Author Topic: RIP Daniel Inouye, US Senator, Veteran  (Read 399 times)

Offline Mspfc Doc DuFresne

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RIP Daniel Inouye, US Senator, Veteran
« on: 19-12-2012, 02:12:24 »
I was surprised that nobody else posted this, so I logged back in after all these years to do so.

Yesterday, Daniel Inouye, senator for the state of Hawaii, passed away at the age of 88. He represented Hawaii as a Democratic senator 9 terms and as a politician for 58 years and never lost an election, reaching the rank of President Pro Tempore of the US Senate, placing him third in line of presidential succession. He was known for his constant support of GLBT rights and his opposition to covert military actions not responsible to the US legislative bodies.

He was also a war hero. A Japanese-American, he was present at the battle of Pearl Harbor as a paramedic. He immediately attempted to enlist in the US Army, and upon learning that Japanese-Americans were not allowed, he kept petitioning to serve. In 1943, when the first all Japanese-American units were formed, he left his medical studies and joined the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was then deployed to Italy. It was there, as a 2nd Lieutenant, that he earned his Medal of Honor.


Quote
Second 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.

What the MoH citation fails to mention is that he lost his arm to a direct hit from a rifle grenade while assaulting the final position. He pried his live grenade from the hand of his mutilated arm and used it to destroy the final machine gun nest. He then used his Thompson submachine gun and one remaining arm to single handedly continue the assault until he was wounded in the ankle. Unable to stand, he propped himself against a tree and continued to fire until he passed out from bloodloss.

Rest in Peace. Some men don't die, they simply decide that they've lived long enough.

His final words were simply "Aloha."
Twilight - the movie is just like Schindler's list... You know you're watching a crime against humanity, but it's sort of entertaining.~~Ts4EVER

Offline Tuco

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Re: RIP Daniel Inouye, US Senator, Veteran
« Reply #1 on: 19-12-2012, 04:12:09 »
RIP Mr Inouye

     I may have not beleived in some of his politics but that takes nothing away from his bravery and heroism when it counted. 
If you have to shoot, shoot, dont talk.

Offline VonMudra

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Re: RIP Daniel Inouye, US Senator, Veteran
« Reply #2 on: 19-12-2012, 04:12:26 »
Heard about this yesterday.  He was quite the man.  :'(

Offline Zoologic

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Re: RIP Daniel Inouye, US Senator, Veteran
« Reply #3 on: 19-12-2012, 07:12:32 »
That is some brutal war action by Mr. Inouye. That is almost superhero like.

RIP Mr Inouye, thank you for everything.

Offline Sgt.KAR98

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Re: RIP Daniel Inouye, US Senator, Veteran
« Reply #4 on: 20-12-2012, 01:12:59 »
I guess I saw him on Wikipedia once.He probably had a lot of bad times during the war...May he rest in peace.