Emotions ran high and tears of joy and pride were shed by the 100-plus members of the Comanche Nation the morning of November 20, when, after a decade of lobbying and negotiating, the Comanche Nation Code Talkers received the highest honor the United States can bestow: The Congressional Medal of Honor. The Comanche Code Talkers have always been honored by the Comanche Nation. Song have been composed and sung at tribal gatherings, stories of the men from both World War I and World War II are a distinct part of the Comanche Nation history. Family members of the gallant men who shared the Comanche language with the U.S. in an unbreakable code, witnessed the historical event with pride, knowing their loved An overall view of the Comanches who witnessed the Nov. 20 Code Talker Congressional Medal of Honor Ceremony at Emancipation Hall, Washington DC.
The widows of three Comanche Code Talkers. From left, Becky Wahnee, Irene Permansu Lane, and Ina Parker.
Lanora Parker shows off her Comanche Code Talker Dress, and her brother, Johnson Parker, is in full traditional regalia .
Chairman Wallace Coffey proudly holds the Congressional Medal of Honor given to the Comanche Code Talkers.
From left, the Comanche Nation Jr. Princess Mali Cooper-Youngman, Comanche Nation Princess, Kim DeJesus, the White Mountain Apache Princess, and the CIVA Princess, Shelby Mata.
The Comanche Indian Veterans Association held a strong presence at the Code Talker Congressional Medal of Honor Ceremony.
Comanche Code Talkers
one was being recognized by the U.S. Government for the sacrifices they made, and their heroism and valor that immortalized them in both Comanche and U.S. history. Three of the Comanche Code Talker’s WWII widows were present for the historical event; Ina Parker, Irene Permansu Lane, and Becky Wahnee. When asked what this meant to them, they all had the same answer, “It’ s about time this happened.” They also expressed they are blessed to be a witness to the ceremony. The Comanche Nation Princess, Kim De Jesus, Comanche Nation Jr. Princess, Mali Cooper-Youngman, and Comanche Indian Veterans Association (CIVA) Princess, Shelby Mata, were immaculate in their traditional buckskins, all representing the proud Comanche Nation. Members of the CIVA and auxiliary were in strong presence, visiting other veteran organizations and individual members of the different code talker families. During the ceremony, numerous national leaders expressed their gratitude to the Native Code Talkers: Tim Johnson- U.S Representative of South Dakota “Using Native American languages was a tactic to win the wars and save lives. Their contributions are unparallel. We are forever grateful for their military service. Tom Cole- U.S Representative of Oklahoma “The Code Talkers served proudly with a determination to defend the United States. They saved lives. They won battles. By giving the Gold Medal to Code Talkers, we honor all Native American Warriors past, present, and future. Inhofe- U.S Representative of Oklahoma “The Code Talkers were the best kept secret. They honored their Code of Silence. What they did stayed classified until 1968. Nancy Pelosi – U.S Representative of California “The Code Talkers took an oath to protect and defend the nation. They served undauntedly. Their patriotism was never broken—nor was their code. We give them our undying gratitude. God truly blessed America the Code Talkers.” Henry Reid- U.S Representative of Nevada “The government said American Indian Languages had no value. They were sending Native children to boarding schools, cutting their hair, punishing them for speaking their language. But the American Indian languages proved to be valuable indeed. The Code Talkers had a special gift, and they used it.” Martin Dempsey--Joint Chief of Staff “The Code Talkers are American Heroes. They defended a country that did not keep their word to their ancestors. They found a way to provide sacred communication. They endured the most dangerous battles. They are the pioneers of their language.” Cries of proud Comanche women’s Lulu’s echoed the halls of the National Visitor’s Center when Chairman Coffey presented the gold medal to the crowd of Numunu. This historic day was a long time coming, with Chairman Coffey, Lanny Asepermy, and others making several trips for over 10 years to Washington , DC, to lobby for the Code Talkers to be given the Congressional Medal of Honor. The Congressional Gold Medal is an award bestowed by the United States Congress. Along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom it is the highest civilian awards in the United States. It is awarded to persons “who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is most likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient’s field long after the achievement.” President George W. Bush signed Public Law 110-420 on October 15, 2008 authorizing the Congressional Gold Medal be awarded to the Comanche Code Talkers of both World War I and World War II. The Code Talkers of World War I were all drafted in April and May 1918 and trained at Camp Travis Texas, which is located 5 miles
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The Comanche Nation News
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The Comanche Nation News
Scenes from the Native American Code Talker Presentation of the Congressional Medal of Honor Nov. 20, Emancipation Hall, White House, Washington, DC
Members of the Comanche Nation walk to the Nation’s Capitol to witness the Comanche Code Talkers Congressional Medal of Honor Ceremony Nov. 20 in Washington, DC.
