65° and Clear
Image
Photo by Darlene Wong Cancell. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker sits next to Boston City Councilor and Navy veteran Ed Flynn and a table holding replicas of the Congressional Gold Medal that is housed by the Smithsonian.
11-10-2021 11:46pm
Chinese American Vets Belong to the Greatest Generation, Too
Darlene Cancell
Editor
On October 16, 2021, at the New England Congressional Gold Medal Award Ceremony at Faneuil Hall, I had the honor of receiving for my father, Stanley Wong, the recognition of the Congressional Gold Medal.
My dad was one of as many as 20,000 Chinese Americans who served in this country's Armed Forces during World War II, despite facing discrimination at the time. Although he was a U.S. citizen, about 40 percent of Chinese Americans who protected and defended the United States in World War II were not, due to laws denying them citizenship. My father and his two brothers, naturally born U.S. citizens, were lucky to return home from the war. My maternal grandfather, an immigrant from China, was killed in action at the Battle of the Bulge.
Citizens or not, Chinese Americans served in all branches of the Armed Forces and participated in all four theaters of war - Pacific, China-Burma-India, European, and African theaters. Among this group were those who were awarded Combat Infantry Badges, Purple Hearts, Bronze Stars, Silver Stars, the Distinguished Service Cross and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor Congress can bestow upon private citizens. George Washington was the first recipient, due to his role in bringing about the British evacuation of Boston as commander of the Continental Army. When on December 20, 2018, Congress awarded the honor, collectively, to Chinese American veterans of World War II, it noted their commitment and sacrifice and "a highly uncommon and commendable sense of patriotism and honor in the face of discrimination."
Due to the pandemic and perhaps the advanced age of the recipients, multiple regional award ceremonies have been held throughout the country. Although my father did not live to see this honor, on this Veterans Day, I wanted to share a little of the recent experience (and yes, some pride!) from the Boston regional ceremony:
Photo by Darlene Wong Cancell. Governor Charlie Baker speaks in honor of Chinese American World War II veterans.
Photo by Darlene Wong Cancell. A few living Chinese American WWII veterans and many more next of kin gather at the regional Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony in Boston on October 16, 2021.
Photo by Darlene Wong Cancell. The nation's first 2 Star Chinese American General, William S. Chen, presents Congressman Stephen Lynch with a commemorative book in honor of Chinese American World War II veterans.
Photo by Darlene Wong Cancell. Governor Charlie Baker is center stage and to his right are Congressman Mark Takano, Congressman Stephen Lynch, and General William S. Chen. They are joined by federal and local dignitaries to celebrate the award of the Congressional Gold Medal to Chinese American World War II vets. 
Photo by Darlene Wong Cancell. One side of the Congressional Gold Medal shows that Chinese American World War II veterans served on land, sea and air. Pictured on the medal are a Sherman tank, the USS Missouri battleship, and a P-40 used by the Flying Tigers.
Photo by Darlene Wong Cancell. The front of the Congressional Gold Medal showcases the fact that Chinese American vets of WWII served as nurses and as servicemembers in all branches and all theaters of war.Thanks to all veterans for your dedication and service.
Updated 11/11/2021 at 9:40 a.m. A correction has been made to a photo caption to clarify the service of Chinese American women as nurses. Also, a typo - a missing parenthesis - has been added.
