Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about our Chinese-American veterans and their heroic contributions to World War II.  View the APAICS in Conversation webinar that was held on July 8 2020 and featured CAT member, Bill Chen – VIEW WEBINAR.  On the same subject, there is also information below about a fascinating new book, “UNSUNG HEROES”, for which Bill is Editor-in-Chief.  Bill tells us that many of the articles are written by sons, daughters, and grandchildren.  One article, “Engineering Helpers”, is about Allison P-40 AVG engine mechanics.  An article on Art Chin cites help from General Chennault when Art needed to be evacuated for his wounds.  Bill’s father, Capt. Moon Chen, is featured in an article entitled “From Railroad Workers to Flying Tigers.”  Another article is on Capt. Moon F. Chin, CNAC pilot who flew Jimmy Doolittle out of China.  Yes, CNAC had two pilots named Moon!

Bill Chen served as a career U.S. Army officer for over 32 years in the field of missile and missile defense and retired as a Major General – the first Chinese American to wear a 2-star rank in the U.S. Army.  His father, Captain Moon Chen, a pilot with the U.S. Army Air Forces, was assigned to the 14th Air Force under Gen. Claire Chennault in the China-Burma-India theater during World War II.

“UNSUNG HEROES” is the story of Chinese American Veterans and their contributions in World War II and the path toward recognition.  Largely forgotten, ignored, and neither recognized nor honored, the story of these Veterans is told through the writings of sons, daughters, and grandchildren of Chinese American Veterans for future generations to reflect upon the contributions of our WWII Veterans and to understand, appreciate, and preserve their legacies for generations to come.

Compiled by Editor-in-Chief, Maj. General William Chen, U.S. Army, ret., the book includes writings from authors in California, Oregon, Colorado, New York, and Massachusetts. Chapters 1 – 5 should be of interest to all, while Chapters 6 & 7 recognize Veterans from New England and Veterans whose next of kin reside in New England.

To purchase “UNSUNG HEROES”: Download Mail-In Order Form or Online Order Form

From the inside flaps of the book cover:

This book gives long-overdue recognition and honor to Chinese American World War II Veterans, as they have been largely forgotten and ignored.  Enacted on December 20, 2018, the Chinese American World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act, Public Law 115-337, gives recognition and honors veterans with the award of the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award bestowed by the United States Congress.  As stated in public law, “their commitment and sacrifice demonstrate a highly uncommon and commendable sense of patriotism in the face of discrimination.”

Articles throughout the book highlight the involvement and contributions of Chinese American Veterans in World War II.  Articles include the impact of their World War II experience on their lives – the opening of opportunities, and their hard work and sacrifices that enabled follow-on generations to live the American Dream and be a part of Mainstream America.

The book also specifically pays tribute and honors the Chinese American Veterans of New England States and Veterans whose next-of-kin reside in New England.

Editor-in-Chief William Chen’s Vision for the book is to:

  • Recognize and honor Chinese-American World War II Veterans.
  • Tell their stories and experiences as viewed by sons and daughters and those knowledgeable of their deeds and accomplishments.
  • Highlight overcoming the racial adversities of the time with an unwavering sense of patriotism, dedication, and resourcefulness. 
  • Fill a void of largely ignored or forgotten World War II involvement and contributions.
  • Be a Remembrance Book that preserves their legacy for current and follow-on generations.

Who is this book for?

  • The general public interested in World War II.
  • Veterans, next-of-kin, and families of veterans.
  • Museums, libraries, schools, colleges, and universities.
  • Chinese American communities, civic, cultural, historical, family, and professional associations.