Asian American vets reflect 50 years post-Vietnam

    0
    2

    In his youth, William Fong knew San Francisco as his entire universe. However, everything changed in 1967, more than ten years into the Vietnam War when he was drafted. At the age of 20, Fong left his familiar Chinatown neighborhood, embarking on a journey that would take him first to basic training and then to the unfamiliar landscapes of Asia. Anticipating a predominantly white American military force, he harbored fears of being mistaken for a combatant on the opposing side.

    This fear only fueled his resolve to excel as a soldier. “I wanted to be accepted like anyone else, not specifically as Chinese or Asian,” Fong recalled, eager to avoid the racial stereotypes he’d grown up hearing. Serving as an armor intelligence specialist during his year in Vietnam, Fong, now 77, formed lifelong friendships with his fellow soldiers.

    Half a century after the war’s end, an increasing number of Asian American and Pacific Islander veterans are reflecting on how the conflict changed their lives, made more complex by racial considerations. Veterans from various branches of the military are now sharing experiences of racism both during their childhood and military service. Reminded often that they resembled “the enemy,” they faced hostility and at times, violence.

    Despite these challenges, many found companionship among their peers and take pride in their service. Decades later, these veterans are determined to have their stories heard.

    The war, known in Vietnam as the “American War,” began in 1955 and concluded on April 30, 1975, with Northern Vietnamese forces taking Saigon. Approximately 58,000 Americans, 250,000 South Vietnamese allies, and an estimated 3 million communist fighters and civilians lost their lives. Of the 2.7 million Americans who fought, roughly 35,000 were Asian American, according to the Library of Congress.

    Since the year 2000, the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project has collected around 121,000 personal stories from veterans. Archivists report that about 700 of these identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander, though this may be an undercount due to nondisclosure of race by most participants.

    Credit for many of these stories goes to the Asian American Community Media Project, a volunteer-led initiative that has contributed over 100 accounts in just two years. The project, driven by volunteers Don Bannai and George Wada, sprang from a deep desire to preserve veterans’ stories. Neither is a veteran, but both Bannai and Wada, who are Japanese American and in their 70s, have channeled personal resources and documentary skills to capture veterans’ testimonials.

    “The hardest part is finding willing participants,” Bannai acknowledged. “We have a list of 250 individuals, but a hundred have declined to share their stories, indicating that there are many untold stories that remain difficult to share.”

    Through their work, Bannai and Wada have uncovered compelling narratives from Japanese American Vietnam veterans. Some disclosed that their parents were interned during World War II, while others had relatives who served in the esteemed 442nd Infantry Regiment.

    For many Japanese American veterans, military service was seen as a natural choice, an option validated by previous generations’ service. Some veterans shared stories of hostile interactions; instances where their appearance prompted mistaken identity and discrimination.

    In one instance, a marine recalled being physically confronted by a sergeant who assumed he was Vietnamese, only to be surprised by his English response. These revealing personal accounts have provided veterans an opportunity for emotional release and reflection.

    Fang Wong, another veteran, relocated to the United States in 1960. He found solace among Chinese civilian contractors while stationed near Saigon working in military intelligence, which eased his feeling of loneliness as the sole Asian in his unit.

    Wong, who served two decades in the Army, strongly connected with the local Chinese community. His experiences highlight the unique challenges and occasional benefits of navigating racial dynamics in a war zone.

    For Fong, retired in Redwood City, California, the memories of Vietnam are difficult to discuss. He witnessed soldiers die, only to return home to a nation divided over the war. Nonetheless, maintaining connections with fellow veterans has been a priority, fostering a supportive community through organizations like the nonprofit Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Chinatown Post.

    “Talking about these experiences might help others understand they are not alone,” Fong emphasized, hopeful that sharing these stories can support and validate Asian American veterans as they process their service and its impact on their lives.