During World War II, as many as 20,000 Chinese Americans of Cantonese and Toisan descent served in the US Military. Chinese Americans have a long history of honorable service in defending America. They have bravely served in every major war and conflict since the Civil War, embodying courage, dedication, and patriotism. Their inspiring legacy continues to resonate through generations.
Please note that the information about the veterans showcased below is based on details provided by the veterans themselves or their families. While we strive to ensure accuracy, these accounts may not fully capture their contributions.
Due to space constraints, we are currently featuring only a few veterans. However, we aim to expand our mission in the near future to highlight more veterans, either in a book or at the Museum of Chinese Americans. Thank you for your understanding.
Tommy Ong, US Army
– Served in the US Army 1972-1975
– Hoisan heritage, speaks Hoisan
– Born in Queens, New York City
– Basic Training in Fort Dix, New Jersey
– Military Police School at Fort Gordon, Georgia
– Stationed at Camp Ames, Republic of Korea
– Returned to Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, New York
– Family village: Hoisan, Chung Lau, Faw Siu Tawn
– Father’s original name: Wong; Tommy legally changed it to Ong
– Brooklyn DA Investigator: 1975-1979
– NYPD Career (Retired as Second Grade Detective): 1979-1999
– Investigative Manager in Insurance Industry: 1999-2010
– Founded own PI firm, ONG INVESTIGATIVE SERVICE: 2010 to Present
– Commander of the American Legion
Samuel Hom, US Army
Samuel Hom was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to parents from Toisan County, Guangdong, China. During his early years, he returned to China with his mother and three siblings but came back to the U.S. at sixteen to help his father with their laundry business in Brooklyn, New York.
At eighteen, Samuel was drafted into the U.S. Army, beginning his service at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He served in Company 11 of the 31st Infantry from November 1, 1944, to November 1, 1946. Starting as a Duty Soldier,
Samuel performed various tasks within the company area and later rose to the rank of Private First Class, becoming a Light Motor Crewman with a particular fondness for driving tanks. Samuel underwent basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he faced challenges related to his ethnicity. In early 1945, he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, where he witnessed the aftermath of a massacre. He also participated in the U.S. Occupation forces in Seoul, Korea.
Throughout his life, Samuel shared his military experiences with pride and humor, recognizing the sacrifices of his fellow servicemen and women. He firmly believed that their collective efforts protected the cherished values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for future generations.
Lt. Benjamin Ralph Kimlau, US Army Air Force
Benjamin Ralph Kimlau was born on April 10, 1918, in Concord, Massachusetts. At 14, he moved with his family to New York City’s Chinatown. He graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in 1937 and from Pennsylvania Military College in 1942 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry, United States Army.
Ralph transferred to the United States Army Air Force, earning his pilot wings in 1943. He flew the B-24 Liberator with the Fifth Air Force, 380th Bombardment Group, 530th Bomb Squadron, based in Australia. Ralph and his crew completed 46 bombing missions in support of General Douglas MacArthur’s efforts in the Philippines. On March 5, 1944, their plane suffered mechanical failure and crash-landed, killing Ralph and his crew. Their actions prevented a greater disaster.
Initially interred in the Pacific, Ralph’s remains were transferred to Arlington National Cemetery in 1948. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and WWII Victory Medal.
In 1945, over 600 returning WWII servicemembers of Chinese ancestry formed the American Legion Post 1291 in NYC Chinatown, naming it in honor of Lieutenant Benjamin Ralph Kimlau. The post has been instrumental in the community since 1945. The Kimlau War Memorial, dedicated in 1962, is a NYC Landmark related to Chinese American history and culture.
The Kimlau Post in New York City’s Chinatown is a living testament to Ralph’s devotion to duty and his positive impact on the community.
Wilem Wong, Lieutenant Colonel, USAR; OIF&OEF Vet
Wilem Wong is a retired NYPD Police Sergeant Special Assignment with over 21 years of service. He previously served as a Police Officer in the San Francisco Police Department. In the military, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Army Reserve after over 34 years, including combat service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Wilem is Toisan and currently serves as the State Director for New York City for the Selective Service System and is the Vice Commander of the American Legion Post 1291.
