7,000 unsung heroes fought for a country that didn't even want them.
During World War II, 7,000 Filipino Americans volunteered their services to the U.S. Army and helped liberate their homeland from Japanese occupation. Director Noel M. Izon captures their stories through the voices of the veterans themselves – only half of whom are still alive today – and delivers touching personal accounts of the men’s contributions and sacrifices during the war. Despite the fact that they endured a bleak, racist prewar climate and were not even considered U.S. citizens, these individuals rallied to join the war effort and cement their rightful place in American history.
Direction
Izon's race against time to record voices before they vanished.
Production
Lou Diamond Phillips lending gravitas without overshadowing survivors.
Director
Noel Izon
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
These veterans were finally granted full U.S. citizenship rights in 1990—decades after fighting under the American flag. The documentary itself became evidence in later Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation campaigns.
Director Noel Izon spent over 25 years tracking down survivors; half died between his first interview and the film's PBS premiere in 2002.
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