The Comanche language is a member of the Numic subfamily of the Uto-Aztecan language family. We, as Comanche people, honor them always. He also provides the first comparison of Native American code talking programs, comparing the Comanche Code Talkers with their better-known Navajo counterparts in the Pacific and with other Native Americans who used their languages, coded or not, for secret communication. Comanche is a Native American language spoken by the Comanche people, who are indigenous to present-day Oklahoma and Texas. In 1989 the French Government honored the three survivors of the group for their important contribution with the “Chevalier de L’Order National du Merite.” As of 2006 The United States government has not offered any special recognition for the group. Albert Nahquaddy, Anthony Tabbytite and Ralph Wahnee, who trained for the same role, did not serve overseas. They were recruited from Cache, Cement, Cyril, Fletcher, Indiahoma, Lawton and Walters. ![]() Serving overseas were Roderick “Dick” Red Elk, Simmons Parker, Larry Saupitty, Melvin Permansu, Willie Yackeschi, Charles Chibitty, Willington Mihecoby, Morris Sunrise, Perry Noyebad, Haddon Codynah, Robert Holder, Clifford Otitivo, Forrest Kassanavoid and Elgin Red Elk. Seventeen young men were trained in communications, but only fourteen were deployed to the European theater. "I'm glad that they are finally recognizing him and the other code talkers and the service that Native Americans have provided to the country.The Comanche Code Talkers were an elite group of young men who were fluent in the Comanche language and used that knowledge, along with the training they were given by the Army, to send critical messages that confused the enemy during World War II. Yes, it's been a long, long time.īureau of Indian Affairs Director Kevin Gover presented one award to Chibitty and spoke of the "great irony" of the day, noting that for years the bureau tried to get Comanche and other tribes to stop speaking their native languages.Īfter the ceremony, Hankie Poafpybitty, one of many Comanches at the event dressed in dazzling native attire, said she was pleased for the "great honor" bestowed on Chibitty, but also wished it had come sooner. They are not here to enjoy what I am getting after all these years. "When I talk about my Comanche comrades," Chibitty said haltingly, "I always wonder why it took long. In an eloquent and bittersweet address, Chibitty spoke repeatedly of his fellow Comanches who died before being honored for their service by the United States. But Chibitty, 78, is the last of 16 Comanches who served in the European theater during the war. Comanche soldiers of the 4th Signal Company compiled a vocabulary of 250 code terms using words and phrases in their own language. Members of several other Native American tribes served as code talkers during World War II and are still alive. A total of 14 code talkers using the Comanche language took part in the Invasion of Normandy and served in the 4th Infantry Division in Europe. In an emotional ceremony punctuated by throbbing drums and war cries, the Department of Defense today honored Charles Chibitty, the last surviving member of a group of Comanche Indian "code talkers" who helped cloak Allied communication during World War II using their native language.Ĭhibitty, a native Oklahoman who served in the Army's 4th Signal Company and was part of the Normandy invasion, received several awards during the hour-long tribute, including the Knowlton Award in recognition of significant contributions to military intelligence efforts. Honors Comanche 'Code Talker' of World War IIĬharles Chibitty, once a Comanche code talker, gets hug from LaVonna Weller, left, of the Caddo tribe in Oklahoma. ![]() ![]() Honors Comanche 'Code Talker' of World War II ()
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