Join us to experience our Chinese American Veterans in their own words as we honor men and women from all branches of service to share their wartime experiences and life advice for future generations.
| Alfred Chan – Congressional Gold Medal Honoree Ceremony |
| On Veterans Day 2020, Alfred Chan (96), was presented the WWII Chinese American Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) by his son. Alfred, a US Navy Seabee, was stationed on Midway Island in 1944. He is dressed in a VFW jacket and cap reflecting his 50 year membership in the VFW East Bay Chinatown Post 3956. In this three minute video is a brief CGM backstory, the CGM presentation, Al’s medal ceremony and pictures in uniform. Plus foot locker Al built on Midway Island in 1945 as a Carpenters Mate to ship back his uniforms, and a piece of coral as a war memento. |
| Randall Ching - WWII Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony |
| Private First Class, Randall Ching is the ONLY Chinese-American to have served in the ENTIRE famed 5th Ranger Bn. as a combat infantryman during WWII. Through his Ranger training, he became a feared fighting infantryman, especially with his knife fighting ability and marksmanship. From his initial combat engagement during the Normandy Beachhead Landing on Omaha Beach June 6, 1944 to the end of the war in October 1945, Randall served with the highest honors with Co. B of the 5th Ranger Battalion and earned two Bronze Star medals, Combat Infantry Badge, two Army Presidential Unit Citations, the French Croix de Guerre with Silver-Gilt Star, and most recently in 2020, Randall received the French Legion of Honor, Chevalier. |
| Kwong Y Yee - WWII Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony |
| Kwong Y. Yee served in Africa, India and in China with the famed Flying Tigers during WWII. Afterwards, he married, had his family and volunteered with the Yee Association and American Legion in NYC’s Chinatown for decades, holding executive positions at both organizations. He served proudly, loved his family and made many lifelong friends. Kwong passed away in April 2020 at age 97. He wanted to receive his Congressional Gold Medal in person but now will have to receive this prestigious award posthumously. This brief short video clip shows his Congressional Gold Medal Presentation Ceremony. Your family proudly honors you! |
| Ming K Wong – WWII Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony |
| It is a great honor to receive the Congressional Gold Medal for my World War II service. I was a teenager with an eighth-grade education in San Francisco Chinatown when I was drafted into the Army. My military experience provided me a chance to see the world, improve my English and contribute to the war effort. After the war, I took advantage of the GI Bill to complete my high school education and receive an engineering degree from UC Berkeley. This education allowed me to work in the industries of space and nuclear technology and enjoy a comfortable family life. |
| Hoy You Lim - US Army, Private |
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| At the age of 26, Private Hoy You Lim was the first Chinese American from Chicago to be killed in action during WWII. Private Lim only lived in the US for two years before being drafted, serving in the Army’s 5th Division, 11th Infantry. Private Lim was killed during the Northern France campaign outside Angers, France. Private Lim is not acknowledged in any official roster honoring Chinese American WWII Congressional Gold Medal recipients. Read more about his story by clicking on the right photo below. |
| Michael Bow Lau Mar |
| Michael Bow Lau Mar immigrated to the US as a Paper Son in 1938. His young wife was a US citizen and taught him English. His livelihood was a waiter. Just before the US entered WWII, he lost his wife leaving a young son. Michael enlisted with the Merchant Marines and after training was assigned to Avalon. He was promoted to serve two captains and their families. During his two and a half years on Catalina he documented his service in a photo album with his own artwork. He learned how to cook American food. For the rest of his life Michael was known for his excellent Chinese and American cuisines. Before retiring he was part owner of a Chinese restaurant in the world famous Farmers Market. |
| VFW East Bay Chinatown Post #3956 50th Anniversary Journal (1958-2008) |
| This digital book is the Veterans of Foreign Wars East Bay Chinatown Post #3956, 50th Anniversary Commemorative Journal. It contains the Post’s history and biographies of many of its WWII members. From 1958 to 2009, Post 3956 served the Oakland Chinatown Community until its consolidation with the San Francisco Chinatown Post 4618. Today, this book, Post 3956 flag, and its memorabilia resides on display at the Overseas Chinese Museum (Jiangmen China) in remembrance of the Guandong Province origins of its members. The rich half a century history of service is dedicated to all its Veterans, families, friends and supporters. |
| Instructions To View This Flip Book To view the book full screen click the three bars on the upper right hand corner. Then click on full screen. To turn the pages, click the right and left arrows on the side. When done, to get out of full screen, press esc on your keyboard. |
| VFW East Bay Chinatown Post #3956 Video Tribute |
| A six minute video history of the VFW Oakland Chinatown Post #3956. Narrated by its last Commander, Edward Yu. Produced by Christina Lim of KTEH in 2008. Included is a 50 year view of photographs of all the Post Commanders, dedication of the colors, founding of the Post, and chronicling the Post's success in lobbying to open Chinese immigration of Veteran families. |
