Chinese Historical Society of Southern California: WW II Photos

Chinese Americans in World War II

These are but a few of the memorable photographs on display at the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California's Chinatown Heritage and Visitors Center. (Click on the image to bring up larger version.)

1st Lt. Fred Gong (center) served in the Mediterranean theater as a lead bombardier on a B-17 Flying Fortress. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters. He retired as an illustration artist.

Because of his knowledge of sound reproduction, Lt. Victor Quon received a direct commission. Here he was at the Hollywood Canteen with Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore. Quon recorded both when he was a civilian. Later he became a music director for CBS.

Dorothy Siu of the American Women Volunteer Service was stationed in Chinatown. Here she is with Air Cadets, guiding them to places to see and do in Los Angeles.

Infantry Sergeant Robert Jung liked the view from atop his prize: a German tank.

Los Angeles Chinese Americans in the American Women Volunteer Services included (front row, left to right) Dorothy Siu, Alice Chow, Anna Tom, Emma Tom, Dorothy Lee, Jane Lee, Grace Chu and, back row, Dorothy Lum, Vivian Chinn, (unidentified), Annie Jung, Grace Chow and Mrs. Charles Luck.

Madame Chiang Kai Shek is greeted at the Hollywood Bowl during her 1943 China War Relief fundraising tour.

1st Lt. Victor Schoon, Army Air Force pilot, after his 35th mission. This qualiified him to be routed back to the States. On a previous flight his B-17 bomber was so critically shot up he had to make a forced landing on a small English farm.

Winifred Eng Lee, U.S. Navy Seaman First Class, harmonizing with fellow WAVEs. Note flags of major Allies in background. "It took me out of my shell," recalled Winifred, who now helps at the Castelar school in Chinatown.

1st Lt. James Yip (back row, right) and his B-17 crew immediately after their 8th combat mission over Lecdfeld, Germany on July 19, 1944. Recalling his 35th mission in the Eight Air Force, Yip said, "...our tail gunner was killed and our bombardier wounded before the run was completed." Currently a retired Los Angeles County judge, Yip said of his outfit: "We still meet every year."

Want to know more? Learn about Los Angeles Chinese American veterans' WW II experiences? A new book, "Duty & Honor: A Tribute to Chinese American WWII Veterans of Southern California," will soon be out.

Return to the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California home page.

	1st Lt. Fred Gong (center) served in the Mediterranean theater as a lead bombardier on a B-17 Flying Fortress. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters. He retired as an illustration artist.
	Because of his knowledge of sound reproduction, Lt. Victor Quon received a direct commission. Here he was at the Hollywood Canteen with Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore. Quon recorded both when he was a civilian. Later he became a music director for CBS.
	Dorothy Siu of the American Women Volunteer Service was stationed in Chinatown. Here she is with Air Cadets, guiding them to places to see and do in Los Angeles.
	Infantry Sergeant Robert Jung liked the view from atop his prize: a German tank.
	Los Angeles Chinese Americans in the American Women Volunteer Services included (front row, left to right) Dorothy Siu, Alice Chow, Anna Tom, Emma Tom, Dorothy Lee, Jane Lee, Grace Chu and, back row, Dorothy Lum, Vivian Chinn, (unidentified), Annie Jung, Grace Chow and Mrs. Charles Luck.
	Madame Chiang Kai Shek is greeted at the Hollywood Bowl during her 1943 China War Relief fundraising tour.
	1st Lt. Victor Schoon, Army Air Force pilot, after his 35th mission. This qualiified him to be routed back to the States. On a previous flight his B-17 bomber was so critically shot up he had to make a forced landing on a small English farm.
	Winifred Eng Lee, U.S. Navy Seaman First Class, harmonizing with fellow WAVEs. Note flags of major Allies in background. "It took me out of my shell," recalled Winifred, who now helps at the Castelar school in Chinatown.
	1st Lt. James Yip (back row, right) and his B-17 crew immediately after their 8th combat mission over Lecdfeld, Germany on July 19, 1944. Recalling his 35th mission in the Eight Air Force, Yip said, "...our tail gunner was killed and our bombardier wounded before the run was completed." Currently a retired Los Angeles County judge, Yip said of his outfit: "We still meet every year."