Trazee In-Depth: Unsung Heroes in History

We have heard the phrase, history is written by the winners (which may have some truth to it), but there are so many names missing from textbooks and common knowledge worth knowing.

We may know the name Herbert Hoover quite well as he was the 31st president of the United States, but his wife, Lou Henry Hoover was an impressive figure in countless ways — especially for her time. Although far less known than her husband, Lou Hoover is an unsung hero of our nation’s history and showed incredible determination, strength and humanitarianism.

Being a strong political figure during World War I and the Great Depression, Lou Hoover overcame immense adversity and fought for all women to do the same. When war broke out in Europe, stranding thousands of American citizens, including women and children in London, Lou Hoover got to work. While U.S. citizens were turned away from ships leaving for America, having money rejected and credit denied, Lou set up the Society of American Women in London.

The newly formed society focused on providing clothes, housing, food and even entertainment and tours around town for the stranded citizens attempting to normalize their situation while they awaited safe transport back home. This seemingly small gesture saved thousands of American lives and is just a footnote in Lou’s story.

She became her husband Herbert’s right-hand women and partner in so many aspects, from protecting Belgians left without food, shelter, money and clothing after the German invasion to mobilizing life-saving strategies to get them back on their feet. Lou organized a Commission for Relief in Belgium branch in California, in order to bring food and supplies to Belgium and even enlisted the help of the London Society of American Women in selling Belgian lace to provide work, funds and support for displaced citizens during the war. She reportedly even defended a hospital with just her shotgun — quite the modern woman.

Once back in the States, Lou continued her humanitarian work and helped women focus on strength by encouraging physical fitness, independence and even advocating for women to compete in the Olympics. Lou played a large role in leading Girl Scout troops to national recognition and was ahead of her time. She drove her own car, spoke publically and earned a degree from Stanford in geology.

Fast forward to World War II and Daniel Inouye graces American history, but not nearly as prominently as he deserves.

Son of Japanese immigrant parents, Inouye was born in Honolulu, Hawai’i, just in time to graduate high school nearly alongside the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. With the United States actively entering WWII, Inouye was turned away to serve and endured constant attacks on his character, nationality and heritage.

When the ban on Japanese Americans enlisted finally lifted in 1943, Inouye put a hold on his education and enlisted in the U.S. Army. Inouye volunteered for the all-Nisei-442nd Regimental Combat Team comprised of Japanese American citizens from internment camps and was promoted to sergeant within his first year of service.

While fighting in the Vosges Mountains, the 442nd Team was assigned to rescue a lost battalion of 400 U.S. soldiers surrounded by German troops. The battle lasted five days before the 442nd troop rescued more than 200 U.S. soldiers. Another troop wave of the 442nd team went in, rescuing another 185 soldiers. During a particularly brutal attack while Inouye was leading his men, he was struck just above the heart with a bullet and was saved by two silver dollars he had in his shirt pocket.

Inouye was deployed again in 1945 to the Gothic Line along the mountains in Italy and France, where his troops had to fight German soldiers uphill. Lieutenant Inouye’s troop of 30 men was surprise attacked by three German machine guns. When Inouye stood up to plan his move, he was shot in the stomach. Although badly wounded, he grabbed a grenade and destroyed one machine gun nest before rallying his men to take on the next.

Once just one machine gun was left to destroy, Inouye crawled within 10 yards of the nest and lifted his arm to throw his last grenade, but was shot in his right elbow. The nearly fatal shot rendered his right arm useless while still holding the live grenade. He grabbed the grenade out of his right hand with his left and destroyed the last machine gun nest, leaving his troop in shock and awe, but more importantly, alive.

Inouye famously shouted, “Nobody called off the war!” before being carried away for serious medical attention.

Inouye may have lost his right arm, but he, deservedly, went on to receive several medals and honors for his bravery, while his Regiment of Japanese-American soldiers were the most-decorated unit of its size in American history. He went on to the United States Senate before his death in 2012.

Between Lou’s staunch independence and active humanitarian work and Inouye’s incredible bravery and perseverance, these unsung heroes are worth knowing and celebrating.