Senate Resolution No. 5462

BY: Senator LITTLE

COMMENDING Louis L. Oakes upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the
highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this
country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace
in peace-time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Louis L.
Oakes upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty
Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York
State Senate; and

WHEREAS, In addition to this prestigious award, Louis L. Oakes has
been inducted into the 45th South Dakota Veterans Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Louis Levi Oakes was born on the Mohawk Territory of
Akwesasne; currently, he is an enrolled member of the Saint Regis Mohawk
Tribe; and

WHEREAS, After registering for the United States Army at the age of
18, Louis L. Oakes proudly served his country for six years as a
Technician 4th Grade, with Company B's 442nd Signal Battalion; he and a
group of other Akwesasne Mohawks received their training as code talkers
while stationed in Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, During World War II, the Mohawk language was one of 33
Native languages used to send communications between United States
forces; the Native American talkers' coded messages will always be known
as those that could not be deciphered by the Japanese; and

WHEREAS, Louis L. Oakes served as a code talker in the South
Pacific, New Guinea and Philippines theatres during World War II; for
his meritorious service, he was awarded the Silver Star; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on February 15,
1946, Louis L. Oakes returned to New York, and served as an ironworker
in Buffalo for 30 years; later, he was employed by the Mohawk Territory
Highway Department in Akwesasne before he officially retired; and

WHEREAS, In 2008, the United States Congress passed the Code Talkers
Recognition Act to honor every Native American code talker who served in
the United States military during World War I or World War II; and

WHEREAS, At the age of 95, Louis L. Oakes is the sole-surviving
member of the Akwesasne Mohawk Code Talkers to be awarded the
prestigious Congressional Silver Medal for his service during the Second
World War; and

WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Louis L. Oakes demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore, the highest respect of his State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended
and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and
for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Louis L. Oakes upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate; and be it further

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