northeast of San Antonio Texas, as members of the 357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division. They departed the United States on June 20, 1918, changed boats in Liverpool, England and landed in the vicinity of Aigneyle-Duc, France. Their baptism of fire was on august 21-22 during the St Mihiel Operation. From September 12-16 despite 2 ½ kilometers of solid wire entanglements and trenches filled with various obstacles their advance was steady as they reached their objective. Heavy resistance was encountered, particularly from enemy machine guns. Despite numerous savage counterattacks, which included Hand-to-Hand fighting and the use of gas not a foot of ground did the sturdy Americans yield. During the bloody battle the Germans were tapping into the American communication lines, the Comanches began sending messages in their native tongue that German ears could not understand. Fighting continued, from mostly enemy shelling, until October 10th when the 357th was relieved. Atchavit was severely wounded, in late September, and was sent to a hospital in Orleans France to recover. Clark, Conwoop and Tabbytosevit continued to “talk Comanche” during the Battle of Meuse Argonne that began on October 21st and lasted until the Armistice was signed on November 11th Conwoop was severely wounded on October 25th and Tabbytosevit suffered severe trench foot and was also hospitalized. All received the World War I Victory medal. Atchavit, Conwoop and Tabbytosevit also received the Purple Heart medal. Clark was neither wounded nor gassed. Atchavit was decorated with Distinguished Service Cross for Gallantry and Belgium War Cross for Bravery. In early 1940, the Department of Defense task Comanche
member William Karty of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Anadarko, Okla. to identify 30 Comanche men who were fluent speakers of the Comanche language for military service. He identified 20 Comanches- they were Charles Chibitty, Haddon Codynah, Robert Holder, Forrest Kassanavoid, Wellington Mihecoby, Albert Nahquaddy, Perry Noyobad, Clifford Ototivo Sr., Simmons Parker, Melvin Permansu, Lester Poahway, Elgin Red Elk, Roderick Red Elk, Larry Saupitty, Anthony Tabbytite, Morris (Sunrise) Tabbyyetchy, Ralph Wahnee, George Smith “Woogie” Watchetaker, John Woospyitty and Willis Yackeschi. Poahway, Woospyitty and Watchetaker did not qualify for military service and returned to Comanche Country. Between late December 1940 to early February 1941 the remaining 17 Comanches began their training at Fort Benning Ga. In August 1941 they were assigned to the 4th Signal Company of the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Gordon Ga. and began their signal training under the leadership of then Lieutenant Hugh Foster. Their training consisted of phone, radio Morse code and semaphore and most importantly they developed an unbreakable 200+ specialized military term code by memory in the Comanche language. They put their training to use during field maneuvers at Camp Jackson SC and Camp Beauregard LA before shipping to England from Camp Joyce Kilmer NJ in early 1944. Nahquaddy, Tabbytite and Wahnee remained in the United States. On June 6, 1944 they landed on the beaches of Normandy France and began to send and receive sensitive US Military messages in their Comanche language. They also strung and main-
tained wire telephones lines and manned switchboards as they continued to send secure messages via field telephones and radios until war’s end in May 1945 In all, they fought in five European Campaigns-Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and Central Europe. Major battles included Cherbourg, St Lo, the Siegfried line, the Huertgen Forest and Bastogne. Because the German Army never understood the code countless American and Allied lives were saved the Code was never broken. Most returned home to Hampton Va. on July 12, 1945. They all received the European-AfricanMiddle Eastern Campaign with/5 Battle Stars, the American Defense and American Campaign and World War II Victory medals. Kassanavoid, Noyobad, Saupitty (2) and Yackeschi were wounded. Holder, Noyobad, Permansu and R. Red Elk were decorated with the Bronze Star medal. The French government also awarded the code Talkers with the Chevalier de I’Ordre National du Merit in 1989. All are deceased with Chibitty, who died in 2005, being the living member. The brave men, who are both Comanche and American heroes, are immortalized as being men who saved thousands of lives around the world by using the language given to them by Ta Ahpu. Looking at Danger and Death in the eye, they bravely and fearlessly defended not only their families, allies, and country, but the Comanche way of life and traditions. God Bless the Comanche Code Talkers.
