Senator Daniel Inouye, D-HI, has passed away at the age of 88.
A very decorated war hero indeed:
Distinguished Service Cross (the Army's second highest award), upgraded to MoH in 2000
Bronze Star
Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster (two awards)
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
WWII Victory Medal
Chief Commander of the Legion of Honour (Phillippines)
Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun (Japan)
Chevalier, Legion d'Honneur (France)
Grand Order of the Pawlonia Flowers (Japan)
Battlefield commission as Second Lieutenant, discharged as a Captain.
Thank you and clear skies, Sir.
Here's his MoH citation:
QuoteSecond Lieutenant Daniel K. Inouye distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 21 April 1945, in the vicinity of San Terenzo, 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.
..and returned to serve the country, and his homeland, from before it's admission to the union, onward..
The most senior U.S. Senator, serving first in the House of Representatives from 1959 to 1963, and then the Senate since 1963.
Quote from: a2capt on December 18, 2012, 10:37:15 PM
..and returned to serve the country, and his homeland, from before it's admission to the union, onward..
The most senior U.S. Senator, serving first in the House of Representatives from 1959 to 1963, and then the Senate since 1963.
I was reading, and interestingly, he was HI's first representative in the House of Representatives following statehood. Not many have that honour, that's for sure.
RIP
He's even refered to in Michner's Hawaii
Quote from: MSG Mac on December 19, 2012, 09:43:01 PM
He's even refered to in Michner's Hawaii
The guy is a legend in Hawai'i, and rightfully so.