A full 79 years after his death, Private Kwack Keung Woo of the U.S. Army has finally been brought home to Agwam, Massachusetts.
After falling in action in Biesdorf, Germany, in 1945, the private’s remains were not recovered until 1951 and only identified recently.
“Once a soldier is identified, the family is given the option to have their loved one buried in a designated overseas military cemetery or repatriated to the United States to a local cemetery or a veterans cemetery. A military funeral with full honors is typically provided, including a procession, military personnel, and a firing squad,” said Matt Seto, president of the Asian American VFW Post in Boston’s Chinatown. His family gathered late last month at the Massachusetts’ Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, where they would finally be able to say farewell. Afterward, a committal service with United States Military Honors was performed at the cemetery’s chapel — a fitting recognition of this Chinese American soldier’s sacrifice for his country.
In many ways, Private Woo is an illuminating example. As an Asian American, the private exemplifies the courageous duty of minority groups in the U.S. Army, both in the past and the present. During World War II alone, over 20,000 Asian Americans joined the army, including Japanese Americans, Korean Americans, Filipino Americans, and Chinese Americans. They served various theaters in crucial ways — as infantrymen, Air Force pilots, interpreters, and intelligence agents — while subject to “significant discrimination and exclusionary laws,” said Seto.
“This involvement not only showcased their patriotism,” said Seto, “but also played a crucial part in challenging stereotypes and paving the way for greater acceptance in American society.”
Times have changed. Now, there are Hero Squares dedicated to these soldiers in Boston’s downtown.
“Look for Pfc. George Oi and Pvt. Wing O Hom in front of the Chinatown Gate or PO1 Edward Wong on the intersection of Beach Street and Harrison Avenue,” Seto suggested. “There is also a Hero Square marker for Pfc. David ‘Buck’ Lee in Lawrence.”
The American Legion Chinatown Post 328 is another important organization, founded by WWII veterans as a space for the Chinatown veterans who had served bravely.
Private Woo is also a beacon of hope for the soldiers who are missing in battle. Statistics indicate that over 80,000 American service personnel are still missing, and that around half are thought to be recoverable. Even if decades have passed, the families of these soldiers still deserve to see their loved ones’ laid to rest and recognized for their sacrifice.
“The discovery offers profound closure for families, linking them to their past in a deeply personal way,” Seto said. “These heroes fought for all of us, for the loved ones they left behind, ensuring that future generations could live in peace and freedom. This closure bridges the gap between past and present, allowing families to celebrate their heritage and the courage of those who came before them.”
Private Woo’s burial comes a mere month after Gov. Maura Healey signed the “Honoring, Empowering, and Recognizing our Servicemembers and Veterans” act — the HERO Act — into law. Containing over 30 provisions that aim to expand benefits, inclusivity, and honors, the law, says the governor, is the “most comprehensive veterans’ legislation in over 20 years.”
“From the start, our administration has been dedicated to revitalizing veterans’ services in Massachusetts, ensuring that every hero receives the benefits, resources and support they deserve,” Gov. Healey said. “As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country – we can and will be the state where veterans and service members continue to lead and make all our freedom and success possible.”
The HERO Act will increase access to behavioral health treatment for veterans, increase the disabled veteran annuity to $2,500, codify dental and medical assistance benefits, and take a greater focus the benefits of alternative therapies for mental health. In addition, the act also makes a breakthrough by ensuring that women, disabled, and gay and lesbian and transgender veterans have access to services, and by reforming the Veterans Equality Review Board to include greater scope. Finally, the act expands Gold Star family recognition — those who have lost an immediate family member to active military service — and requires flags to be flown at half-staff from day of death to interment for military service members in Massachusetts.
“The legislation passed shows that our leaders are listening and hearing our veterans and ensuring that our veteran community has the services they need,” said Seto.
In addition, said Seto, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, the agency within the Department of Defense that is responsible for recovering and identifying missing-in-action service members, continues to locate them “each and every day” and now can become more effective in its efforts because of new technology that’s been put into use.
“With new DNA technology and ongoing searches in old battle sites, there is definitely hope that all of our missing servicemen and women will be identified and brought back home.”
For now, however, keeping their memories alive is critical as families wait for closure as was the case with Woo, said Seto.
“Until then, as a country, we must continue to honor their sacrifice and their story.”