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The Comanche Nation News
“I am bringing a Distant Nation Against You;An Language You Do No Know; Whose Speech You Do Grave; All Are --Jeremiah
Comanche Code Talkers
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The Comanche Nation News
Ancient and Enduring Nation. A People Whose Not Understand. Their Quivers Are Like an Open Mighty Warriors” 5:15-5:16
The Comanche Code Talkers of World War I and World War II
Atchavit
CALVIN (NAHOTO) ATCHAVIT was born on June 20, 1893 and died on October 9, 1943 at age 50 years. He is buried at Highland Cemetery in Lawton OK. He was drafted into the US Army in May 1918 and assigned to the 357th Infantry Regiment at Camp Travis TX on May 18, 1918. The Oklahoman stated “he wounded in the Battle of St Mihiel, returned to the United States on June 5, 1919, sent to Camp Merritt NJ and then to Camp Bowie TX where he discharged on June 16, 1919.” A clipping from the Oklahoma City Times stated, “of recent date showed the picture of Calvin Atchavit who just returned from France with the 357th Infantry. Calvin’s picture was given because his one to whom the Belgian Governments gave a War Cross in recognition of his service in talking over the phone during fight times when the Huns were tapping the lines trying to the orders of our Army. Calvin’s Comanche tongue helped the Allied army send messages that German ears could not understand. We are glad that Calvin can be in the home land again.” Calvin was awarded the second highest military award for heroism. His citation reads “The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private Calvin Atchavit (ASN: 2806696), United States Army for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company A, 357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, A.E.F. near Fey-en-Haye, France, 12 September 1918. During the attack of his company, though he had been severely wounded in his left arm, Private Atchavit shot and killed one of the enemy and captured another. General Orders 87 (1919): War Department.” Calvin had no children and his closest living relative is his nephew 80+ year old Robert Atchavit of Wichita Falls TX.
GEORGE CLARK was born on January 2, 1896 and died on August 6, 1944 at age 50 years. He is buried at Deyo Mission Cemetery west of Lawton OK. He was drafted in May 1918 and assigned to the 357th Infantry Regiment at Camp Travis TX. Departed for Camp Mills NY on June 10, 1918 on onto England and France on June 19, 1918. Took part in two drives in France, St Mihiel and the Argonne. Sent into Germany on November 20, 1918 and left Germany on May 26, 1919. Returned to the United States on June 22, 1919. Was neither gassed nor wounded.
Noyobad
Chibitty Clark
Technician Fourth Grade HADDON “RED” CODYNAH was born August 15, 1916 in Walters, OK, died November 14, 1983- discharged in 1950. He lived in Fort Cobb, OK area after the war. Mr. Codynah was a member of the Comanche Native American Church and Chaplain of the Comanche Indian Veterans Association and Comanche Nation. He is buried at the Walters, OK Cemetery.
GILBERT PAHDI CONWOOP was born on June 4, 1895 and died on February 2, 1962 at age 66 years. He is buried at Deyo Mission Cemetery west of Lawton OK. He was drafted on May 18, 1918 and assigned to the 357th Infantry Regiment at Camp Travis TX. On December 2, 1918 in a wire from the Adjutant General, War Department stated “he was severely wounded in action, in the arm, on October 25, 1918 during the Battle Muese Argonne.” On January 10, 1919 he arrived at Camp Steward VA and then transferred to Camp Logan TX onto the Camp Travis hospital. Codynah
Technician Fifth Class CLIFFORD OTOTIVO SR. was born June 29, 1920 in Southwest Oklahoma, died November 11, 1980 – discharged in 1945. He lived in the Cement and Walters, OK areas. Mr. Ototivo retired from Federal Civil Service at Fort Sill, OK as a Warehouseman. He was a member of the Comanche Little Ponies, Comanche Reformed Church, Comanche Indian Veterans Association and Comanche Homecoming. Mr. Ototivo is buried at the Walters, OK Cemetery.
Ototivo
Conwoop
Technician Fifth Grade ROBERT HOLDER was born February 12, 1916 in Cotton County, OK, died February 26, 1977 - discharged in 1945. He was awarded the Bronze Star. He lived in Sapulpa, Okla. from 1965-77, was a member of the Native American Church and the Comanche Indian Veterans Association. Mr. Holder is buried at the Walters, Okla. Cemetery.
