A new Texas Historical Commission marker unveiled April 1 at Veterans Memorial Park in Fort Worth now honors the Choctaw Code Talkers, a group of soldiers whose native language helped Allied forces gain a critical advantage during World War I.
The marker recognizes members of the 36th Infantry Division who trained at Camp Bowie before deploying to France in 1918. At a time when German forces were intercepting and decoding Allied communications, Choctaw soldiers began sending tactical messages in their own language, creating a powerful and effective method of secure communication. The Germans were never able to break the code.
Their efforts became especially important during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive and the Battle of Blanc Mont Ridge, where secure communications helped Allied troops push forward in the final weeks of the war. Within 24 hours of using the Choctaw language for military messages, Allied forces were able to shift momentum on the battlefield.
The dedication ceremony brought together officials from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, the Texas Historical Commission, the City of Fort Worth, and the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. The marker stands at Veterans Memorial Park, located on land that was once part of Camp Bowie, where more than 100,000 soldiers trained for service in Europe.
The historical marker also highlights how the success of the Choctaw Code Talkers during World War I helped inspire the later use of Native American code talkers in World War II. Over the years, the Choctaw Code Talkers have been honored by the Choctaw Nation, the French government, the State of Texas, and the federal government for their service and sacrifice.
Read more about these amazing Choctaw Code Talkers.
