(Photo: David O. “Doc” Chung)

David O. “Doc” Chung, a U.S. Air Force Veteran, recounts his experiences in a new book titled “Face of the Enemy: An American Asian’s War in Vietnam and at Home.” At 73 years old, Chung, a Purple Heart recipient, shares his story, offering readers a unique perspective on the Vietnam War and its aftermath.

Born in Chicago in 1950, Chung’s life was shaped by a blend of racial influences, including a birthdate coinciding with the onset of the Korean War. Chung’s military journey unfolded two decades after the Korean War when he served in the U.S. Air Force during the Easter Offensive of 1972 in Vietnam. His narrative diverges significantly from the typical Veteran’s story due to a critical encounter during the conflict.

“I lived with the face of the enemy,” Chung says, recalling a pivotal moment.

Wounded during an ambush and separated from his unit, he found himself at Bien Hoa Air Base, mistaken for a Vietnamese soldier. It was only through an interaction with a perceptive nurse, recognizing his proficiency in English, that saved him from being wrongly transported to a Vietnamese aid station.

“With my Asian face, they didn’t know who I was even though I wore an American uniform. Had I not spoken up or if I’d been unconscious, I’d have been lost,” emphasized Chung.

Returning from Vietnam, Doc encountered a nation grappling with the aftermath of an unpopular war. Veterans, unfairly shouldering blame from the public, struggled with the internal demons they brought home. The only recourse to escape public scrutiny was for Veterans to conceal themselves in plain sight – uniforms were stowed away. The persistence of racism and bigotry remained unchanged for Chung.

Post-military service, Chung dedicated 25 years to Federal Express, and he assumed the role of a program analyst and advisor to the Congressional Committee on Veterans Affairs in the Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary’s office for Minority Veterans.

Chung actively participates in Veteran organizations, including the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation and the Military Order of the Purple Heart in Montana, his current residence. Chung’s viewpoint as an Asian American in the military motivated him to highlight the often-neglected contributions of women in the Vietnam War. This dedication prompted his involvement in the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation, where he passionately advocates for acknowledging the service of 265,000 Women Veterans, many of whom served as nurses.

“Face of the Enemy,” recounts the journey of an individual driven by determination to challenge prevailing norms, helping others through activism, and demonstrating a knack for navigating the bureaucratic challenges within the United States government.

For those interested in reading Chung’s memoir, “Face of the Enemy,” it is available for purchase at BarnesandNoble.com, Walmart.com, and Amazon. Additionally, readers can enjoy a 20% discount at BookLocker.com using the code Save20.

Author: Rikki Almanza

Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.