SAMUEL TABBYTOSAVIT was born on May 25, 1896 and died on March 20, 1970 at age 73 years. He is buried at the Walters Cemetery east of Walters OK. He was drafted on May 18, 1918 and assigned to Company B, 357th Infantry Regiment at Camp Travis TX. On September 29, 1918 Calvin Atchavit mentions him as in the Orleans Hospital, France with a bad foot. Returned to the United States on June 10, 1919 and discharged at Camp Pike AR. His late daughter Ida Valdez during an interview with CIVA Historian, Lanny Asepermy, said he never talked about the war except he had trench foot. She also said he was very patriotic and would march in the 4th of July Walters parade until he was unable. Mrs. Valdez said he had all his military “things” were in a trunk in their cellar. The cellar caved in a number of years ago after his death and the family decided to leave the trunk as is. He has one living daughter, Mamie Nava. Holder
Technician Fifth Class SIMMONS PARKER was born February 6, 1916 in Cache, OK, died October 9, 1983 – retired from the US Army, as a Staff Sergeant, in 1965. He was the grandson of the last Comanche Chief Quanah Parker and a member of the Pentecostal Church of God and the Comanche Indian Veterans Association. Mr. Parker is buried at Saddle Mountain Indian Cemetery near the Slick Hills south of Carnegie, OK.
Parker
World War II
Tabbytosavit
Saupitty
Red Elk
Corporal FORREST KASSANAVOID was born in 1921 in Indiahoma, OK, died September 20, 1996 - discharged in 1945. He was wounded in action. Mr. Kassanavoid also served in the Oklahoma Army National Guard. He was an Eagle Scout and attended Cameron Junior College, Oklahoma State University, and Wichita State University. Mr. Kassanavoid retired from the US Postal Service as an Admin Services Specialist in Minneapolis, Minn. He was elected to Comanche Business Committee and was a member of the Comanche Reformed Church, Comanche Indian Veterans Association and Comanche War Dance Society. Mr. Kassanavoid was a Military Historian for the Comanche Nation and is buried at Post Oak Cemetery in Indiahoma, Okla.
Private First Class LARRY W. SAUPITTY was born July 1, 1922 in Comanche County, died October 7, 1965 – discharged in 1945. He was the radioman for the 4th Infantry Division Assistant Commander, Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr. and sent the first code message after landing on Utah Beach. Mr. Saupitty was twice-wounded – the second time he almost bled to death as it took medics almost 2 hours to find him. He was hit in the lungs, head and arm from an air burst. Mr. Saupitty was sent to England because of his wounds but returned to his unit toward war’s end. He was a Disabled American Veteran and is buried at Post Oak Cemetery in Indiahoma, OK
Private First Class RODERICK RED ELK was born January 23, 1923 north of Temple, OK, died September 25, 1997 – remained in the US Army until 1952, fought and wounded in the Korean War. He attended Fort Sill Indian School and was a horse race jockey in his youth. Mr. Red Elk owned and operated a café in Lawton, OK and later was employed by Budweiser Distributing Company also in Lawton. He was one of the originators of the Comanche Language Preservation Group. Mr. Red Elk was a member of the Walters Service Club, Comanche Indian Veterans Association and Quarter Horse Association. He is buried a Deyo Cemetery west of Lawton.
Technician Fourth Class MORRIS (SUNRISE) TABBYYETCHY was born June 28, 1914 in Lawton, OK, died October 26, 1983 – discharged in 1945. He attended Fort Sill Indian School and Roe Institute in Wichita, KS. Mr. Tabbyetchy worked as a dry cleaner was a member of VFW Post 9391, the Comanche Indian Veterans Association and Deyo Mission Baptist Church. He is buried at Post Oak Cemetery in Indiahoma, OK.
Tabbyyetchy
Private First Class PERRY “TAXI” NOYOBAD was born June 21, 1921 in Lawton, OK, died December 11, 1968 at age 47. He enlisted in the US Army in January 1942 and was discharged in 1945. PFC Noyobad was wounded in action and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was also awarded the Bronze Star, American Campaign Service, European-Middle Eastern-African Campaign with/5 Battle Stars and the World War II Victory Medals. Mr. Noyobad is buried at the Little Washita Cemetery east of Fletcher, OK.
Technician Fifth Grade CHARLES JOYCE CHIBITTY was born November 20, 1921 in Mount Scott and Porter Hill areas, Okla., died July 20, 2005 – discharged in 1945 and was the last living Code Talker. He traveled throughout the United States telling the story of his fellow Comanche Code Talkers. Chibitty outlived his wife and 2 children. He was a Golden Gloves Boxer and champion War Dancer in his early years. Mr. Chibitty was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame in November 2001. He retired as a glass maker. Mr. Chibitty was a member of the Comanche Indian Veterans Association and is buried at the Floral Haven Memorial Gardens in Broken Arrow, Okla.
