[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 130 (Friday, August 1, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1698-E1699]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING EDWARD DAY COHOTA, JOSEPH L. PIERCE, AND OTHER VETERANS OF 
  ASIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER DESCENT WHO FOUGHT IN THE UNITED STATES 
                               CIVIL WAR

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. DAVID WU

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 30, 2008

  Mr. WU. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 415, a 
resolution to honor and recognize veterans of Asian and Pacific 
Islander descent who fought valiantly in the United States Civil War.
  Historical research indicates that more than 250 soldiers of Asian 
and Pacific Islander descent served in both the Union and Confederate 
forces during the Civil War. Mr. Edward Day Cohota and Mr. Joseph L. 
Pierce, both of Chinese descent, are the most documented and researched 
of these veterans.
  Mr. Cohota enlisted in the 23rd Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer 
Infantry, in 1864 and fought courageously in the Battle of Drury's 
Bluff, where other soldiers reported that he had seven bullet holes in 
his coat but was not wounded. Mr. Cohota continued to serve in the U.S. 
Army for a total of 30 years.
  Mr. Pierce enlisted in the 14th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer 
Infantry, in 1862 and fought in his first battle at Antietam. He 
further distinguished himself in the Battle of Gettysburg, and bravely 
volunteered for a perilous attack on Bliss Farm during the day of 
Pickett's charge.

[[Page E1699]]

  Remarkably, despite the fact that many people of Asian and Pacific 
Islander descent were not allowed to naturalize during this period, a 
disproportionately high percentage enlisted to fight on both sides of 
the Civil War. After the war, however, scores of these soldiers and 
sailors were unjustly denied their due recognition and benefits.
  H. Res. 415 is a long overdue expression of appreciation for the 
loyal service of the Civil War veterans of Asian and Pacific Islander 
heritage. The United States House of Representatives stands to 
recognize their contributions to our Nation's history and to speak 
against the injustices done to them despite their patriotism and 
honorable service.

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