In the first half of the 19th century when Asian/Pacific Islander Americans began immigrating to the United States, many found employment in the army. The military was able to provide comradery to A/PIA soldiers who were searching for cultural belonging through close communities. A/PIA veterans contributed significantly throughout U.S. history in wartime earning many awards and fighting to gain a foothold in the nation. The service of these A/PIA veterans must not be forgotten, as some even fought against their countries of ethnic origin. Beyond wartime, A/PIA military members have also served in leadership roles in the U.S.’s most prestigious defense administrations.
Harry B. Harris Jr.
the first Japanese American to lead the U.S. Pacific Command in the Navy and was the highest-ranking Japanese American in the U.S. Navy.
Hazel Ying Lee
attended Pursuit School in Texas becoming one of a select group of women qualified to fly high-powered, single-engine, fighter aircrafts as a part of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs)
Josephina Guerrero
had her map used by the United States to successfully crush the Japanese defense in Manila Harbour.
Sources:
Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders in the United States Army
