Gilbert "Choc" Charleston, a revered Native American veteran of World War II, left an indelible mark on history before his passing at age 101 on Thanksgiving night.
The Choctaw Nation confirmed Charleston’s death, marking the loss of the last surviving member of the 739th Tank Battalion, as reported by Military.com.
At a time when WWII veterans are becoming a rare few, Charleston stood as one of roughly 45,000 remaining, a number tracked by the National WWII Museum. His sharp memory and vivid tales, shared in a recent CBS News Texas interview, kept history alive until his final days.
From Childhood Nickname to Battlefield Grit
Born in 1923, Charleston earned the nickname "Choc" as a baby when a visitor chuckled at seeing him asleep in a dresser drawer. "He said, ‘Well, looks like we got another ‘Choc,’" Charleston recalled with a grin in his CBS interview, embracing the name through a lifetime of service.
That lighthearted start belied the harsh realities he faced as a tank operator with the 739th Tank Battalion. Proud of his Choctaw roots, he found strength in his heritage while enduring grueling conditions across Europe.
"We slept in the tank. We rarely got hot food," Charleston told CBS News Texas, adding a wry note that he preferred avoiding gunfire but often had no choice.
Surviving the Brutal Battle of the Bulge
Charleston’s wartime journey took him through France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Germany, culminating in the brutal Battle of the Bulge during the freezing winter of 1944-45. He survived where many did not, witnessing the toll of bitter cold on infantry soldiers who lost limbs to frostbite.
"Many men lost their feet that were in the infantry because of the snow and the cold," he shared in his interview. Tanks offered some shelter, but even there, temperatures plunged to 20 degrees below zero, testing every ounce of his endurance.
In 2024, Charleston returned to Belgium for the 80th anniversary of that pivotal battle, a poignant moment to reflect on his sacrifices. Meeting the king and queen in Bastogne, he received a medal, a fitting tribute to a warrior who lived history twice over.
A Legacy of Choctaw Pride and Service
Native Americans, particularly from the Choctaw Nation, have long served the U.S. military with distinction, often before even being recognized as citizens. Choctaw Assistant Chief Jack Austin emphasized this legacy, noting, "They were proud to be fighting for something, and we’ve always stood by our country."
During WWII, around 25,000 Native Americans enlisted, with over 21,000 joining the Army, each one vital to the war effort. Austin sees their service as a profound act of gratitude, a way of saying "Yakoke"—thank you—for the freedoms they defended.
Charleston himself honored his fellow soldiers, especially those who fought in the Pacific and European theaters. His Veterans Day message, delivered in one of his last interviews, carried a simple but powerful wish for remembrance of their shared struggle.
An Enduring Example for Future Generations
The secret to Charleston’s long life lay in his active habits, frequent golf games, and a steadfast refusal to smoke or drink. His commitment to preserving his health mirrored the discipline he showed on the battlefield, a quiet lesson in resilience.
While the Choctaw Nation mourns the loss of a cherished elder, Austin believes Charleston’s story will inspire future generations to uphold the values of duty and honor. His willingness to recount his experiences ensures that the sacrifices of WWII veterans remain etched in memory, not faded by time.
Gilbert Charleston’s passing closes a chapter for the 739th Tank Battalion, but his courage stands as a beacon. In an era where progressive narratives often overshadow traditional valor, his life reminds us that true heroism is forged in service, sacrifice, and an unyielding love for country.
