EARL JUNG
Earl Jung was born on May 26, 1924 in St. Louis, Missouri according to his New York City marriage application. The same date was on his World War II draft card. His parents were John Jung and Lucille Bennett.
Suzanne Ma interviewed Jung for her blog, Leaving China. Jung’s family moved to New York City when he was four years old. His father was an herbalist while his mother worked at a laundromat. Jung attended Public School 33 and Seward Park High School.
The 1930 United States census counted Jung as the second of four brothers. His first name was recorded as Hing. Jung’s father was an ironer at a laundry. They were New York Chinatown residents at 14 Mott Street.
At age fifteen, Jung’s artistic talent was recognized in Chinese Digest, July 1937.
Earl Jung was born on May 26, 1924 in St. Louis, Missouri according to his New York City marriage application. The same date was on his World War II draft card. His parents were John Jung and Lucille Bennett.
Suzanne Ma interviewed Jung for her blog, Leaving China. Jung’s family moved to New York City when he was four years old. His father was an herbalist while his mother worked at a laundromat. Jung attended Public School 33 and Seward Park High School.
The 1930 United States census counted Jung as the second of four brothers. His first name was recorded as Hing. Jung’s father was an ironer at a laundry. They were New York Chinatown residents at 14 Mott Street.
At age fifteen, Jung’s artistic talent was recognized in Chinese Digest, July 1937.
In the 1940 census the Jung family of eight lived in Chinatown at 41 Mott Street. His father was born in California. His mother and three siblings were Missouri natives. The youngest two were born in New York.
On June 30, 1942 Jung signed his draft card. His address was the same. He described as five feet eleven inches, 145 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Jung enlisted on May 1, 1943.
Jung was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Jung and his hometown in 1945 on page 215.
Earl Jung…..New York, New YorkIn the book Jung appeared in photographs on pages 37, 53 and 66. He was also a contributor to the squadron’s publication, Gung Ho.
Gung Ho, No. 1, December 25, 1943, said
Two Good Men.Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said
Ten days ago the Physical Fitness Dept of the Patterson Field Special Service OfFice conducted a contest to determine the best physically fit soldier on the post. There were contestants from all squadrons and units on the field, including men from the 407th.
This week the results of the contests were announced. Eighteen EM’s were cited as the best physical specimens on the post. And among the 18 were two EM’s from our squadron, Cpl Earl Jung and Pfc Kenneth Wah [sic]. Earl scored 180 points, and Kenneth got 135. These two Tarzans will receive their awards soon.
....During the physical fitness test t’other dawning Cpl Homer Wong [sic] did a Superman in reverse....in the shuttle run race he was so-o slow the officer timing him almost started to count by minutes instead of seconds.......While Cpl Earl Jung was so fast his competitors looked like they were just walking...Gung Ho, No. 11, March 3, 1944, said
….Cpl Earl Jung has successfully out-talked all comers in barracks One….anyone wishing to challenge him to a duel of words can find him in his corner of the barracks….After the war Jung returned to New York where he resumed painting and continued his studies at Hunter College and Columbia University, where he earned his Masters in Education. In the Shadow of the Tiger said Jung “became a teacher and then a high school principal.” He was profiled in Fighting for the Dream: Voices of Chinese American Veterans from World War II to Afghanistan (2014).
On June 24, 1949 Jung and Chardella S. Yuen obtained, in Manhattan, marriage license number 17145. They married on June 27, 1949. The marriage ended in divorce on February 10, 1951 at Crittenden, Arkansas (Ancestry.com).
The 1957 Manhattan telephone directory listed Jung at 79 Rivington Street. His Manhattan address, in 1960, was 79 Haven Avenue.
In 1960 there was an “Earl Jung” who married Vera C. Halm in Manhattan (Ancestry.com). Jung married Gloria Sangirardi, in Manhattan, in 1988 (Ancestry.com).
Some of Jung’s artwork can be viewed at the Asian American Arts Centre, and Gloria Jung’s Instagram.
Jung passed away in 2016.
KIM W. JUNG
Kim Wing Jung was born on June 16, 1921 in Los Angeles, California according to his World War II draft card.
In the 1930 United States census, Jung was the sixth of eight siblings. They lived with their parents, Quock Den Jung and Wong Shee, in Los Angeles at 457 Turner Street. Jung’s father was a cook at a chop suey house.
