Local Bay Area Heroes: Honoring Chinese American WWII Contributions

CHCP Commemorates the 80th Anniversary of the End of WWII at History Park
November 15, 2025 | History Park San Jose

By Samantha Lee, CHCP Member

In commemoration of Veterans Day and the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project (CHCP) proudly presented Part II of "Local Bay Area Heroes: Chinese American Contributions During WWII" on November 15, 2025, at San Jose’s History Park. This landmark event honored the legacy of Chinese American veterans and their families, particularly those rooted in the Bay Area, and drew a full house of visitors, supporters, and descendants eager to learn, remember, and connect across generations.

Held at both the Chinese American Historical Museum (Ng Shing Gung) and the Firehouse Building, the program combined powerful live storytelling, historical exhibits, and multimedia presentations—creating a day of remembrance that bridged the past with the present.

Morning Program with Stories That Endure

The day opened with three new exhibits showcasing Chinese American Contributions to WWII, meticulously curated and displayed on the museum’s second floor. These exhibits included photographs, medals, uniforms, original letters, and artifacts loaned by families of veterans—highlighting stories of service in the Pacific, European, and China-Burma-India (CBI) theaters. Visitors learned about the challenges Chinese Americans faced under the Chinese Exclusion Act, and how, despite exclusion from full citizenship, they still served the United States with valor and loyalty.

The morning "Live Mic" session featured:

• Sgt. Harry Lim and Sgt. Wing Lai, who served with the 14th Air Force in the CBI Theater, shared poignant accounts of their wartime duties—Lim as an aircraft electrician with the 407th Air Service Squadron, and Lai as a supply officer with the 555th. Both were stationed in some of the most remote and dangerous outposts of WWII.

• John Buck Chew, a U.S. Army tank driver stationed in the Philippines, reflected on life during and after the war. His presence was especially meaningful for younger attendees seeking a personal connection to history.

• Jean Bee Chan, a civilian survivor of the Japanese occupation of China and author of "The Soldiers Are Coming," delivered a moving 20-minute reflection about her journey of survival, migration, and the complex realities of war. Her presentation included readings from her book and evoked standing applause.

These presentations, each heartfelt and personal, provided rare firsthand perspectives that deepened the audience’s understanding of Chinese American service during WWII.

Afternoon Program of Film, Family, and Legacy

At 12:30 p.m., the Firehouse's second floor became a space for collective memory as families displayed memorabilia and guests gathered for a special screening of "Crossing Oceans in Service to Country," a documentary by Vivian Low. The film, which features interviews and oral histories of Chinese American WWII veterans from across the Bay Area, revealed the depth of their sacrifice—made even more significant given the social inequities they faced at home. Following the screening, Low participated in a Q&A session, sharing insight into the film’s production and the importance of telling untold stories.

The final portion of the program featured an open mic session where descendants and community members honored their family members through storytelling, slideshows, and cherished photos, trophies, medals, and books:

• Logan Ho, great-grandson of Sgt. Wing Lai spoke movingly about rediscovering his family’s legacy and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

• Doug Wong, representing the Chinese American Citizens Alliance, Oakland, shared stories of the Oakland Chinatown USO and Dorothy Ng, whose leadership uplifted local servicemen during wartime.

• Russell N. Low, author and son of Loren and Stanley Low, delivered a compelling multimedia presentation titled “All American Crew,” which brought his uncles’ heroic story as Chinese American airmen vividly to life.

• Connie Young Yu, daughter of Col. John C. Young, spoke of her father’s military and civic achievements. She displayed one of his medals and recalled his postwar commitment to civil rights and inclusion.

• Ron Chan, son of Alfred Chan, presented a video tribute to VFW Post 3956, highlighting how returning Chinese American veterans built new communities of support.

• Wanda Ching honored her mother, Lonnie Yee Young, sharing family photos and reflections on her legacy of quiet strength.

• Oliver Chin, son of Henry Chin, paired family stories with a slideshow tribute to pioneering aviator Katherine Sui Fun Cheung, connecting military and aviation history with cultural pride.

• Herbert “Chuck” Chan, nephew of Eddie Len, honored his uncle with a photo collection and informal talk that emphasized camaraderie and resilience in the face of adversity.

• Kan Wong, son of Shek P. Wong, and Morgan Lew, son of Tech Sgt. Tom Lew, both gave moving tributes to their fathers, sharing memories, photographs, and their continuing efforts to preserve their families’ military legacies.

The intimate setting fostered intergenerational dialogue, allowing for deep engagement with the veterans and their families. Light refreshments were offered mid-afternoon as guests continued to explore the exhibits and engage in one-on-one conversations with speakers. The second floor of both venues buzzed with stories, connections, and shared reverence for a generation whose sacrifices helped define American freedom.

The "Local Bay Area Heroes" program is part of CHCP’s ongoing effort to honor the contributions of Chinese Americans to the nation's history—particularly those who have served in the armed forces despite exclusion, racism, and cultural erasure. The event complemented CHCP's WWII Veterans Project, which seeks to collect oral histories, preserve artifacts, and ensure Chinese American service is formally recognized. This includes ongoing public education efforts and support for national recognition, such as the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to all Chinese American World War II veterans.

CHCP extends heartfelt gratitude to all participants, veterans, descendants, volunteers, and attendees who made the event so impactful. Special thanks to CHCP Director Brenda Wong, SDCAP, and event volunteers for their dedicated coordination and care.

As one guest remarked, “This was more than a memorial—it was a reconnection. We carry these stories forward, not just for history’s sake, but for justice and belonging.”

To learn more about CHCP's Chinese American World War II Veterans Project or to contribute a story, please visit: https://chcp.org/WWII-Veterans-Project

For photos and event highlights, follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @CHCPorg

CHCP is proud to promote, educate, and preserve Chinese and Chinese American history in Santa Clara County and beyond.