Charles Chibitty facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Joyce Chibitty
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Chibitty in 2002
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| Born | November 20, 1921 Medicine Park, Oklahoma, United States |
| Died | July 20, 2005 (aged 83) Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States |
| Place of burial |
Flora Haven Memorial Gardens
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1941–1945 |
| Rank |  Technician Fifth Grade |
| Unit | 6th Signal Company, 4th Infantry Division 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II
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| Awards | Bronze Star Medal (2) Purple Heart French National Order of Merit French Croix de Guerre w/ palm |
Charles Joyce Chibitty (born November 20, 1921 – died July 20, 2005) was a Native American hero. He served in the United States Army during World War II. Charles was a special kind of soldier called a code talker. He helped send secret messages in the Comanche language. This happened on the battlefields in Europe. He worked as a radio operator.
In 2013, many Native American Code Talkers were honored. They received the Congressional Gold Medal. This award came from the President of the United States. The Comanche code talkers were praised for saving thousands of lives. They protected American and Allied soldiers.
Contents
Charles Chibitty's Story
Early Life and Joining the Army
Charles Chibitty was born in a small tent. This was near Medicine Park, Oklahoma. As a child, he went to Fort Sill Indian School. Later, he attended Haskell Indian School. While there, he heard news about Nazi Germany in Europe.
In 1940, during Christmas break, he decided to join the army. His mother gave him permission. The U.S. Army was looking for Native Americans. They especially wanted Comanche Indians. They needed them for the Signal Corps. This was to create secret codes.
Becoming a Code Talker
Charles joined the army on January 2, 1941. He was sent to the 4th Infantry Division. This was at Fort Benning, Georgia. After his basic training, he joined the 4th Signal Company. Here, 17 Comanche Nation code talkers worked together. Their job was to create a secret code. This code would stop German forces from understanding U.S. military messages.
He trained with other Comanche soldiers. They learned to be army radio operators. They also learned to repair communication lines. In April 1943, Charles and 13 other code talkers moved with their division. They prepared to go to Europe. On January 18, 1944, they sailed from New York to England. They arrived on January 26 for more training.
D-Day and Beyond
Charles Chibitty and 12 other Comanche code talkers were assigned to different units. They landed at Utah Beach in Normandy, France. This was on June 6, 1944, known as D-Day. Charles was with the 22nd Infantry Regiment. His first message from the beach was very important. He sent it in Comanche. In English, it meant:
- "Five miles to the right of the designated area and five miles inland, the fighting is fierce, and we need help."
The 14 Comanche code talkers fought in many big battles. These included the Battle of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. None of the code talkers were killed in action. However, some were wounded, including Charles and his cousin, Larry Saupitty.
Later Recognition and Legacy
In 1989, Charles Chibitty and two other Comanche code talkers were honored. The French government gave them the Chevalier of the National Order of Merit. This made them Knights of the National Order of Merit. The 14 Comanche Code Talkers who had passed away were also recognized.
The United States did not officially recognize the Comanche code talkers until 1999. Charles Chibitty was the last surviving Comanche code talker. He received the Knowlton Award from The Pentagon.
Charles Chibitty passed away on July 20, 2005. He died from diabetes complications in Tulsa. He is buried at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
Awards and Honors
Charles Chibitty received many awards for his bravery and service.
- Bronze Star Medal: This medal is given for heroic or brave actions in battle. Charles received it twice.
- Purple Heart: This medal is given to soldiers wounded or killed in action.
- French National Order of Merit: A high honor from the French government.
- French Croix de Guerre: Another important French military award.
- Knowlton Award: Awarded in 1999 for his intelligence work.
- Congressional Silver Medal: Given to Native American Code Talkers in 2013. Each tribe received a gold medal, and each code talker or their family received a silver medal.
- Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame: Charles Chibitty was inducted in 2001. The 14 "Comanche Code Talkers" were inducted in 2011.
- Code Talker Hall, Comanche Code Talkers mural: A mural honoring the code talkers was created at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in 2015.
See also
