Two examples of courage – a statesman, and a statesman to be.
Read Time:2 Minute, 19 Second
There are many types of courage. Emotional, physical, spiritual. Here are two examples of the courage exhibited by a political leader, one rising to the occasion during a terrible political crisis;the other reacting in wartime with reckless disregard for his own life in order to accomplish an objective.
On March 13, 1997 the world reacted in horror to the murder of seven Israeli schoolgirls on Peace Island, Jordanian territory often visited by Israeli tourists. A deranged Jordanian soldier fired his M-16 at the children, tackled by fellow soldiers when he stopped to reload.
Learning of the tragedy while in Spain, King Hussein canceled a planned visit with president Clinton and flew home to Jordan. Deeply shamed by the horrible act, deeply grieved by the pain and suffering of the victims and the families, the King flew to Israel. He then went to each home and begged forgiveness.
The king might have personally apologized to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the awful act. He might have held a press conference and apologized via television to the people of Israel. Each act would have been well received. Instead he sought out the families.
Entering each home, with tears in his eyes King Hussein approached the murdered childs mother, took her hands in his and sank to his knees. He then begged forgiveness for the awful crime and the suffering it brought them.
A statesman.
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In 1943 Daniel Inouye enlisted in the US army, joining the 442nd “Go for broke” all Japanese-American regimental combat team. In April of 1945 Lt Inouye led his platoon up a ridge with orders to destroy three Wehrmacht machine gun nests atop it. The Lt was shot in the stomach but with hand grenades and his Thompson submachine gun successfully took out the first machine gun. Despite heavy blood loss he and his team then destroyed the second machine gun.
Next is when events moved into the the realm of the near super-human.
As he prepared to throw a hand grenade into the third machine gun nest a rifle grenade shattered his right arm, nearly severing it. Prying apart his own dead fingers, Inouye extracted the primed grenade then backhanded it into the nest. Firing his Thompson with his left hand, dead right arm flapping he charged the machine gun until a second bullet in the leg finally brought him down.
Regaining conscious and finding himself surrounded by his concerned men, he ordered them back into combat, telling them nobody called the war off!
Fearing any more morphine on top of the large amount of morphine already given to the Lt at an aid station might kill him, Inouye’s arm was amputated at a field hospital without anesthesia.
Since 1962 Daniel Inouye has been US senator from Hawaii.
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Its such as you read my mind! You seem to grasp so much about this, such as you wrote the e-book in it or something. I think that you could do with a few percent to power the message house a little bit, however instead of that, this is magnificent blog. A great read. I will definitely be back.
It is a rare thing to see honor like that shown by King Hussein. To walk into their family’s homes seeking forgiveness showed a personal responsibility that is, and always has been, exceedingly rare in the public realm.
And I didn’t know that story about Inouye…what a tough old bird! That’s a compliment of the highest order from me, btw…
You always rise to the occasion Oso and this post is no exception kind sir. Thank you for your words of wisdom on two very honorable men.
Thanks Dusty!
As a history buff I love things “all history.” This is recent history, and in the case of Senator Inouye, today’s news. Thanks my friend, for making my day, once again, with a true story of great courage and compassion.
Thanks Mike. It’s nice to fill in the blanks sometimes, especially when it’s something that makes you feel good, or maybe feel a little inspired.
Both inspiring men. Well, I could be inspired to an act of humility and deep respect, like King Hussein, but I can honestly admit that I lack the fortitude to replicate anything like Inouye did. I’m a little like Daffy Duck–allergic to pain. Will there be a second part to this? An exemplar of spiritual courage? Should be. Or is this intended to convey that they both possessed spiritual courage and that was the base of the other two?
C.H.
That’s an inspiration, regarding spiritual strength. Have to think on that man, thanks!
Very good Oso. I knew both were great men. Now I know more about them. Many thanks.
A good history lesson, sir. Your posts are always unique.
Oso, I can always depend on you to tell the heart of it. Good job.
2 amazing tales of courage. King Hussein could have taken the easy road, the diplomatic path. But to actually go to the parents….that is a special person.
I had some of the circumstances of Inouye’s war injury. But not the particulars. Amazing!
I keep saying I learn something new here everyday, here it is another day and I learn something new. Thanks Oso.
Great stories about 2 great men. Thanks for sharing. I suggest that the King was reacting not as a statesman, but as a parent. As was Inouye, trying to do the dirty work so his guys wouldn’t have to. Both very admirable men.
No surprise that a King isn’t a Republican. Republicans apologize for nothing.
Thanks for reading guys, both stories have always moved me emotionally.
I had read about King Hussein previously, but not Daniel Inouye, both stories are quite humbling.
Oso,
Thank you for this very touching post. I had no idea that either man had done either great thing. Thank you for sharing these true life tales of courage with us!