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Hawaii Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, the Senate’s most senior Democrat, died Monday from respiratory complications. He was 88.

Inouye was a World War II veteran, a Medal of Honor recipient and Hawaii's senior senator. He was hospitalized at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at the time of his death.

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On that day, a young man, just elected to Congress from the brand new state, walked into the well of the House and faced the late Speaker Sam Rayburn. "The House was very still. It was about to witness the swearing in, not only of the first Congressman from Hawaii, but the first American of Japanese descent to serve in either House of Congress. " ‘Raise your right hand and repeat after me,' intoned Speaker Rayburn. "The hush deepened as the young Congressman raised not his right hand but his left and he repeated the oath of office. "There was no right hand, Mr. Speaker. It had been lost in combat by that young American soldier in World War II. Who can deny that, at that moment, a ton of prejudice slipped quietly to the floor of the House of Representatives."

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Hawaii Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, the Senate’s most senior Democrat

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Sen. Daniel Inouye, currently the longest serving member of the Senate, has died at the age of 88.

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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.

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His Medal of Honor citation is incredible.

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One would hate to see politics intrude on this honor.

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His Medal of Honor citation is incredible.

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that too, and fighting alongside a lot of men who couldn't stand the sight of him because of his race.

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I thought he was in an all Japanese unit?

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Godspeed, Senator Inouye.

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At his citation

Politics aside, that man earned everyone's respect.

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