[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 99 (Tuesday, June 24, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H5650]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING STAFF SERGEANT DICK SHIGEMI HAMADA

  (Ms. GABBARD asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and recognize Staff 
Sergeant Dick Shigemi Hamada, a Japanese American World War II veteran 
born in Hawaii who served under the Office of Strategic Services, a 
precursor to the CIA.
  He volunteered for the renowned 442nd Regimental Combat Team in 1943, 
shipped off to the fearsome battlefields of the Burma-India-China 
theater, and later parachuted into what is now Beijing in order to 
rescue more than 600 prisoners of war.
  Throughout his military career, Staff Sergeant Hamada stayed true to 
the aloha spirit. His love of our country and determination to do 
whatever it took to accomplish the mission are an inspiration to all 
who have raised their hands to wear the uniform and serve.
  Staff Sergeant Hamada passed away on May 27 at the age of 92, leaving 
behind a legacy of courage and servant leadership. He will be interred 
later today at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at 
Punchbowl, and we send to him our deepest gratitude and say ``aloha'' 
to this Hawaii hero.

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