Date of Birth: September 7, 1924
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: December 17, 2012
Biography
Daniel Ken Inouye was an American politician who served as a United States Senator from Hawaii from 1963 until his death in 2012. He was a member of the Democratic Party and was the highest-ranking Asian-American politician in U.S. history, serving as President pro tempore of the United States Senate from 2010 until his passing. Born to Japanese immigrant parents, Inouye grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army as part of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a unit composed almost entirely of Japanese Americans. He lost his right arm in combat and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism. After the war, Inouye pursued a career in law and entered politics. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1959, the year Hawaii became a state. In 1962, he was elected to the U.S. Senate. Throughout his political career, Inouye was known for his advocacy on behalf of veterans, civil rights, and native Hawaiians. He also played a significant role in the Watergate investigation and chaired the Senate Iran-Contra hearings. Inouye’s legacy is remembered for his dedication to his country, his state, and his principles.
5 Interesting Facts about Daniel Inouye
1. Daniel Inouye was the first Japanese-American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and later in the U.S. Senate.
2. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during World War II, where he lost his right arm in combat.
3. Inouye was instrumental in the establishment of the Hirono-Matsunaga Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Honolulu.
4. He was the second-longest-serving Senator in U.S. history, serving nearly 50 years.
5. Inouye served as President pro tempore of the Senate, making him third in the line of succession to the presidency.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Daniel Inouye
1. “I represented a state composed of different races and nationalities. I think I did my best to reflect the best of the people of Hawaii.”
2. “I have always believed that the more you know, the more you can make better, informed decisions.”
3. “I hope that my work in public service has made a difference, and that I have helped to improve the lives of those who needed it most.”
4. “The people of Hawaii and this nation deserve a government that works for them, not against them.”
5. “No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Daniel Inouye’s net worth was estimated to be around $3 million.
Children
Daniel Inouye had one child, a son named Ken Inouye.
Relevant Links
2. [Medal of Honor citation](https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/daniel-k-inouye
4. [Daniel Inouye Institute](https://www.danielinouyeinstitute.org/
5. [PBS Documentary on Daniel Inouye](https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/daniel-inouye/10264/
