[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 93 (Thursday, June 11, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E885]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF MASTER SERGEANT TAUTALAGIA ``TUNI'' 
                              SOTOA NUMERA

                                 ______
                                 

                   HON. AUMUA AMATA COLEMAN RADEWAGEN

                           of american samoa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 11, 2015

  Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Master 
Sergeant Tantalagia Sotoa Numera, or known to his family and friends 
simply as ``Tuni'', who passed away on June 1 at the age of 86.
  Tuni was born on February 27, 1929, in Pago Pago, American Samoa to 
parents, Taua and Siao Numera. Following his childhood on the islands, 
and at the young age of 23, Tuni enthusiastically fulfilled his 
childhood dream of serving in our nations armed forces and joined the 
U.S. Marine Corps.
  During Tuni's 27 years of service in the Marine Corps, he would fight 
in two wars and serve 8 total combat tours. Tuni saw his first action 
in Korea, but it wouldn't be his last . . . not by a long shot.
  Master Sergeant Numera served 7 combat tours in the jungles of 
Vietnam. During his first tour in Vietnam, Tuni was wounded in combat 
for which he received the Purple Heart. While this would be more than 
enough sacrifice to one's nation for even the toughest and most 
patriotic of soldiers, it wasn't for Tuni. He would return to those 
jungles where he was initially wounded, 6 more times. When once asked 
by a friend ``why did you serve 7 tours in Vietnam?'' he replied . . . 
``I was looking for the guy that shot me during my first tour.'' This 
is a perfect example of just how much of a true Leatherneck he was.
  Master Sergeant Numera was awarded numerous decorations during his 
career in the Marines, including: the Navy & Marine Corps Medal, the 
Bronze Star, and of course the Purple Heart, with a Gold Star, which is 
the equivalent of two Purple Hearts.
  Known for his irresistible smile and grand sense of humor, Tuni was 
always at the center of whatever was going on and always had a kind 
word or helping hand to those who needed it.
  Tuni also enjoyed a number of recreational activities, including 
fishing, bowling, playing poker, watching westerns, and TV shows like 
Walker Texas Ranger.
  Perhaps the only things that Tuni loved more than his country were 
his faith in God and his beautiful family. Tuni is survived by his 
wife, Eleanor; children, Zina, Trinidad, Cynthia, Anthony, Jeffrey, 
Michael, Elena, and Christina; ``adopted sons,'' Vincent, and Mike; 26 
grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. This man was obviously very 
loved by all who knew him and we all mourn their loss.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members of the U.S. House of Representatives 
to join me recognizing the lifelong service and dedication to our 
nation that was exemplified by Master Sergeant Numera and honor him by 
continuing to uphold those values that we cherish as Americans and for 
which Tuni dedicated his life.

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