[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 65 (Friday, April 7, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E821]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   TRIBUTE TO SAMUEL T. YANAGISAWA AND HIS WORK ON IMAGE INTENSIFIER 
                         NIGHT VISION EQUIPMENT

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                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, April 6, 1995
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
commend the accomplishments of an outstanding individual and fellow 
Texan who has done exceptional work in the development and manufacture 
of night vision equipment. This equipment enabling armies to fight in 
the dark is one of the most profound changes in military capability in 
history. It was a critical factor in the low loss of life and played a 
major role in the success of Operation Just Cause in Panama and 
Operation Desert Storm in Kuwait. These examples alone prove 
conclusively that night vision technology has revolutionized military 
tactics and strategy.
  Sam Yanagisawa was instrumental in the development and manufacture of 
the first generation of image intensifier night vision equipment and of 
subsequent generations of goggles for night flying and for use by 
ground troops. His leadership, dedication, innovation, and frankly, his 
genius, led the way in providing our fighting forces with a night 
fighting capability that has proved decisive. He has been in the 
forefront with both the public and private sectors.
  Mr. Yanagisawa was one of the founders of the U.S. Night Vision 
Manufacturers Association that help persuade our forces to adopt this 
equipment and develop the necessary doctrine for its employment. His 
initiative, foresight, and professionalism contributed immeasurably to 
the success of this effort. At the same time, he served on the Army 
Science Board, chaired two summer studies, and currently serves on the 
Air Force Studies Board.
  Mr. Yanagisawa served in various positions at Varo Inc., from 1967-
1987 where he developed the first generation of night vision tubes and 
equipment at high rate of production and introduced special process 
computers for the complex production of photocathodes, an integral part 
of image intensified devices. He went on to facilitate the efficient 
production of second generation tubes and equipment so that night 
goggles could be practicable for ground and airborne applications. He 
retired as chairman and CEO of Varo in 1987.
  Mr. Speaker, I salute Sam Yanagisawa for his hard work, diligence, 
and outstanding accomplishments in the development of night vision. We 
all owe him a debt of gratitude for his years of dedication and join 
together in commending him for showing great foresight and commitment 
to the night vision industry. We thank him for his genuine 
contributions to our Nation's security and wish all the best in his 
future endeavors.


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