1942 Frank Fong - ONE OF THE FIRST CHINESE AMERICAN FIGHTER PILOTS

Frank Fong, a natural born American citizen, volunteered in World War II to join the Army and was denied the right to join the Army, because of his race. He was unsuccessful getting local help to join up, and had to write General Hap Arnold for assistance. After reviewing Fong’s application, the General appointed Fong as a pilot candidate.

Due to a pilot shortage, Frank Fong was assigned to non-combat flying status and flew reconnaissance missions in support of the D-Day Normandy invasion. In a follow-up flying assignment, Lt Col Fong commanded the Fifth Emergency Rescue Squadron which rescued many US and Allied aircrews downed in the North Sea. In 2001 the English military honored Colonel Fong and his squadron for their heroic rescue missions during WW II. He was recalled to active duty during the Korean War and also the Vietnam War.

Fong suffered racial discrimination and was denied entry when he voluntarily applied to the United States Army Air Force (USAAF). With determination and persistence, he was finally accepted by the USAAF. This opened the door for other Chinese Americans later to serve in the United States military services.

It took 48 years for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to concede that a plane crash scarred his left eye and eventually took his sight. It took two more years for the VA to agree that Fong is seriously disabled by nightmares and flashbacks of violent air combat missions. And nearly three years to fully compensate him for his blind eye and for a back injury from the plane crash, VA records show.

Fong's battle with the VA isn't over. He's still seeking back pay for the years 1950-1997, when the VA refused to acknowledge his blindness. This 54-year ordeal illustrates how technicalities in the VA's disability compensation system shortchange those who lack well-trained advocates and the persistence to keep fighting for years.

Lt. Colonel Fong's contributions have made life better not only for Asian Americans in Miami-Dade County but all Americans in the United States and all people in the world.In November 2000, Lt. Colonel Fong was among eleven other Chinese American WWIIveterans who were honored and recognized by Miami-Dade County Mayor Penelas during the premiere screening of the documentary film, We Served with Pride: The Chinese American Experience in WWII. The screening was organized by the Organization of Chinese Americans - South Florida Chapter.

Fong went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Over his illustrious career, Fong received two Distinguished Flying Crosses, eight Air Medals, a Purple Heart, a European Theater Ribbon with four Bronze Stars, American Theater Ribbon of Merit, Korean Medal, Intelligence Medallion, Senior Pilot Wing, Expert Medal and many other honors..