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Inouye, Daniel Ken "Dan"

Date of birth:
September 7th, 1924 (Honolulu/Hawaii, United States)
Date of death:
December 17th, 2012 (Bethesda/Maryland, United States)
Buried on:
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
2nd Lieutenant
Unit:
Company E, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 92nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army

At first being awarded the DSC, it was by President Bill Clitnon upgraded to a Medal of Honor.
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Captain
Awarded on:
1947
Honorable Service Lapel Button / Honorable Discharge Emblem
Period:
After War Period (1945-now)
Awarded on:
1993
Chief Commander to the Legion of Honor
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
2nd Lieutenant
Unit:
Company E, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 92nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army
Awarded on:
June 21st, 2000
"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."
Medal of Honor - Army (MoH)
Period:
After War Period (1945-now)
Awarded on:
2000
"in recognition of his long and distinguished career in public service."
Kyuokujitsu sho Guddokōdon Kiri no hana
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
2007
Chevalier de l' Ordre National de la Legion d'Honneur
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
June 2011
Tōka shō Grand Cordon
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
August 8th, 2013
"Daniel Inouye was a lifelong public servant. As a young man, he fought in World War II with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, for which he received the Medal of Honor. He was later elected to the Hawaii Territorial House of Representatives, the United States House of Representatives, and the United States Senate. Senator Inouye was the first Japanese American to serve in Congress, representing the people of Hawaii from the moment they joined the Union."

Posthumously awarded
Presidential Medal of Freedom
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Unit:
Company E, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 92nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army

Second Purple Heart received in the form of a bronze oak leaf cluster to be worn on the ribbon of the first Purple Heart.
Purple Heart

Sources

Photo