Wee Hong Louie

Wee Hong Louie (later Walter Louie;[1] 1894–unknown) was one of 300 Chinese Canadians to serve in the First World War.[2][3]

He enlisted in 1917 as a gunner, later becoming a driver and wireless operator.[2] He was awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal for his service.[2] After being discharged, he studied electrical engineering at the University of Chicago. However, he was refused a business license for a radio repair business in Ontario due to his race. He mailed his medals and uniform to Prime Minister Mackenzie King, who apologized and overruled the decision.[2]

His brother Wee Tan Louie also served in the First World War.[2]

References

  1. ^ Frank Matys (8 November 2018). "First world War hero Walter Louie was 'an inspiration' in face of discrimination: Turvey". Orillia Today.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Wee Hong Louie". Chinese Canadian Military Museum. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  3. ^ "The Louie Brothers". Valour Canada. Retrieved 2 May 2021.

Further reading