New York – The Lt. B. R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291, representing Chinese American veterans, held a parade and commemoration event on Memorial Day, May 27th. During the event, 66-year-old former U.S. Air Force Sergeant Joe Chan wore a short-sleeved shirt with the insignia of the Flying Tigers, reflecting on the history of the legendary squadron.
“When American airmen were shot down and couldn’t speak Chinese, the blood chit sewn into their jackets served as a way to communicate with the Chinese people: ‘I am an American soldier, your ally. If you can save me, America will reward you,'” Chan explained.
The blood chits sewn into the jackets of the Flying Tigers came in various designs, and Chan’s shirt bore the pattern of “Coming to China to assist in the war against foreigners (Americans) – providing care for both military and civilians”, showcasing just one of the many designs.
“I wear this shirt to remind future generations that in simpler yet powerful ways, it saved the lives of American soldiers during that time,” Chan further added. “For Chinese American veterans, it’s not only a more dignified way to pay tribute, but also a reflection of history.”
Born in Hong Kong during the era of British colonial rule, Chan immigrated to the U.S. in 1968 and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1979 to 1984 during the Cold War. “It was a completely different battlefield, where we were pitted against Communist China, Communist Soviet Union, and others. During the Cold War, the battlefield shifted to spy vs. spy.”
Being the only Chinese face at the military base where Chan was stationed, he experienced racial taunts and mockery during his service, being called derogatory terms like “chink” or “yellow-skinned buddy”, among others.
However, Chan didn’t dwell on it; he saw these politically incorrect verbal attacks as part of a soldier’s necessary growth process. “When you’re in the military, you have to pick up a gun and fight, the enemy doesn’t care if you have an Asian face. If you can’t even bear these verbal insults, it means you’re not mentally prepared for war, then go back to school where you can do the things you want,” Chan stated.
In a time where many American Chinese parents hoped their next generation would aspire to become a doctor, engineer, or accountant, Chan joined the military to see the world. “Whether it’s the experiences during my time in the military or the lessons I’ve learned, serving in the military has been the most precious experience of my life, and I don’t regret it.”
Every Memorial Day, this veteran in his sixties has a tradition of walking to the Vietnam War memorial in downtown Manhattan, where he engages in a dialogue with the fallen soldiers, sharing his life story with the departed and fellow veterans.