He earned a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership from Webster University and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from New York University. An accidental long-distance runner, he has completed four marathons across the United States.
P. EFFY, US Marine Corps
P Effy is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served with distinction from 1997 to 2002, embracing the Marine Corps motto “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful). As a Corporal, he specialized as an Intelligence Analyst and was involved in critical operations such as drug and firearms interdiction and anti-human trafficking efforts. Effy was honorably discharged after his tenure in the military.
Born in 1978 in NYC’s Chinatown/Lower East Side, Effy is of Cantonese descent, with his family hailing from Foshan, Guangdong Province, specifically the village of Shun Duk. He is fluent in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, and has proficiency in Toisan.
Effy graduated with honors from Pace University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business and Administration. Additionally, he completed minor studies in American History and Linguistics. His educational pursuits also led him to the US Military War College and the Defense Language School in Monterey Bay, California.
Gardell Tung, US Marine Corps
Gardell Tung is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served from 1980 to 1984, embodying the Marine Corps motto “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful). During his service, he held the rank of Corporal and specialized as an Avionics Technician, providing crucial support for helicopters.
Of Cantonese descent, Gardell’s parents hailed from Shenzhen (Sum Jun) in Guangdong (Canton), China. He is fluent in both English and Cantonese.
Following his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Gardell has dedicated his career to serving fellow veterans. He currently works as a Project Manager at the Veterans Administration (VA), continuing his commitment to supporting those who have served in the armed forces.
Harvard Tang
– Owner of Stationery Store on 74B Mott Street in Chinatown
– Chairman of the Chinese-American Veterans Memorial Building Committee
– Hails from Toisan, China
– U.S. War Veteran
Richard Gong
Richard Gong was born in Brooklyn in 1940 to Chinese immigrant parents. Growing up in a close-knit family of eight siblings, he was surrounded by a strong sense of duty and service, with three of his siblings serving in the Army and Air Force.
Richard himself served in the military at Fort Bragg as an intelligence analyst. Although his military service did not involve direct participation in wars, his support roles were crucial in the overall mission of his unit.
The Kimlau War Memorial is a public monument dedicated to the contributions of Chinese Americans. Although there are several New York City landmarks in Chinatown, this is the first that specifically recognizes Chinese American history and culture.
Kenneth Wong, US Navy
Frank Louie, US Army
Frank Louie, US Army
Kwok Moy, US Army
Gabe Mui, US Army
Kivin Eng Chan, US Army
Yee Bo Lung, US Army
Major General William Chen,
US Army
William Lee, US Marines
Major General Darryll D.M. Wong, Air Force
Kenneth Wong, US Army
Howard Chin, US Army
Wun Hong Eng, US Army
Raymond Chan, US Army
The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor by the US Congress. It is awarded to commend the valor and sacrifices of the Chinese American WWII Veterans.
Harry Lew, US Army
Despite discrimination, some 20,000 Chinese Americans served in WWII, with 40% not U.S. citizens due to unfair laws. They contributed significantly, notably in the Flying Tigers and various roles. Chinese American women also served in diverse capacities, including as pilots, air traffic controllers, and nurses. For a comprehensive list, visit the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project website.
Established by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is the largest veterans service organization in the nation. Dedicated to fostering patriotism, supporting veterans and service members, and promoting national security, it also mentors youth and engages in community programs. The Lt. B.R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291, founded in 1944, honors the memory of Lieutenant Benjamin Ralph Kimlau, a Chinese-American Air Force pilot killed in action during World War II. Alongside its national commitments, the post actively serves the New York Chinese Community. For more information visit their website.
The Chinese American G.I. Project is dedicated to preserving the untold stories of Chinese American military contributions, spanning from the Civil War to the present day. Committed to sharing these narratives with future generations, they have spent decades collecting data, researching, and preserving the stories and artifacts of our men and women veterans.
Through their efforts, they aim to shed light on the significant impact Chinese Americans have had on our communities and the nation’s defense. They invite guests to join their newsletter and engage in discussions to underscore the importance of this topic, recognizing each individual’s unique experience. By passing down these stories, we honor the sacrifices and endurance of our forefathers, ensuring that their legacy lives on for generations to come. Visit their website.
