Another highlight for AAPI Heritage month. Thanks to my pal Evan Leong for putting me onto this story. I bet %99 of you have not heard of him. This is Joe Pierce. He fought for the Union army in Gettysburg during the 1860’s and attained the rank of corporal which was the highest known rank of a Chinese in the Union army. He was the only known Chinese soldier in the army of the Potomac. How did he end up fighting for the Union army? Unlike other Chinese at the time who came during the gold rush, Joe was adopted from China and brought to the US as a child by ship captain Amos Peck where they settled in Connecticut. There were actually quite a few Chinese to have served in the Civil War but the exact amount is unclear because records have been lost. Joe Pierce even though he fought to preserve the Union and became a naturalized citizen, he never got the same rights or benefits of being a US citizen based on his race. Anyone have any more info on Joe? Leave it in the comments below! #aapiheritagemonth
