|
Washington, DC - Today, in our nation's capitol, Congressman David Wu met with the only two all-Chinese American units of World War II. This is the largest group of Chinese American veterans from any era to hold a regular reunion.
Chinese Americans veterans of World War II, for the most part, were in integrated units, and served in every branch of the military in every theater of war, including Europe, the South Pacific, the North Atlantic, and the China Burma India Theater. The service members of the 14th Air Service Group and the 987th Signal Company of the U.S. Army were exceptions. Serving in segregated units, with a mix of white and Chinese American officers, they were organized for service in China as part of a war aid package for Chiang Kai-Shek's Chinese Nationalist Government.
In honor of the sacrifices made by these veterans, and in remembrance of those who lost their lives fighting for our country, Congressman Wu submitted the following statement to the official Congressional Record:
Congressional Record
109th Congress, Second Session
Honorable David Wu of Oregon
in the House of Representatives
Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Memorial Day, a day to remember those who have given their lives to preserve democracy in this great nation, I rise today to honor the heroes of the 14th Air Service Group and the 987th Signal Company of the United States Army. These two units represent the only all-Chinese American units serving in World War II.
Chinese American service members of World War II primarily served in integrated units, in every branch of the military, and in every theater of war, including Europe, the South Pacific, the North Atlantic, and the China Burma India Theater. The members of the 14th Air Service Group and the 987th Signal Company were exceptions. Serving in segregated units, with a mix of white and Chinese American officers, they were organized for service in China as part of a war aid package for Chiang Kai-Shek's Chinese Nationalist Government.
Several surviving members of these two units are visiting Washington this week to commemorate Memorial Day, but also to share with me their stories. Both on and off the battlefield, their life histories are a part of our nation's fabric.
Like all of those who served, these units performed an invaluable service to this country on the battlefield. Under difficult circumstances, these units supported the aerial operations in China and enhanced communications between American and Chinese military organizations, contributing to the Allied victory in World War II.
Off the battlefield, these units and their families represent Chinese America in the 1940's. Half were American born and half were immigrants from Hong Kong and China, some as young as high school and others as old as 36 years of age leaving behind families and established businesses and careers. None foresaw leaving what had become home, returning to the country from which they came and joining a fight to protect the freedoms of their new life in America.
To the members of the 14th Air Service Group and the 987th Signal Company, I thank you for your sacrifice, steadfast bravery and love of country and for coming to share your story.
I extend my deepest gratitude to those of the 14th Air Service Group and the 987th Signal Company who did not return home or who are not with us still today. Their memories will live on through us and all service members who have or will answer the call to serve. I call upon this Congress to join me today in thanking these great Americans.
### |