On July 13, 1934 Jung began his trip to China. He stayed with an uncle, Jung Poi Non, at “Lung Kong, Hoiping, Kwangtung, China”. Sixteen-year-old Jung and his brother, Jim Wing Jung, were aboard the steam ship President Hoover when it departed Hong Kong on October 27, 1937. They arrived at Los Angeles on November 17, 1937. Jung’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 8402/311.
The 1940 census said Jung’s mother was a widow and head of the household. The family lived at the same address. Eighteen-year-old Jung had three years of high school. He attended Los Angeles High School.
On February 16, 1942 Jung signed his draft card. His address was 3734 Maple Street at Los Angeles. He was a student at UCLA and worked part-time at a restaurant. Jung’s description was five feet five inches, 160 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Jung enlisted in May 1943.
Jung was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Jung and his hometown in 1945 on page 215.
Kim W. Jung…..Los Angeles, CaliforniaIn the book Jung appeared in a group photograph on page 53.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Sergeant Jung was promoted to Staff Sergeant.
Gung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
…..Sa-ay, we hear S/Sgt Kim Jung is looking for a girdle!…for why?…..Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said
….Now for some sidelights and sundry trivia gleaned from the squadron shindig Tuesday eve at the Loretto……but why did Sgt Kim Jung have to cut in so many times on the dance floor?….
….Now for a few eyetems about the 7 EM who went on a little detached service last week to Greenfield, O. to dismantle a P-47….Led by T/Sgt Andy Lee, the men included S/Sgt Kim W. Jung, Sgts Koonwah Lim, Donald Poy[,] George Gon, Cpls Gwon J. Lee and Jean H. Shing….Report was the boys did not mind the cold weather at all….no sir, not while they were so well treated by the Greenfield folks….after knocking off work each day Sgt Poy had a tough time pleasing all the gals because so many of ’em liked his company….they took one look at his boyish-looking face and dubbed him “cutie,”…migosh…now those local belles all want to write to him….Gung Ho, No. 8, February 11, 1944, said
….And for once Sgt Gon and Cpl Shing were glad to meet a couple of teachers….and maybe learn a few things…the latter were not only young but pretty too….the “pupils” were taken for a ride ’round the countryside….ah, such gor-gee-ous scenery!
….T/Sgt Lee and S/Sgt Jung didn’t exactly sit around their off duty hours either…oh no….Lee forgot to bring along his O.D. pants, but did that stop him from going out?…he went out—in Sgt Koonwah Lim’s trousers!….and stayed out till 8 ayem of a Sunday morn…tsk, tsk….Sgt Lim was the only one who ever got enough sleep…always in bed at 9 PM..and was the best snorer of the group outside of Cpl Gwon J. Lee…..But “we certainly appreciate the kindness of the people of Greenfield,” said all the boys afterwards….
....One staff room in barrack 2 is known as Sloppy Joe’s....but that ain’t all....the three occupants therein, S/Sgt Kim W. Jung, S/Sgt Yang W. Lee, and Cpl Yew S. Jew, are known, respectively, as “Mugger,” “Tondelayo,” and “The Major”.....Jung was discharged in January 1946. A profile of Jung is on page 131 of Duty & Honor: A Tribute to Chinese American World War II Veterans of Southern California (1997). His photograph is at the Duty and Honor Collection. He is listed at I Dream of Genealogy.
Jung resumed his studies at UCLA and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1947.
Jung married Jennie Chu on October 3, 1948. The Los Angeles couple was counted at 463 1/2 East 28th Street in the 1950 census. He was a production control chemist.
On November 23, 1951, Jung’s Canadian wife became a naturalized citizen. Their address was 2112 1/2 South Hobart Boulevard in Los Angeles.
Jung passed away on January 6, 2005. The Social Security Death Index said his last residence was Montebello, California.
ROBERT H. JUNG
Robert Hing Jung was born on December 6, 1920 in San Francisco, California according to his World War II draft card. His middle name was on his Social Security application.
The 1930 United States census counted Jung as the fifth of seven siblings. Their parents were Gum Gong Jung and Chun Shee. They were San Francisco residents at 2 Pagoda Street.
In the 1940 census the enumerator entered “Young” as the family name. The Jungs lived at 2 Pagoda Alley in San Francisco. Jung’s occupation was rug maker.
On February 14, 1942 Jung signed his draft card. His San Francisco address was 2 Pagoda Place. He worked at the Navy Yard on Mare Island. Jung’s description was five feet two inches, 130 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Jung was a student at the Merced Army Flying School.
