Hundreds gathered in Chinatown on Saturday to observe Chinese-American veterans of World War II.
The program incorporated the introduction of six Bronze Star medals for courage in battle to previous warriors now in their 90s, alongside many Congressional Gold Medals.
The medals were introduced by three Chinese-American generals: Retired Major Gen. William S. Chen, the first Chinese-American to acquire the rank of two-star general, resigned Major Gen. Darryll D.M. Wong and Major Gen. Garrett S. Yee.
The Bronze Star was awarded to Harry Chin, Ying Chin, Ng Y Jung, Sidney J. Tom, Wing Wong and Koon Y. Yee.
The resigned generals donated their time for the ceremony, which was paid for and coordinated by the Chinese American Citizens Alliance.
Paul Cheng, 73, a Vietnam veteran and retired hospital administrator, accepted the service medals on behalf of his father, Paul Cheng Sr., who served in the Navy during World War II, and two grandfathers, Kong Chu, a Marine and James Cheng, who served in the Army.
“It consumed most of the day,” Cheng said. “For our family this is a total honor”
Around 20,000 Chinese-Americans veterans battled in the conflict, including numerous who were not citizens.
Congress officially perceived Chinese American veterans for their World War II assistance in December 2018, and a selecting cycle for the Congressional Gold Medal was set up later that. The pandemic postponed the presentations, which have been held the in recent months.
Saturday’s group included numerous who conveyed photographs of their family members who served. The older Bronze Star awardees couldn’t go to in light of the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the city.