Comanche Code Talkers 

Front Row, left to right: Roderick RedElk, Simmons Parker, Larry Saupitty, Melvin Permansu, Willie Yackeschi, Charles Chibitty and Willington Mihecoby.  Back Row, left to right: Morris Sunrise, Perry Noyebad, Ralph Wahnee, Haddon Codynah, Robert Holder, Albert Nahquaddy, Clifford Ototivo and Forrest Kassanavoid. (not pictured: Elgin Red Elk and Anthony Tabbytite)

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 United States Army, to send critical messages that confused the enemy during World War II.  Seventeen young men were trained in communications, but only fourteen were deployed to the European theater. 

Serving overseas were: Morris Sunrise, Perry Noyebad, Haddon Codynah, Robert Holder, Clifford Ototivo, Forrest Kassanavoid, Roderick RedElk, Simmons Parker, Larry Saupitty, Melvin Permansu, Willie Yackeschi, Charles Chibitty, Willington Mihecoby, and Elgin RedElk.

In 1989 the French Government honored the survivors of the group for their important contribution with the “Chevalier de L’Order National du Merite.”  The United States government has not offered any special recognition for the group.  We, as Comanche people, honor them always.

For more information on the Comanche Code Talkers, contact the Research Room of the Lawton Public Library, 104 S.W. 4^th Street, Lawton OK 73501 (580-581-3450, ext. #6). There are file folders with newspaper clippings that can be photo-copied for a small fee.

Hidden Path Productions released a 42-minute video titled “The Last Comanche Code Talker – Recollections of Charles Chibitty.”  It is a powerful and moving video that chronicles the lives of these young Comanche men.  It is available through the Museum of the Great Plains in Lawton, 580-581-3460. 

Charles Chibitty

Last Living Comanche Code Talker

17-Dec-2001

©2001 Linda Simpson