Description
Collection consists of materials relating to the Military Intelligence Service Language School, Chinese Language Division
collected by Vivian Low, whose 2017 film "Crossing Oceans in Service to Country" documents a group of Chinese American Veterans
who served together in the Chinese Language Division at Fort Snelling. Materials include the memoirs of Vivian's father Wong
Y. Kan (Robert Y. Wong), a 1994 booklet commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Fort Snelling Mandarin Class, some papers
and photocopies of photographs of Robert (Bob) Wong and other men at Fort Snelling. Included among these papers is a photocopy
of a 1945 letter certifying that Wong Y. Kan (Robert Y. Wong) had completed the 16 week Chinese course at the Military Intelligence
Service Language School. Also included are a few documents relating to the nomination of George Wong, who also served in the
Chinese Division, for Rockwell Engineer-of-the-Year, three photographic prints (two of Robert Wong in uniform and one of Robert
Wong and his wife Vera), and two DVD copies of Vivian Low's film "Crossing Oceans in Service to Country."
Background
Fighting in the Pacific Theater during World War II required the presence of Japanese linguists for translation, interpretation,
and combat purposes. The U.S. military recruited Nisei soldiers to attend the Military Intelligence Service Language School
(MISLS) that was first established in the Presidio in San Francisco and later moved first to Camp Savage in Minnesota and
then to Fort Snelling in the same state. The MISLS played a key role in producing linguists whose service was essential to
both World War II and also the subsequent occupation of Japan. The first language classes were offered to approximately 60
students in 1941 at Crissy Field in San Francisco.The MIS added a Chinese language division and a Korean language class in
1945. Vivian Low's father, Robert (Bob) Wong, served in the Chinese Language Division.
Extent
1 linear feet
(1 box)
Restrictions
Some materials in these collections may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction
of some materials may be restricted by terms of University of California gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions,
privacy and publicity rights, licensing and trademarks. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond
that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be
commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.
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Availability
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE:, Advance notice required for use.