D-Day Omaha Beach Ranger To Receive Second Congressional Gold Medal

Around 20,000 Chinese American men and women who served in World War II were honored when President Donald Trump signed the Chinese-American World War II Veteran Congressional Gold Medal Act.

Out of the 7,000 Rangers, Ching was the only Chinese American. He told the California Marin Independent Journal, "At the time, it never occurred to me that I was the only Chinese Ranger, but, looking back now, I'm very proud."

Ching is set to receive his second medal when President Joe Biden signed Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., a bill that honors World War II's Army Rangers.

Omaha Beach

Ching's 5th Ranger Battalion was on Omaha Beach, and a part of the units who were taking heavy fire. Maj. Gen. Omar Bradley thought about withdrawing the troops.

However, the Rangers took to higher ground to get to the Germans. Ching received a Bronze Star for his part that day. The citation read that the medal was for "active ground combat against the enemy on 6 June 1944 while serving with the 5th Ranger Infantry Battalion in France."

On September 2, 1944, he received another Bronze Star with a combat 'V". The citation read, "As a member of a reconnaissance patrol, Private First Class Ching assured the success of its mission by knifing all the occupants of a fortified position."

Joining The Army

It turns out that his time with the Rangers came about unconventionally. Though he was born in the U.S., he and his family returned to China in the 1930s.

However, their lives went to pieces when Japan attacked in 1937. He returned to the U.S. in 1941 and joined the military in 1943. He actually volunteered for the Rangers.

The now 97-year-old felt very honored to be receiving the Congressional Gold Medal. His daughter Bonnie Ching Louie said, "He's really proud that he served with that elite [Ranger] group." She also told military.com that her father is proud to be a U.S. citizen and told her and her siblings that they were "lucky to be living here in America."

His son is a retired Navy Captain. Captain Carl Ching said, "It will mean a lot to my dad."

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3 comments on “D-Day Omaha Beach Ranger To Receive Second Congressional Gold Medal”

  1. Thank you Sir for your actions defending the US...it must NOT have been easy to be oriental if any military service during WWII...you took on so much personally - you SHOULD be honored by EVERY US CITIZEN!!! God Bless, please have some easy, healthy and safe years ahead!

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