World War I
Permansu
Kassanavoid
Technician Fifth Class WILLIS WOOD YACKESCHI was born July 12, 1916 near Walters, OK, died March 22, 1985 – discharged in 1945. He was wounded in action. After the war he lived in California and worked as a carpenter. He returned to the Lawton, OK area in 1970 and was a member of the Comanche Indian Veterans Association. Mr. Yackeschi is buried at the Walters, OK Cemetery.
Yackeschi
Sergeant MELVIN PERMANSU was born December 29, 1920 in Walters, OK, died February 13, 1965 – retired from the US Army in 1963 and fought in the Korean War. He was a Golden Gloves Boxer at Fort Sill Indian School and Cameron Junior College. Mr. Permansu is buried at the Fletcher, OK Cemetery.
Private First Class WELLINGTON “MIKE” MIHECOBY was born in 1915 in Southwest Oklahoma, died April 18, 1975 - discharged in 1945. He was a graduate of Oklahoma State University and retired with 31 ½ years of Federal service with the Bureau of Indian Affairs as the Recreation Specialties Director with the Shiprock, NM Board School. Mr. Mihecoby served as Vice-President of the Farmington, NM Inter-Tribal organization and as a representative to the San Juan, NM Economic Opportunity Council Board of Directors. He is buried at the Gardens Cemetery in Farmington, NM.
Mihecoby
Private ELGIN RED ELK was born December 23, 1919 in Walters, OK, died May 24, 1959 – discharged in 1945. He died in an automobile accident at age 39. Mr. Red Elk attended Fort Sill and Chilocco Indian Schools and graduated from Cameron Junior College. He is buried at the Walters, OK Cemetery.
Red Elk
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The Comanche Nation News
The Comanche Indian Veterans Association Places Wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier The families of the Comanche Code Talkers got to witness the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery, Nov. 21 and members of the CIVA and
the Comanche Business Committee presented a wreath to be placed on the grave of the Unknown Soldier. The disciplined event was a reflection of the life as a military soldier.
When CIVA presented the wreath bearing their logo, many tears were shed by the audience, because the site represents many who gave their most prized possession,
their lives, as a sacrifice for freedom. Many remembered the men of the Comanche Nation who died overseas, who are buried overseas, and who were never recovered from the
aftermath of wars. The wreath is a mirror to the respect, reverence, and patronage the Comanche Nation pays to all veterans, because we know it is because
of them we can sleep and live peacefully, knowing we are protected by brave men and women who are willing to die for our freedom and protection of our families and coun-
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The Comanche Nation News
Visiting National Mall and the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian For many of the Code Talker family members, this was their first trip to the Nation’s Capitol. On the morning of Nov. 21, people toured the National Mall to see the many memorials that mark the battles and national leaders that shaped the United States. They also had several opportunities to visit the Smithsonian’s Museum of the American Indian. The Comanche group visited the museum Nov. 19, Nov. 20 and Nov. 21.
Jose Gallegos looks at the thousands of names engraved on the Vietnam Memorial Wall, Nov. 21 at the National Mall in Washington, DC. Soldier walks wreath to the Comanche Nation
Members of the CBC and CIVA walk to meet the soldier.
The soldier presents the wreath to tribal leaders and CIVA
Comanche elder looks from the top of the Lincoln Memorial at the National Mall Nov. 21 in Washington, DC.
Nona Reed and Mona Selph etch the name of a loved one from the Vietnam Memorial Nov. 21 in Washington, DC.
Van Codynah listens to the Rally Song in from of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian Nov. 20 in Washington, DC. The soldier walks back to his designated place. Chairman Coffey, George Red Elk and soldier walk the wreath to the front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The soldier places the CIVA Wreath on the tomb.
Brothers, Ozzy and Elgin Red Elk, Jr. look at the artifacts inside of the National Museum of the American Indian Nov. 19.
TAPS is played and audience solutes the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Members of the Arlington National Cemetery, CBC and CIVA end the Wreath Placement Ceremony.
Permansu Honored by CIVA and Comanche Nation
The Ototivo Family remembers a loved one Nov. 21, whose name is engraved on the Veteran’s Memorial Wall, while visiting the National Mall, in Washington, DC.
Veteran and CBC member, Harry Mithlo, stands in front of the Korean War Monument Nov. 21 in Washington, DC.
