Gilbert Pahdi Conwoop
Private, U.S. Army
Comanche Code Talker, World War I

Gilbert Pahdi Conwoop was drafted on 18 May 1918 and assigned to Company A, 357th Infantry at Camp Travis, TX, on 29 September 1918. He served with the 357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division in France during World War I.

PVT Calvin Atchavit [Honoree Record ID 227120] mentioned him as participating in the same battle toward Metz, but did not know whether or not he was killed.

On 2 December 1918 a wire from Harris, Adjutant General, War Department states he was severely wounded in action (in the arm) on 25 October 1918 during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

On 10 January 1919, Conwoop returned to the United States due to his wounds. He arrived at Camp Steward, VA, transferred to Camp Logan, TX, and then to Camp Travis, TX, hospital.

Medals and Awards

Purple Heart
World War II Victory Medal

Honors

On 15 October 2008, PVT Gilbert Pahdi Conwoop and 4 other Comanche soldiers who were used as Code Talkers during World War I were (posthumously) awarded the Numunu Comanche Code Talkers Congressional Gold Medal, one of the two 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 likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient's field long after the achievement."

Death and Burial

Gilbert Pahdi Conwoop died on 2 January 1962 and is buried at Deyo Mission Cemetery in Lawton, OK.

Family

Gilbert's son, U.S. Army Air Forces Private First Class Eustace Conwoop [Honoree Record ID 227244], served in the European Theater of Operations in World War II.

His other son, U.S. Army Private First Class Henry William Conwoop [Honoree Record ID 227248], served in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. He was wounded on 25 March 1945 and died of those wounds on 3 May 1945 on Luzon, Philippine Islands.

This Honoree Record was prepared with the valuable assistance of Lanny G. Asepermy, Sergeant Major, U.S. Army (Ret.) [Honoree Record ID 227117], Historian for the Comanche Indian Veterans Association in Lawton, OK. Photo is courtesy of SMG Asepermy and the Comanche Nation Museum.