The echoes of a unique and vital contribution to Allied victory in World War II have faded with the passing of Charles Chibitty, the last surviving member of the Comanche code talkers. He died at the age of 83 in a Tulsa nursing home, marking the end of an era defined by ingenuity, bravery, and the preservation of a cultural heritage that proved invaluable in the face of global conflict. Cathy Flynn, administrative assistant in the Comanche Nation tribal chairman’s office, confirmed his death on Wednesday.
The story of the Comanche code talkers is a testament to the resourcefulness of the U.S. military and the resilience of Native American cultures. Recruited from the Lawton, Oklahoma area, these men were tasked with a critical mission: to use their native Comanche language to transmit sensitive military information in a way that the enemy, specifically the Germans, could not decipher. This concept mirrored the successful use of Navajo code talkers in the Pacific theater, capitalizing on the complexity and unfamiliarity of indigenous languages to create an unbreakable code. The Last of the Comanche Code Talkers Dies, but their legacy endures.
The context surrounding the selection of these men highlights a poignant irony. Chibitty himself recalled the suppression of his native language during his childhood schooling. Speaking Comanche was discouraged, a reflection of the assimilation policies prevalent at the time. Yet, years later, the very language he was once discouraged from speaking became a crucial weapon in the fight for freedom. His words from a 2002 interview resonate with pride and a touch of bewilderment: "It’s strange, but growing up as a child I was forbidden to speak my native language at school. Later my country asked me to. My language helped win the war and that makes me very proud. Very proud."
The Comanche code talkers operated under conditions of extreme pressure and danger. Their role was not simply to translate words; they had to adapt their language to convey complex military concepts and terminology for which no direct Comanche equivalent existed. This required creativity and a deep understanding of both their native language and the strategic needs of the Allied forces. They developed a vocabulary of coded terms, using Comanche words to represent military hardware, tactical maneuvers, and locations. For example, the Comanche word for "airplane" might be used to represent a specific type of aircraft, or a descriptive phrase could be used to identify a particular target.
Chibitty’s experience on D-Day, the pivotal invasion of Normandy, provides a glimpse into the realities faced by these code talkers. He recounted the harrowing experience of landing in deeper water than anticipated, a detail that underscored the inherent risks and the constant threat of death. In a 1998 interview with The Oklahoman, he recalled being asked about his greatest fear and whether he feared dying. His response, "No. That was something we had already accepted," speaks volumes about the mindset of these young men who volunteered for such perilous duty. The true fear, he explained, was the unexpected depth of the water, which led to the drowning of many of his fellow soldiers. This stark image paints a vivid picture of the chaos and uncertainty of war, and the psychological fortitude required to overcome such adversity.
The impact of the Comanche code talkers, though less widely known than that of their Navajo counterparts, was significant. Their unbreakable code provided a secure means of communication during critical operations, allowing Allied forces to coordinate their movements and strategies without fear of enemy interception. The speed and accuracy with which they transmitted messages contributed to the success of numerous military campaigns. As Chibitty himself mused, "I wonder what the hell Hitler thought when he heard those strange voices." The bewilderment and frustration of the enemy, unable to decipher the seemingly nonsensical transmissions, undoubtedly added to the psychological advantage of the Allied forces. The Last of the Comanche Code Talkers Dies, and we are left with a void.
Charles Chibitty’s life story is one of service, sacrifice, and cultural pride. Born near Medicine Park, Oklahoma, on November 20, 1921, he attended Haskell Indian School in Lawrence, Kansas, before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1941. His journey from a young man forbidden to speak his native language to a vital contributor to the Allied war effort is a remarkable testament to the power of cultural preservation and the unexpected ways in which indigenous knowledge can be used to serve the greater good. He embodied the spirit of the Comanche people, known for their resilience, courage, and adaptability.
In recognition of his extraordinary service, Chibitty received the Knowlton Award in 1999. This prestigious award, presented at the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes, acknowledges individuals for outstanding contributions to military intelligence. The honor served as a long-overdue recognition of the vital role played by the Comanche code talkers in securing Allied victory. It also highlighted the importance of preserving and celebrating the contributions of Native American veterans, whose service has often been overlooked or marginalized in mainstream historical narratives. The passing of the Last of the Comanche Code Talkers Dies a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by Native Americans in defense of freedom.
Chibitty recognized that the nature of warfare had changed dramatically since his time as a code talker. "We could never do it again," he told Oklahoma Today. "It’s all electronic and video in war now." His observation reflects the rapid technological advancements that have transformed modern warfare, rendering traditional methods of communication obsolete. However, the underlying principle of secure communication remains as vital as ever, and the legacy of the Comanche code talkers serves as a reminder of the importance of innovation and adaptability in the face of evolving threats.
The story of Charles Chibitty and the Comanche code talkers is a powerful reminder of the diverse contributions made by individuals from all walks of life to the Allied war effort. Their ingenuity, courage, and unwavering dedication to duty played a vital role in securing victory and preserving freedom. As the Last of the Comanche Code Talkers Dies, his story, and the story of his fellow code talkers, must be remembered and celebrated as an important chapter in American history. It is a story of cultural pride, resilience, and the unexpected ways in which indigenous knowledge can be used to serve the greater good. Their legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. The absence of the Last of the Comanche Code Talkers Dies, and the world is a bit dimmer.