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World War II veteran to reflect upon his experiences, Comanche language
Charles Chibitty enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1941 and joined 16 Comanche Indians to make up part of the 4th Infantry Division, 4th Signal Corp, knows as Code Talkers.
The Comanche Code Talkers, an elite group of young men who were fluent in the Comanche language, used that knowledge, along with the training they received from the U.S. Army, to send critical messages that confused the enemy, preventing the messages from being intercepted.
Chibitty, the last surviving member of the Comanche Code Talkers from World War II, will speak about his experiences as a Code Talker and the Comanche language at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Ohio Room of the Student Center.
Nichole Boyd, coordinator of Native American Heritage Month, said having someone as prominent and highly decorated as Chibitty on campus is important.
"Veterans are definitely honored in Native American culture," said Boyd, a junior in university studies. "It's a piece of history that's not really taught in depth. It's always an honor for me to meet and get to speak with Native American elders."
The Code Talkers were part of the Normandy invasion forces, and military experts have credited them with saving thousands of lives and being instrumental in the success of the historical invasion.
Chibitty, 81, earned the World War II Victory Medal and the European Theater of Operations Victory Medal. In 1992, former Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney presented Chibitty with a certificate of appreciation for his service to the country.
Chibitty was born near Medicine Park, Okla., Nov. 20, 1921. He attended Haskell Indian School in Lawrence, Kan. During his time in the Army, Chibitty was a champion boxer and was described by military newspapers as "packing dynamite in both hands."
"Comanche Code talker: a Native Remembrance of Veterans Day" is co-sponsored by Kathy Bower and Multicultural Programs and Services, and admission is free.
Carl Ervin, coordinator of student development, said Chibitty will speak about real history, something everyone should take advantage of.
"He's a war veteran, a highly decorated war veteran," Ervin said. "We use the word hero so commonly nowadays, and this guy is a real hero. This is something people shouldn't let get by."
For more information, contact Carl Ervin at 453-5714.