Air Base Squadron, 1943
Jung enlisted in the Army Air Corps on October 30, 1942.
Jung was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Jung and his hometown in 1945 on page 215.
Robert H. Jung…..San Francisco, CaliforniaIn the book he was in the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 2, December 31, 1943, said
…Five more EM’s returned from their happy furloughs this week: Pfc’s Fong K Eng, Elwin Ong, John S. Leong, Gin Long [?], and Pvt Robert Jung….so did our own Sgt “York”—York M. Kai [sic], who came back quite a few days ago. So did our medical officer, Lt. K.C.K. Lau, “Doc” Lau to us all….he had a swell leave in New York.Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Private Jung was promoted to Private First Class.
Gung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
….Now for some sidelights and sundry trivia gleaned from the squadron shindig Tuesday eve at the Loretto….It was a servicemen’s dream, with the gals outnumbering the men..,you just had to be there to believe it..the percentage of jitterbuggers, however, was low, according to some young ’uns from the U. of Dayton…but international relations were served by Pfc Howard Loo and Pfc Robert Jung, who were doing their duty by the RCAF feminine contingent….Gung Ho, No. 8, February 11, 1944, said Jung was presented the Good Conduct Ribbon by Captain E.F. Brown.
Gung Ho, No. 9, February 18, 1944, said
....Those scratches on Pfc Robert Jung’s forehead looked very suspiciously like they might have been put there by feminine claws...Is so?Gung Ho, No. 12, March 10, 1944, said
…..Add Idiosyncracies [sic]: ….And Pfc Robert H. Jung always sleeps in the raw, gentlemen—even in the freezing weather of winter….what rugged physique!….After the war, Jung returned to San Francisco. Jung is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project.
According to the 1950 census, Jung, his widow mother and two sisters lived at 2 Pagoda Alley in San Francisco. He was a sheet metal employee at the Naval Air Base.
1954 U.S. Naval Air Station
Jung passed away on December 7, 2010 in San Francisco. An obituary appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, January 2, 2011.
ERIC H. KAEPPEL
Eric Henry Kaeppel was born on June 30, 1900 in Illinois. The birth date was from his World War I draft card. Census records recorded his birth state.
The 1910 United States census counted Kaeppel, his parents, Martin and Clara, and three younger siblings in St. Louis, Missouri at 1431 Cutter Avenue. His father was a post office clerk.
On September 12, 1918 Kaeppel signed his draft card. He was a bookkeeper at B. Nugent Dry Goods Company. His description was tall, slender build with gray eyes and brown hair.
Robert H. Jung passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was 90 years old, a lifelong resident of San Francisco, WWII veteran, retired U.S. Navy employee, and a passionate fan of the Giants and 49ers. A very good man and genial host to friends and family, his infectious laughter and spirit gave life to any gathering. Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pearl Frances Jung; he is survived by Henrietta Gee, sister; Kenneth Jung, son; Casey Jung, granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of his life will be held 2PM Friday January 7, 2010 at Sullivan’s Funeral Home, 2254 Market Street, San Francisco CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to On Lok Inc., 1333 Bush Street, SF CA 94109.(Jung should not be confused with a person with a similar name, birth and death years.)
ERIC H. KAEPPEL
Eric Henry Kaeppel was born on June 30, 1900 in Illinois. The birth date was from his World War I draft card. Census records recorded his birth state.
The 1910 United States census counted Kaeppel, his parents, Martin and Clara, and three younger siblings in St. Louis, Missouri at 1431 Cutter Avenue. His father was a post office clerk.
On September 12, 1918 Kaeppel signed his draft card. He was a bookkeeper at B. Nugent Dry Goods Company. His description was tall, slender build with gray eyes and brown hair.
The Kaeppel family had the same address in the 1920 census. Kaeppel was a clerk at the telephone company.
According to the 1930 census Kaeppel was an aviator. He lived with his parents and siblings in St. Louis at 2832 Shenandoah.
The Army and Navy Journal, March 28, 1931, said Kaeppel was an instructor on maintenance engineering for the National Guard. He was listed in the National Guard Register. His service began July 20, 1934.
On June 21, 1936, Kaeppel married Wilhelmina A. M. Diebold in St. Louis.
The Air Corps News Letter, No. 5, March 1, 1937, said Kaeppel commanded the Missouri National Guard airmen in flood relief work.
The 1940 census counted Kaeppel, his wife and son, William, in St. Ferdinand, Missouri on Dunn Road. He was a vocational teacher in aviation mechanics.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December 16, 1942, reported Major Kaeppel’s promotion to Lieutenant Colonel.