Nancy Brady points at a quote from her grandfather, Comanche Code Talker, Forrest Kassanavoid, at the National Museum of the American Indian Nov. 19, Washington, DC.
Jonathan Poahway, Carolyn and Jack Codopony look at an exhibit that shows their family members Nov. 19 at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.
All family representatives of the Comanche Code Talkers are recognized Nov. 20 at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian by Chairman Wallace Coffey. Chairman Coffey, and members of the Comanche Nation, sing the Rally Song in front of the National Museum of the American Indian Nov. 20 in Washington, DC. After over a decade of lobbying at the White House, the Comanche Code Talkers are recognized as heroes by the United States ,and are given the prestigious Congressional Medal of honor.
Amaryllis Frasier, with her son, Anthony, enjoy the afternoon at the National Museum of the American Indian Nov. 19.
People Across the Country Embrace the Comanche Code Talker Bus
Chairman Wallace Coffey leads everyone in the singing of the Adobe Walls Song. Sister of Wellington Permansu places a Comanche Nation Flag on her brother’s grave site.
Ronny Mahsetky places CIVA wreath in front of Permansu’ Permansu One Comanche warrior is buried at the Army National Cemetery. Wellington Permansu, who served the United States until his passing in 2010. Family of Permansu gathered at Arlington National Cemetery to pay the Comanche Warrior homage, and his
sister, expressed the gratitude on behalf of her family for the Comanche Nation and members of the Comanche Indian Veterans Association (CIVA) to be with the family as they pay their respects for their loved one. “He served the Unit-
ed States proudly,” said his sister. “We are deeply touched that everyone is here to be with our family today.” Of the CIVA placed a wreath in front of the site of Permansu. Chairman Coffey led in the singing of a Memorial Song and the Adobe Walls
Song. CBC Jonathan Poahway led in the singing of a Comanche Hymn as people shook the hands of the Permansu family. Wellington “Comanche” Permansu was born on March 22, 1937 in Lawton Okla. to Benjamin Yer-e-peth Permansu and Clara Wah-su-
ah Tooahnippah Permansu. He died on February 19, 2010 in Hagerstown MD at age 72 years. He is the only known Comanche buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC. He served in the US Navy and US Army from 1955-76 including four tours of duty in Vietnam. One of his tours in Vietnam was with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade as a Helicopter Crewman. During another tour in Vietnam he was assigned to a small Military Intelligence Detachment with the Defense Intelligence Agency. In a let-
ter from a Soldier who served with him he stated, “He was a great soldier and patriot. His hard work and brilliant mind kept thousands of soldiers safe; he constantly updated them on where the enemy was and what they were up to. It is impossible to say how many veterans owe their lives to him but certainly hundreds.” Wellington retired at the rank of Specialists 7, which at the time was the highest Specialist rank in the Army. The rank was discontinued in 1978. His brothers, Cecil, Herbert and Elton Permansu all served in the military.
There was a something special that happened to the passengers of the Comanche Nation charger bus that had the wrap of the Comanche Code Talkers. As the bus and passengers traveled 1,421 miles from the Comanche Nation Complex to the Nation’s Capitol in Washington, DC, the passengers experienced the
different reactions from people across the land as they saw the charter bus with the Comanche Heroes of World War II. “When we would stop at different gas stations, people were coming up to the bus to look at it, take pictures, and visit with us about the Code Talkers. Many of them became emotional,” recalled
Patricia Bread. “Some of them thanked us for sharing our families and helping win the war. One man came on the bus and said ‘ We love you all.’” Some veterans saluted the bus while driving by it, and many truckers responded to it with a loud blow of their truck’s horn. Many were moved and proud the Code Talkers
were getting the Congressional Medal of Honor. In fact, the Manager of the Heartbreak Hotel in Memphis, Tenn., was so honored to have family members of the brave heroes and tribal members at the hotel, that she felt she had to do something extra for them. “ quote” she wrote in an email to PIO Director, Jolene Schonchin.
Traveling back from Washington, DC, her request was granted by the Elvis Presley Management. The 16 who rode the bus were given free tickets to tour the mansion of the late Elvis Presley. Many of them had not seen the “The King’s” mansion, so the special tour was very exciting for them. It did not delay the
trip too much; the bus pulled into the Comanche Nation Complex a little before midnight on Nov. 24 with many stories to share and memories to keep about the bus trip to Washington, DC
Honoring the Families of the Comanche Code Talkers Nov. 20, 2013 in Washington, DC