaw code talkers were initially trained.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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

“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 of the National Guard

“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 Ben Carterby

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 story of these unsung heroes of World War I, whose bravery and ingenuity paved the way for future Native American code talkers. Their contributions highlight the resilience and patriotism of the Choctaw Nation and the importance of recognizing the vital role of Indigenous communities in American history.