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June 01, 2004
An incredible story: Senator Inouye
Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI) is a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor for "extraordinary heroism in action on 21 April 1945" in Italy:
While attacking a defended ridge guarding an important road junction, Second Lieutenant Inouye skillfully directed his platoon through a hail of automatic weapon and small arms fire, in a swift enveloping movement that resulted in the capture of an artillery and mortar post and brought his men to within 40 yards of the hostile force. Emplaced in bunkers and rock formations, the enemy halted the advance with crossfire from three machine guns. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Second Lieutenant Inouye crawled up the treacherous slope to within five yards of the nearest machine gun and hurled two grenades, destroying the emplacement. Before the enemy could retaliate, he stood up and neutralized a second machine gun nest. Although wounded by a sniper's bullet, he continued to engage other hostile positions at close range until an exploding grenade shattered his right arm. Despite the intense pain, he refused evacuation and continued to direct his platoon until enemy resistance was broken and his men were again deployed in defensive positions. In the attack, 25 enemy soldiers were killed and eight others captured. By his gallant, aggressive tactics and by his indomitable leadership, Second Lieutenant Inouye enabled his platoon to advance through formidable resistance, and was instrumental in the capture of the ridge. Second Lieutenant Inouye's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.
Inouye is a second generation Japanese American and fought in World War II as a member of the segregated 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor is no small thing: "Only 326 soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen from Pearl Harbor to Somalia have survived to actually wear the Medal. Today only 132 of them are still with us."
Inouye went on to become the first member of Congress of Japanese ancestry, and as Senator, served on both the Watergate and Iran-Contra committees, serving as the chair of the latter.
There's been a lot of talk this past week of the "Greatest Generation"; the senior Senator from Hawaii ranks among them.
Posted by glyphic at June 1, 2004 01:14 AM
