Captain Francis B. Wai
U.S. Army, 24th Infantry Division, 34th Infantry Regiment, Headquarters Company
Background
Francis Brown Wai was born April 14, 1917 to parents Kim Wai a Chinese immigrant and Rosina Lambert Wai a Hawaiian in Honolulu, Oahu in Hawaii. He attended Punahou School and was an athlete in track, football and baseball. He then attended Sacramento Junior College for two years then in 1937 transfered to University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and graduated with the class of 1940 with a bachelors degree in banking and finance.
Wartime History
 On October 15, 1940 he enlisted in the Hawaii National Guard as a private with serial number 20011819 and was called to active duty in the U.S. Army. He completed Officer Candidate School (OSC) at Fort Benning. On September 27, 1941 commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Assigned to the 24th Infantry Division (24th ID), 34th Infantry Regiment (34th IR), Headquarters Company as an intelligent officer based at Schofield Barracks on Oahu. On December 7, 1941 observed the Japanese attack.
By May 1943 promoted to the rank of Captain and sent overseas to Australia. During September 1943 based at Camp Caves near Rockhampton. On January 31, 1944 moved to Goodenough Island. On April 22, 1944 landed at Tanahmerah Bay and moved inland to capture Hollandia Airfield. In May 1944 the 34th Infantry Regiment is sent to reinforce the 41st Infantry Division (41st ID) on Biak and captures Sorido Airfield and Borokoe Airfield. During July 1944 returns to Hollandia. On October 13, 1944 embarked on a transport for the U.S. landing on eastern Leyte in the Philippines as part of the Sixth Army, X Corps.
 On October 20, 1944 Wei landed with the fifth wave at Red Beach north of Palo on Leyte. Ashore, Wai assumed command of the first four ways of U.S. Army soldiers pinned down by Japanese gunfire from positions in a palm grove bounded by submerged rice paddies.
He issued clear and concise orders and noved the rice paddies without any cover and exposed himself to determine the location of Japanese strong points by deliberately exposing himself to draw their fire. Leading an assault on the last pillbox in the area and was Killed In Action (KIA).Memorials
On September 8, 1949 Wai was permanently buried at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) at section Q, grave 1194.
Medal of Honor
Afterwards, Colonel Aubrey Newman, the 34th Infantry Regiment recommended Wai for the Medal of Honor. Instead, he earned the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), posthumously. In 1996, the U.S. Army conducted a review of military records and concluded Wai and 22 other Asian-Americans did not receive full consideration. In 20001, the U.S. Army upgraded his Distinguished Service Cross was upgraded to the Medal of Honor. On June 21, 2000 the Medal of Honor was presented to his brother Robert Wai at The White House by President William J. Clinton. Wai is the first Asian-American officer to receive the Medal of Honor and the only Chinese/Hawaiian-American.
Medal of Honor Citation (October 20, 1944)
 "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Francis B. Wai distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action, on 20 October 1944, in Leyte, Philippine Islands. Captain Wai landed at Red Beach, Leyte, in the face of accurate, concentrated enemy fire from gun positions advantageously located in a palm grove bounded by submerged rice paddies. Finding the first four waves of American soldiers leaderless, disorganized, and pinned down on the open beach, he immediately assumed command. Issuing clear and concise orders, and disregarding heavy enemy machine gun and rifle fire, he began to move inland through the rice paddies without cover. The men, inspired by his cool demeanor and heroic example, rose from their positions and followed him. During the advance, Captain Wai repeatedly determined the locations of enemy strong points by deliberately exposing himself to draw their fire. In leading an assault upon the last remaining Japanese pillbox in the area, he was killed by its occupants. Captain Wai's courageous, aggressive leadership inspired the men, even after his death, to advance and destroy the enemy. His intrepid and determined efforts were largely responsible for the rapidity with which the initial beachhead was secured. Captain Wai's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army." |
References
NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Francis B. Wai
FindAGrave - CPT Francis Brown Wai (photo)
Congressional Medal of Honor Society - Francis B. Wai
U.S. Department of Defense "22 Asian Americans Inducted into Hall of Heroes" June 28, 2000 via Wayback Machine June 16, 2007
Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?
|
