Francis Wai

FRANCIS WAI

Captain Francis Wai (of the 34th Regiment of the 24th Infantry division under General Douglas MacArthur) was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor,: but not until 2000, after Congress had ordered a review of the war records of Asian American soldiers during WWII.

At the time of Wai's service, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was still being enforced as the first major law restricting the immigration of a specific group of people that made it rare for any minority to rise to the rank of captain.

Citation:
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.

Captain Francis B. Wai / U.S. Army / Congressional Medal of Honor (Posthumous) *

Wai, a standout four-sport athlete at UCLA from 1937 and 1938, mirrored the achievements of Jackie Robinson's achievements on and off the field. He graduated from UCLA in 1939 with a B.S. in Banking and Finance.

The son of a Chinese father and Hawaiian mother, Francis grew up in Honolulu and honed his athletic skills by surfing on Waikiki beach with the likes of Olympic swimmers Duke Kahanomoku, "the father of modern surfing," and Buster Crabbe, who later went on to become a Hollywood star.

In 1935, Wai graduated from Punahou School and lettered in baseball, track and football. Wai went on to Sacramento Junior College, where he continued to excel in athletics, before transferring to UCLA in 1937.

As a member of the Hawaiian National Guard, Wai was called into active duty in 1940. He eventually became Captain Francis Wai and was assigned to the General George MacArthur-led 34th infantry regiment of the 24th infantry division, which was extremely active in combat in the Pacific.

But even after showcasing his courage and patriotism, the U.S. government did not recognize Wai with the Congressional Medal of Honor until the 1999 act of Congress that mandated a review of war records of Asian American soldiers in World War II. Along with 21 other Asian Americans, Wai finally received his overdue honor in May of 2000 from former President Bill Clinton.

	12 Girls Band

12 GIRLS BAND

The 12 Girls Band (Nu Zi Shi Er Yue Fang in Mandarin) is setting to take the world by storm with its brand of fusion music played on traditional Chinese instruments.

The group follows the path previously taken by pop violinist Vanessa Mae, fiddler quartet Bond and new age piano player Maksim.

Now, China has its very own stunning line-up of a dozen beautiful girls who could be arguably the ultimate crossover success story with their blend of Western and Chinese music played on traditional Chinese instruments.

In 2001, this group was brought together as the result was a massive talent quest by Wang Xiao Jing (Chinese music producer and general manager of the recording company Star Disc Co.) in search of 13 women who not only had to be outstanding in their musical abilities, but who had to be good looking as well to form a dozen-member band. (Why 13 girls then? This was so that it would be easier for any one girl to go on leave when the occasion arises.)

The musicians meld the classic erhu (a Chinese violin), the pipa (a mandolin-like instrument) and guzheng (a Chinese zither).

Wang’s idea to form an all-girl instrumental band stem from a need to infuse some young blood into the usually staid traditional Chinese instrumental music. He wanted to bring traditional Chinese instruments to an international level and that is why 12 Girls' brand of music is fusion.

"We fuse Chinese folk music with Western pop. There are also hints of classical music and jazz to cater to a more international audience."

The group's debut concert in Beijing at the 21st Century Hall in 2001 was met with approving nods from both music critics and audience alike. After its successful debut, the band began showing up on China's domestic television programs such as Starry Talent Show and China Central and Music Arena.

Their popularity spread overseas as their Japanese audience lapped up their debut album Beautiful Energy, making it the fastest-selling Chinese album in Japan with nearly two million copies sold in four months. What followed was a live album called Miracle, which was released due to popular demand from the group's Japanese and other Asian fans.

Both the albums were released in Malaysia and distributed by Universal Music early this year. Miracle has sold 10,000 copies in Malaysia to date. The group has recently signed up with EMI, which will be releasing Shining Energy.

	Dragon's Roar Festival

DRAGON'S ROAR

15 eclectic and diverse APA artists from throughout the United States will be gathering to perform on three separate stages in the heart of Hollywood on Friday: September 17, 2004.

Participants include Airlia, Anzu, Daniel Nainan, Dengue Fever, Dig Jelly, Finless Brown, Kate Rigg, LAKIFF, Longevity, Mion, Nemo, Prettier Than Pink, The Speaks and Young Csteroc.

Visit the event's website by clicking HERE.