WWII Chinese American Veterans Finally Recognized!

Hawaii Celebration

On December 20, 2018, President Donald J. Trump signed into law Senate Bill 1050 awarding the Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) to Chinese American Veterans who served honorably in the Army, Army Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine during World War II (WWII).   The CGM is the Congress’ highest expression of appreciation for distinguished achievement and contribution to the United States. 

Prior to WWII, the United States imposes long standing discrimination against the Chinese American community. The best known example is the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, our country’s first immigration law targeting a specific ethnic group.  Thankfully, Congress repealed the Act in 1943 and eventually Chinese Americans became an integral part of America’s social fabric.

Despite barriers to citizenship and equality, Chinese Americans remained patriotic and retained a firm belief in service to country.  Chinese Americans served our nation in every war since the Civil War.  Once WWII was formally declared, more than 20,000 Chinese Americans volunteered or were drafted into the armed services.  Hawaii, third only to California and New York, had the most individuals stepping forward to serve as a percentage of population.

Now with the passage of the CGM to Chinese Americans Veterans of WWII, we need to identify the veterans, gather documents, uniforms, photographs, and other materials to validate the eligibility of those Chinese Americans (males and females) who served in the Army, Army Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines in WWII.  

A potential Chinese American Veteran of WWII to receive the CGM must be registered on the website www.CAWW2Hawaii.org. The veteran’s service in WWII must occur between December 7, 1941 thru December 31, 1946.

A suitable award presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal in Honolulu is being planned by co-chairs Michele Choy, President Chinese Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, and Major General Robert Lee, US Army (Ret).