Asian Americans

As long as there have been Asians in America, they have participated in the U.S. military. Though few details are available about individual Asians, it is evident that as a group Asians had particular experiences that colored their association with the military. This entry examines the history of Asians and Asian Americans in the U.S. military and provides details on some of the more eminent individuals and units in the military.

Racial politics and international relations were decisive factors in shaping their involvement—from enlistment in the military to the conditions of service in it. During the latter half of the 19th century, an anti-Asian movement gave rise to a host of laws that essentially excluded Asians from the country and discriminated against those already here. As ...