Formatting necessary for an accurate reading of this text may be shown by tags (e.g., <DELETED> or <BOLD>) or may be missing from this TXT display. For complete and accurate display of this text, see the PDF.
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E625-E626]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING HENRY ONG, JR.
______
HON. GREG STANTON
of arizona
in the house of representatives
Monday, July 13, 2020
Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of
Henry Ong, Jr., who passed away on July 2, 2020, at the age of 98. A
native son of Arizona, Henry was a part of the Greatest Generation who
fought to preserve our freedom and American way of life. As a nation,
state, and community, we are forever indebted to Henry's service and
sacrifice.
Henry was born to Henry Ong, Sr. and Mar Lai Hing Ong in Phoenix,
Arizona. After he graduated from Phoenix Union High School, and despite
the widespread anti-Chinese sentiment of the time, Henry and his three
brothers answered the call of duty and joined the U.S. Army. He became
a bombardier, forming part of a B-24 crew that carried out 29
successful bomber missions. On June 6, 1944, Henry participated in the
D-Day invasion of the beaches of Normandy, helping deliver the victory
that marked the beginning of the end of the war in Europe.
In his final mission before coming home, the German Army shot down
Henry's plane deep in enemy territory. Alive but wounded, Henry was
captured, interrogated, and taken as a prisoner of war by the Nazis,
surviving nearly nine months of suffering and starvation. As Allied
troops advanced through Europe, the Nazis began liquidating the camps
and Henry, along with thousands of prisoners, was forced to march over
1,000 miles during the brutal winter. Many perished.
On May 4, 1945, Allied forces liberated Henry and four days later
declared victory in Europe. Henry was the only Chinese American from
the state of Arizona to have been captured as a prisoner of war. For
his selfless sacrifice and wounds sustained in war, he was awarded the
Purple Heart.
After the war, Henry returned home to build a life in Arizona. He
attended college and married his bride Priscilla (Pat), and together
they
[[Page E626]]
raised four children: Pamela, Michael, Curtis (Buddy), and Kevin. Even
though he hung up his uniform, Henry continued to serve his community.
A man of deep faith, he was a Sunday School teacher and deacon at First
Chinese Baptist Church in Phoenix. He became a successful real estate
and insurance broker and was known for his contagious energy,
charismatic spirit, and love and devotion to his wife and family.
Although Henry had survived the depths of darkness, invisible wounds
of the war remained with him. After 40 years of silence, Henry began to
speak about his encounters with the horrors of war and his imprisonment
by the Nazis. He cared deeply for his fellow veterans and encouraged
other POWs to share their own experiences and heal from their memories.
He was a past commander and life member of the American Legion and the
Disabled American Veterans, and he maintained a lifelong friendship
with members of his crew.
The American people must never forget Henry's patriotism and bravery.
A man of courage and conviction, our nation is better for his presence
among us. Godspeed, Henry.
____________________
