Chinese American WWII veterans receive long-overdue medals of honor for their service

December 21, 2021

New York City’s Chinatown recognized and presented service medals to Chinese American World War II veterans for their service.

Hundreds of people gathered in New York City’s Chinatown on Saturday to attend the Chinese American Citizens Alliance’s veterans ceremony, according to The New York Post.

The ceremony, which was hosted by the Chinese American Citizens Alliance, honored dozens of Chinese American veterans from the New York and New Jersey area who served in World War II.

Three Chinese American generals — retired Major Gen. William S. Chen, retired Major Gen. Darryll D.M. Wong and Major Gen. Garrett S. Yee — presented the awards during the ceremony.

The Bronze Star was awarded to Harry Chin, Ying Chin, Ng Y Jung, Sidney J. Tom, Wing Wong and Koon Y. Yee. The recipients, who are now in their 90s, were unable to attend because of the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the city.

Paul Cheng, 73, a Vietnam veteran and retired hospital administrator, accepted the service medals on behalf of multiple family members. His father, Paul Cheng Sr., served in the Navy during World War II, and his two grandfathers, Kong Chu and James Cheng, served in the Marines and the Army.

“It took a long time,” Cheng told the New York Post. “For our family this is a total honor.”

According to the New York Post, Congress formally recognized the 20,000 Chinese Americans veterans who fought in World War II in December 2018. The Congressional Gold Medal nominations were planned shortly after, but the pandemic delayed the presentations. Over the past few months, presentations for the medal have been held across the country.

Feature Image via KATU

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