Within weeks of America's entry into World War II, Tung Pok Chin sold his laundry and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on December 27, 1941. He was the first person of Chinese ancestry in New York City to join the Navy after the outbreak of World War II. Although racial discrimination in the Navy relegated Chin and other minorities to positions as waiters for captains and admirals, Chin's naval service increased his knowledge about the world and provided abundant material for his postwar career as a writer. Chin also continued to study English and Chinese literature and to correspond with Dean Ralph E. Pickett.

"I had plenty of experiences to write about since traveling with the Navy allowed me to see many places and experience many things that I would never have been able to do on my own. My entire outlook on the world had changed; I saw everything through different eyes, and I became more involved in politics and world affairs."