[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 166 (Friday, December 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MICHAEL T. SUMIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE AUSTRIA

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 20, 2012

  Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor 
Michael T. Sumida, recent recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal.
  It is an honor to join the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional 
District in recognizing Mr. Michael Sumida, whose patriotic work as a 
Japanese interpreter provided our military with invaluable intelligence 
and helped bring an end to World War II. As a Japanese American living 
in Hawaii, Mr. Sumida courageously volunteered his talents to assist 
the United States military in defeating the Japanese. In the face of 
racism, Mr. Sumida excelled in acquiring critical enemy intelligence by 
questioning Japanese prisoners. During his interrogations, Mr. Sumida 
uncovered the location of enemy troops as well as their plans for 
attack. The work accomplished by American interpreters was such a 
valuable asset to military intelligence during World War II that 
President Truman credited them with ending the war two years prior to 
the expected end date.
  Mr. Sumida currently resides in my hometown of Beavercreek, OH with 
his wife, Patricia Sumida. It is with great pride along with Ohio's 
Seventh Congressional district that I honor Michael T. Sumida for his 
service to our nation.

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