Captain Francis B. Wai received the Medal of Honor for service in the U.S. Army, 34th Infantry Regiment, in recognition of determined efforts to secure the Red Beach at Leyte, Philippine Islands, October 20, 1944. On October 20, 1944, Wai found the first four waves of Americans soldiers leaderless. Assuming command, he disregarded heavy fire and organized the men, moving them forward. During the advance, he repeatedly drew fire upon himself allowing his men to neutralize targets. After Congress authorized a re-examination of commendations received by minority servicemen, twenty-one Asian Americans who received the Distinguished Service Cross were belatedly awarded the Medal of Honor in 2000. His award was posthumous. Wai was killed in action on October 20, 1944.

*The preceding content is not intended as a comprehensive biography, but it highlights their significance as a result of military or civilian distinction, lasting achievements, or association with impactful national events.

FRANCIS B WAI

Service

WORLD WAR II

MEDAL OF HONOR

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS

PURPLE HEART

US ARMY,

CAPTAIN 34 INFANTRY

Resting Place

Mementos

Tributes

Word Cloud

undefined

Milestones

Mementos

Historical Documents

Veteran programs and services

More VA resources

Get VA updates

In crisis? Get help now

Contact us