Over 70 years ago, young and not-so-young Chinese Americans marched off to adventures that brought some dreams into reality, while others promised better opportunities when (or if) these servicemen and women returned to their communities and families.
On November 10, 1994, the Chinese Historical society of Southern California celebrated the 50th anniversary of the ending of World War II by honoring over 60 Chinese American veterans from Southern California who served in the United States Armed Forces during this period. It proved to be one of the Society’s most moving events, and the wave of community interest was overwhelming.
Responding to the community’s urging, the Society formed a Community Research Project to conduct an intensive search for more Chinese American WWII veterans from Southern California and to produce a commemorative community history book that would bring tribute and honor to these proven Americans.
This special community history book only begins to fill a neglected chapter in American history. While there are countless more, meet and hear the voices of over 400 Chinese American men and women who proudly, yet modestly, and in many cases painfully, came forward to tell us about their participation and experiences in America’s memorable WWII effort.