The Chinese-American experience through the eyes of the fourteenth air service group and 987th signal company.

摘要

This thesis examines the history of the 14th Air Service Group and 987th Signal Corps, the only all-Chinese-American units to serve during World War II. From their early history as "paper sons," the story of Chinese immigration to the United States was one of discrimination and marginalization. The Second World War allowed Chinese-Americans to redeem themselves and achieve equality in American society. This thesis argues that because of their veteran status, these Chinese-American veterans were given a chance to create a new Chinese-American identity. After seeing China as being incompatible with their American standards they returned to the United States and used the G.I. Bill to begin a new life. With their veterans' benefits, many of the 14th Air Service Group and 987th Signal Corps veterans were able to receive college degrees and higher income jobs previously inaccessible to them. The War Brides Act also facilitated the immigration of wives from China to correct the demographic imbalance. Furthermore, a small number of veterans also became politically active and worked to liberalize immigration laws. By using the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization they were able to help secure the passage of PL 86-363. The World War II experiences of these Chinese-American veterans helped reshape the Chinese-American identity and revitalize their communities.