Senate Resolution No. 2066

BY: Senator LITTLE

MOURNING the death of Louis Levi Oakes,
meritorious veteran, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow that this Legislative Body,
representing the people of the State of New York, is moved this day to
pay tribute to an eminent man of indomitable faith and dedication whose
service and accomplishments will forever stand as a paradigm and
inspiration for others; and

WHEREAS, Louis Levi "Tahagietagwa" Oakes of the Mohawk Nation at
Akwesasne, died on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at the age of 94; and

WHEREAS, Louis Levi Oakes was born January 23, 1925, in St. Regis,
Quebec, the son of the late Angus and Mary (Porke) Oakes; he attended
schools on the reservation and later received his high school diploma
through Operation Education in cooperation with the St. Regis Mohawk
Tribe and Salmon River Central School; and

WHEREAS, At the age of 18, Louis Levi Oakes valiantly served his
country as a Technician Fifth Grade with the Company B 442nd Signal
Battalion, United States Army during World War II; he received his
formal military training as a Code Talker while stationed in Louisiana;
and

WHEREAS, Louis Levi Oakes was very proud of his work as a Mohawk
Code Talker and that it was the only unbroken code in military history;
he recalled General Douglas MacArthur sitting next to him telling him
what to communicate in code; and

WHEREAS, During his six years of service, Louis Levi Oakes saw
action in the South Pacific, New Guinea and Philippines theatres; and

WHEREAS, Louis Levi Oakes was honorably discharged on February 16,
1946, and was awarded the American Silver Star, the third-highest
military combat decoration for gallantry in action against an enemy of
the United States; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Louis Levi
Oakes worked iron in the Buffalo area for three decades before returning
back to the reservation where he served the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne
Department of Public Works, retiring as supervisor after 30 years of
distinguished service; and

WHEREAS, Louis Levi Oakes was the proud recipient of numerous awards
and accolades, including the 2016 Congressional Silver Medal; he was
recognized for his service at the Special Chiefs Assembly at the
Assembly of First Nations in Ottawa, as well as by members of the
parliament from the House of Commons in Ottawa; he was also nationally
recognized as the last living Mohawk Code Talker in 2017; and

WHEREAS, A lifelong communicant of St. Regis Catholic Church and
life member of the Andrew W. Cook American Legion Post No. 1479, Louis

Levi Oakes enjoyed gardening, driving around the community on his
machinery, weaving rugs, and cherished the time he was able to visit
with his children and grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his parents, Louis Levi Oakes was
predeceased by his wife, Annabelle; his sons, Lawrence, Charles and
Gaitlin; a son-in-law, Sam; his sister, Margaret; and his brothers,
Samuel, Lawrence and John; he is survived by his children and their
spouses, Diane and Herman Swamp, Louis Oakes, Raymond Oakes, Wally and
Bonnie Oakes, Dora Oakes, Debbie Oakes and Mark O'Neil, and Joseph
Oakes; many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great
grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Louis Levi Oakes leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Louis Levi Oakes, meritorious veteran, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Louis Levi Oakes.