From staff reports World War II veteran Gilbert M. “Choc” Charleston, who is nearly 102 years old, is one of the last members of the Greatest Generation. A new exhibit at the Stephens County Historical Museum tells the story of his amazing life and service.
During the Aug. 7 ceremony at the museum, Charleston received a proclamation from the City of Duncan praising his service to the country and the community. Friends, family and community members gathered to hear Charleston share stories about his life.
Born Dec. 24, 1923, on a ranch near Duncan, Charleston grew up during the Great Depression. His family was Choctaw and had a history of public service. His father was the first fullblood Native American elected to public office in Stephens County in 1931.
During World War II, Charleston joined the U.S. Army and became a tank commander with the 739thTank Battalion. He fought in some of the war's most important battles, including the Battle of the Bulge, the Battle of Normandy and the Liberation of Germany.
Returning home in December 1945, Charleston started businesses and became a community leader. He and his wife, Billie, were married for 79 years before her death in 2023. Together, they ran businesses, traveled the world and raised two sons.
Preserving his Choctaw heritage, Charleston has donated artifacts to museums and became involved with tribal politics. Over the years, he has met governors, military leaders, foreign dignitaries and even Geronimo's cousin.
Even after his 100th birthday, Charleston continues on his many adventures. In July 2024, he was the grand marshal of Bethany’s Independence Day parade. In November 2024, the Oklahoma City Thunder honored him onVeterans Day. In December 2024, he traveled to Belgium for the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge where he met the king and queen of Belgium and the Royal Family of Luxembourg. In January 2025, Charleston was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame.
“The secret to life is to treat others how you want to be treated,” Charleston often says. This has helped him make many friends as he and his incredible stories serve as a catalyst to bring people together.
The museum’s celebration served as a bridge between past and present, reminding all in attendance of the sacrifices made for freedom and the importance of preserving these stories for generations to come.
Charleston’s exhibit at the Stephens County Historical Museum stands as a tribute to his courage, service to the community and the enduring spirit of the American soldier.
Stephens County Historical Museum, located at 1402W Beech Ave. in Duncan, is open 1-5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Admission is free and donations are accepted. For more details, visit www.stcomuseum.com or call (580) 252-0717.