Last WWII Mohawk Code Talker Has Died

In November 2017, US Rep. Elise M. Stephanik profiled Louis Levi Oakes as part of sharing the stories of North Country Veterans in honor of Veterans Day. (Facebook)

The Watertown Daily Times reports that the last Mohawk World War II Code Talker has died.

The upstate paper says Louis Levi Oakes, an enrolled member of the Saint Regis Mohawk tribe, died Tuesday at the age of 94. In November 2017, local US Rep. Elise M. Stephanik shared Mr. Oakes story in recognition of the contributions of North Country military veterans.

“In June of 2016, when Mr. Oakes was the last of surviving Code Talk he, along with his former colleagues, was awarded the Congressional Silver Medal.

“Along with receiving the Congressional Silver Medal, Mr. Oakes received further recognition for his valor as an Akwesasne Mohawk Code Talker at the 2017 United South and Eastern Tribes Impact Week, Rochester Nighthawks Native American Night Jan. 7, 2017, the 2018 Salamanca Powwow, the 2018 Hopi Code Talkers Recognition Day, 2018 Special Chiefs Assembly of the Assembly of First Nations and the Canadian House of Commons, among others.

“On June 8, 2018; Mr. Oakes was presented with the New York State Liberty Medal — the highest civilian honor bestowed by New York State upon individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts and achievements. The award follows his induction on May 15, 2018 into the New York State Senate Veteran’s Hall of Fame.

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