Francis B. Wai

Author: Leandro Alegsa Creation date: November 13, 2022

Francis Brown Wai (April 14, 1917 – October 20, 1944) was a captain in the United States Army. He received the Medal of Honor for actions during the recapture of the Philippines from Japan in 1944.

When he was young Wai liked to surf and he played several sports in high school and college. He graduated from college with a degree in finance. Although he started planning to work with his father he joined the Hawaii National Guard. He was commissioned a lieutenant. Wai was sent with his unit to fight in World War II. He was killed during the U.S. amphibious assault on Leyte, Philippines.

He was initially presented the Distinguished Service Cross. It is the United States' second highest decoration for valor. After an extensive review of awards in 2000, his medal was upgraded to the Medal of Honor. To date^[update], Wai is the only Chinese American and the first Asian-American officer to receive the medal.

Questions and Answers

Q: Who was Francis Brown Wai?

A: Francis Brown Wai was a captain in the United States Army who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the recapture of the Philippines from Japan in 1944.

Q: What did Francis Brown Wai like to do when he was young?

A: Francis Brown Wai liked to surf and he played several sports in high school and college.

Q: What was Francis Brown Wai's educational background?

A: Francis Brown Wai graduated from college with a degree in finance.

Q: What was Francis Brown Wai's initial plan for his career?

A: Although Francis Brown Wai started planning to work with his father, he joined the Hawaii National Guard.

Q: How did Francis Brown Wai die?

A: Francis Brown Wai was killed during the U.S. amphibious assault on Leyte, Philippines.

Q: What was Francis Brown Wai initially presented with for his bravery?

A: Francis Brown Wai was initially presented with the Distinguished Service Cross, which is the United States' second highest decoration for valor.

Q: What is significant about Francis Brown Wai's medal upgrade?

A: After an extensive review of awards in 2000, Francis Brown Wai's medal was upgraded to the Medal of Honor. To date, Wai is the only Chinese American and the first Asian-American officer to receive the medal.