Young (Jack T.) papers, 1940-2005

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Summary

Title:
Jack T. Young 楊帝澤 papers
Dates:
1940-2005
Creators:
Young, Jack T., 1910-2000
Abstract:
The Jack T. Young 楊帝澤 papers document the expeditions and long military career of Young, a Chinese American who served in the Army for both the Republic of China during World War II and the United States in Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The collection contains personal and official correspondence; Young's military records and commendations; printed material such as maps, military training materials, and newspaper clippings; as well as photographs and film negatives chronicling his time in Asia and the United States.
Extent:
13 manuscript boxes, 4 oversize boxes, 1 card file box, 6 sound cassettes, 1 sound tape reel, 2 motion picture film reels, 1 oversize folder (11.75 Linear Feet)
Language:
In English and Chinese
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Jack T. Young papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains personal correspondence and book drafts related to Young's autobiography detailing the Minya Konka 貢嘎山 expedition; official correspondence and military records documenting Young's career and commendations in China, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam; printed material such as maps, military training materials, and newspaper clippings; as well as a large number of photographs and film negatives chronicling his time in Asia and the United States.

Biographical / historical:

Jack T. Young 楊帝澤 (1910-2000) was born in Kona, Hawaii, and spent part of his early life in China. In the late 1920s, he served as an interpreter and guide on the Kelly-Roosevelt Expedition in Asia. In the early 1930s, he participated in an expedition climbing Minya Konka 貢嘎山, during which the team captured the first live giant panda. During World War II, Young served in both the Chinese Nationalist Army and the United States Army, engaging in intelligence work and diplomatic efforts. He was promoted to major general by Chiang Kai-shek 蔣介石 and later joined the George Marshall Mission to China, assisting in mediation efforts between the Chinese Nationalist and Communist parties. He continued military and advisory roles during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, receiving multiple honors. In the Korean War, Young commanded the Ivanhoe Security Force (ISF) of the 2nd Infantry Division and oversaw South Korean police forces in Pyongyang. In 1954, he joined the U.S. Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) in Taiwan as a liaison to the General Political Department of the Nationalist Chinese Ministry of National Defense under Chiang Ching-kuo 蔣經國. During the Vietnam War, he served on General William Westmoreland's Joint Intelligence Staff. Young received two Presidential Medal of Freedom awards, the World War II Congressional Gold Medal, two Silver Stars, two Legion of Merit awards, three Bronze Stars, and the Special Breast Order of Yun Hui, along with other honors from the United States and Republic of China. In 1965, he moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where he managed the former U.S. Army Administration Center in Overland until his retirement in 1968. He remained in St. Louis until his passing in 2000.

Acquisition information:
Acquired by the Hoover Institution Library Archives in 2024.
Physical location:
Hoover Institution Library & Archives
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid prepared by Amanda Robb

Access and use

Restrictions:

Box 13 and 18 may not be used without permission of the Archivist. The remainder of the collection is open for research; materials must be requested in advance via our reservation system. If there are audiovisual or digital media material in the collection, they must be reformatted before providing access.

Terms of access:

For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Jack T. Young papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Location of this collection:
Hoover Institution Library & Archives, Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-6003, US
Contact:
(650) 723-3563
hooverarchives@stanford.edu
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