Lt. Colonel Frank Fong, 87, passed away on the morning of March 24, 2007. He was a long-time South Florida resident.

Born in Augusta, Georgia, Lt. Colonel Fong later became a pioneering Asian American for serving in the Second World Ward as the first Chinese American fighter pilot to fly with the U.S. Army Air Corp in the European Theater. His skill and bravery while escorting ships and bombers with the Fifth Emergency Rescue Squadron resulted in saving countless lives, which was verified in 2001 when the British honored Fong and his squadron with a monument for their efforts in the rescue of over a thousand airmen at sea.

Fong went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Over his illustrious career, Fong received two Distinguished Flying Crosses, eight Air Medals, a Purple Heart, a European Theater Ribbon with four Bronze Stars, American Theater Ribbon of Merit, Korean Medal, Intelligence Medallion, Senior Pilot Wing, Expert Medal and many other honors.

Fong became a commercial artist after leaving the service. During his retirement, he educated hundreds of High Schools and Colleges students about the contributions of Asian Americans in the military services. His patriotism never wavered, even during a 50-year battle for his disability payments for blindness in one eye that eventually resulted from injuries sustained when his P-47 Thunderbolt crashed in the spring of 1944.

“Our Chapter lost a good member and the country lost a hero,” said Winnie Tang, president, Organization of Chinese Americans - South Florida Chapter. “It was a surprise to everyone, including his family and friends.”

“Let's always remember and honor Lt. Colonel Frank Fong for his love and heroic dedication to our country,” said Tang.

Stan Bodner, Colonel USAF (Ret), tells Fong’s story, from the time he joined the Air Force in 1942.

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