The Yakama Nation of Washington is mourning the loss of former council member and World War II veteran Lous Cloud, who died early Saturday morning at the age of 87. "It's a sad day today," Debbie Brown, a tribal council employee, told The Yakima Herald-Republic. Cloud served in five major campaigns, including the Battle of the Bulge, during WWII. He was honored with the Bronze Star, Bonze Service Arrowhead, Purple Heart and the Grand Cross of Homage of the Military Order of the Ardennes. After coming home, Cloud served on the tribal council off and on for five decades and served as chairman for six months last year. He was highly regarded for his knowledge of treaty and fishing rights, testifying in numerous court cases. "If it wasn't for him, I would have lost my case," said fisherman Simon Sampson, who was arrested as part of a state sting. Cloud is being buried today in Toppenish. Get the Story:
Yakamas mourn death of Louis Cloud (The Yakima Herald-Republic 6/26)
