Korean Independence Fighter's Daughter Named America's Hero
Published on | Source
Susan Ahn Cuddy
Susan Ahn Cuddy, Korean independence fighter Ahn Chang-ho's eldest daughter, has been hailed as an "American hero" and "trailblazer" by the ShareAmerica website run by the U.S. State Department.
Advertisement
The website, which describes itself as a platform for "sharing compelling stories and images that spark discussion and debate on important topics", carried an article and a video clip about Cuddy on July 2 as an Asian-American woman who left a mark in government and civil society.
It hails her as he the "first Asian American woman to enlist in the U.S. Navy during World War II. She became the first female gunnery officer in the U.S. armed forces and the first Asian American to achieve the rank of lieutenant in the Navy".
Born in Los Angeles in 1915, Ahn enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 during World War II. In May 2018, U.S. President Donald Trump paid tribute to her, saying, "She was the daughter of the first Korean couple to immigrate to the United States, also uplifted the Nation through strong work ethic, an unwavering love of country, and a steadfast devotion to her life mission, even in the face of great adversity".
In 2006, the Asian American Justice Center honored her with the American Courage Award. In 2015, the Los Angeles County government declared March 10 Susan Ahn Cuddy Day. She died, aged 100, in June that year.