[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 23, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E939]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  TRIBUTE TO THE 14TH AIR SERVICE GROUP AND THE 987TH SIGNAL COMPANY, 
                               U.S. ARMY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DAVID WU

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 23, 2006

  Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Memorial Day, a day to remember 
those who have given their lives to preserve democracy in this great 
Nation, I rise today to honor the heroes of the 14th Air Service Group 
and the 987th Signal Company of the United States Army. These two units 
represent the only all-Chinese American units serving in World War II.
  Chinese-American servicemembers of World War II primarily served in 
integrated units, in every branch of the military, and in every theater 
of war, including Europe, the South Pacific, the North Atlantic, and 
the China Burma India Theater. The members of the 14th Air Service 
Group and the 987th Signal Company were exceptions. Serving in 
segregated units, with a mix of White and Chinese-American officers, 
they were organized for service in China as part of a war aid package 
for Chiang Kai-Shek's Chinese Nationalist Government.
  Several surviving members of these two units are visiting Washington 
this week to commemorate Memorial Day, but also to share with me their 
stories. Both on and off the battlefield, their life histories are a 
part of our Nation's fabric.
  Like all of those who served, these units performed an invaluable 
service to this country on the battlefield. Under difficult 
circumstances, these units supported the aerial operations in China and 
enhanced communications between American and Chinese military 
organizations, contributing to the Allied victory in World War II.
  Off the battlefield, these units and their families represent Chinese 
America in the 1940's. Half were American born and half were immigrants 
from Hong Kong and China, some as young as high school and others as 
old as 36 years of age leaving behind families and established 
businesses and careers. None foresaw leaving what had become home, 
returning to the country from which they came and joining a fight to 
protect the freedoms of their new life in America.
  To the members of the 14th Air Service Group and the 987th Signal 
Company, I thank you for your sacrifice, steadfast bravery and love of 
country and for coming to share your story.
  I extend my deepest gratitude to those of the 14th Air Service Group 
and the 987th Signal Company who did not return home or who are not 
with us still today. Their memories will live on through us and all 
servicemembers who have or will answer the call to serve. I call upon 
this Congress to join me today in thanking these great Americans.

                          ____________________