[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 59 (Monday, April 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E652]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING NISEI VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 26, 2010

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinct 
patriotic and heroic service of several Chicago Japanese American 
Veterans who served as linguists for the Military Intelligence Service 
(``MIS'') of the United States Army. These Japanese American 
(``Nisei'') veterans dedicated their lives in providing invaluable 
intelligence support during World War II and during the Occupation of 
Japan from 1945-1952.
  The service of these Nisei veterans was critical to our Nation's 
victory during World War II. They translated captured documents, 
interrogated prisoners of war, and intercepted radio messages. After 
the war they continued to serve the United States as cultural and 
linguistic ambassadors during the occupation of Japan. The MIS soldiers 
were vital in maintaining the peace by acting as a bridge between the 
American forces and the Japanese people.
  The patriotism and heroism of the Japanese American MIS soldiers was 
profound and immeasurable. They served this country while their 
families and friends were placed in internment camps surrounded by 
barbed wire and armed guards. Always soldiers first, some found 
themselves on the battleground alongside armed forces, where they faced 
extraordinary circumstances and physical hardships.
  For decades after such a heroic sacrifice, due to military 
confidentiality agreements, their stories have gone untold. Many of the 
Nisei Veterans, some of whom have now passed, settled in Chicago after 
World War II.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
Nisei Veterans for their extraordinary and invaluable service to our 
Nation in a time of war. They exemplify the values of dedication and 
service, and I thank them for their many sacrifices, years of tireless 
loyalty and countless contributions to this Nation. These are unsung 
heroes in our midst, and I welcome this opportunity to recognize their 
tremendous sacrifice on behalf of the people of the United States of 
America.

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