Choctaw Code Talkers Honored with Fort Worth Memorial

Descendants gather to unveil historical marker recognizing Native American soldiers' secret WWII service.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:05pm

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The contributions of Choctaw code talkers, a group of Native American soldiers who used their language to transmit encrypted messages during World War I, were recognized with a new historical marker in Fort Worth, Texas. Descendants of the code talkers, including Nuchi Nashoba, president of the Choctaw Code Talkers Association, attended the unveiling ceremony at the city's Veterans Memorial Park.

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 famous Navajo code talkers in World War II. Honoring their legacy helps preserve an important part of American military history and Native American heritage.

The details

The Choctaw code talkers were a group of 19 Native American soldiers who volunteered to fight for the U.S. in World War I, a time when Native Americans were not recognized as citizens. While on the battlefields in France, the soldiers were overheard speaking their Choctaw language and were trained to use their words as an unbreakable code. They transmitted messages using words like 'tanampo chito' for artillery and 'tvshka' for warriors, which the Germans failed to decipher.

  • The Choctaw Code Talker Historical Marker was unveiled during an April 1, 2026 ceremony.
  • The Choctaw code talkers served in the 36th Infantry Division at Camp Bowie, a westside training site for over 100,000 soldiers during World War I.

The players

Nuchi Nashoba

The president of the Choctaw Code Talkers Association who has led advocacy efforts to spotlight the group's hidden legacy.

Ta'Na Alexander

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

Choctaw Code Talkers Association

The organization that has advocated for recognitions of the Choctaw code talkers, including a bronze sculpture at the Choctaw Cultural Center and the renaming of 23 Oklahoma bridges.

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.

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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 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 recognitions and memorials for the Native American soldiers across Texas and other states.

The takeaway

The unveiling of the Choctaw Code Talkers historical marker in Fort Worth highlights the ongoing efforts to preserve the legacy of these pioneering Native American soldiers, whose unbreakable code played a crucial role in World War I and paved the way for future code talker programs. Their story serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and patriotism of the Choctaw Nation.