Comanche Code Talkers: The Comanche Signal Corp

Comanche Code Talkers: The Comanche Signal Corp VS posah-tai-vo (crazy white man)

After induction into the army, seventeen Comanche men were selected for the Signal Corps because of their unique language. The Comanche Signal Corp included ;

1. Charles Chibitty
2. Haddon Codynah
3. Robert Holder
4. Forrest Kassanavoid
5. Wellington Mihecoby
6. Edward Nahquaddy
7. Perry Noyabad
8. Clifford Otitovo
9. Simmons Parker
10. Melvin Permansu
11. Elhin Red Elk
12. Roderick Red Elk
13. Larry Saupitty
14. Morris (Sunrise) Tabbyetchy
15. Tony Tabbytite
16. Ralph Wahnee
17. Willie Yackeschi

Trained in all phases of communication, these members of the army's Fourth Signal Division used the Comanche language to relay important messages that could not be understood or decoded by the enemy during World War II. The Comanche phrase posah-tai-vo meaning "crazy white man" was used for Adolph Hitler. Since the Comanches had a word for airplane but not for bomber, the Code Talkers came up with the comanche phrase for "pregnant airplane."

These 17 were part of the Army's 4th Signal Company, also known as the Code Talkers. Like the Choctaws of World War I, and the Navajos in the Pacific Theater, the Comanche Code Talkers used their native language to prevent the enemies of the European Theater from intercepting messages of the allied troops during World War II. The unit was instrumental during the Normandy invasion.

In 1989, the French Government honored the Comanche Code Talkers by presenting them the "Chevalier of the National Order of Merit."