The 1943 Atlanta, Georgia city directory listed Kaeppel at 1111 Briarcliff Road NE.
Below is Kaeppel’s listing in the Official National Guard Register, 1943.
Kaeppel, Eric H 0263844 (Mo)The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, July 16, 1944, said Lieutenant Colonel Kaeppel was promoted to Colonel.
B—Ill 30 June 00 Grad AC Tech School NG Officers’ Maint Engr Course 31 Comd Plt Ac Obsr (NGUS AC cape 20 Jul 34)
Kaeppel was mentioned on page 33 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. Kaeppel wrote the foreword and contributed photographs to In the Shadow of the Tiger. He was acknowledged on page viii. On page seventeen it said he was in command of the entire Fourteenth Air Service Group.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, July 7, 1946, published a photograph of Kaeppel and his family. He told of plans to model the Chinese Air Force similar to that of the United States.
According to the 1950 census, Kaeppel, his wife and three children resided in St. Louis, Missouri at 3845 Melba Place.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December 14, 1952, published a photograph of Kaeppel with his Chinese reporter friend, Edward Hsu.
Kaeppel was mentioned in Confusion Beyond Imagination Book 9: Several Sides of CBI Life; More Aspects of CBI Life (1990). He was mentioned in Chennault’s Flying Tigers: World War II 50th Anniversary (1996).
Kaeppel passed away on March 1, 2002 in St. Louis, Missouri. An obituary appeared in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 3, 2002.
ANDREW KAN
Andrew Kan III was born on March 25, 1925 in Detroit, Michigan according to his World War II draft card.
The 1930 United States census counted Kan, his parents, Andrew and Bessie (Sun), in Detroit at 635 West Palmer Avenue. His father operated an art shop. Also in the household were an aunt and two lodgers.
Kan traveled with his father’s sister, Corinne Kan Kong, and her husband, Raymond Fah Kong. They were aboard the steam ship President Coolidge when it departed San Francisco, California on December 11, 1937. The trio arrived at Honolulu, Hawaii on December 16, 1937. The passenger list said the address of Andrew Kan Jr. was 21 3rd Street in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Kan and his father, Andrew Kan, Jr. were aboard the steam ship Lurline when it departed Honolulu, Hawaii in December 2, 1938. They arrived at Los Angeles, California on December 7, 1938. Kan’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 4500/3488.
According to the 1940 census, Kan’s mother had remarried to Gilbert Way. Kan was recorded as “Andrew Way”. Also in the family was his sister Valerie. They resided in San Bernardino, California at 1979 E Street.
On March 25, 1943 Kan signed his World War II draft card. His address was 2996 Valencia in San Bernardino, California. He was a student at San Bernardino High School and worked at Shidler’s Garage. Kan’s description was five feet eight inches, 155 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
According to the 1950 census, Kaeppel, his wife and three children resided in St. Louis, Missouri at 3845 Melba Place.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December 14, 1952, published a photograph of Kaeppel with his Chinese reporter friend, Edward Hsu.
Kaeppel was mentioned in Confusion Beyond Imagination Book 9: Several Sides of CBI Life; More Aspects of CBI Life (1990). He was mentioned in Chennault’s Flying Tigers: World War II 50th Anniversary (1996).
Kaeppel passed away on March 1, 2002 in St. Louis, Missouri. An obituary appeared in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 3, 2002.
Kaeppel, Eric H., In his 101st year, at rest in the home of resurrection through our Lord Jesus Christ, on March 1, 2002, at the Missouri Veterans’ Home in St. Louis; beloved husband of the late Wilhelmina A. Kaeppel (nee Diebold); dear father of William (Nancy) Kaeppel, Paul H. Kaeppel of Alexandria, VA and the late Marilyn (Charles) Kaeppel Hall; dear brother of Bert A. Kaeppel, Alfred (Mildred) Kaeppel of San Rafael, CA and the late Elsie Brown and Anna Ruppel; dear grandfather of 5 and great-grandfather of 6; our dear mother-in-law, uncle and friend Mr. Kaeppel, known as the colonel at the veterans’ home, was a member of the 14th Air Force Association (Flying Tigers). He served in China during World War II and participated in the Berlin Air Lift. After retiring from the Air Force, he pursued a second career as a high school teacher. After the second retirement, the couple moved to Farmington in 1970. He had been a resident of the veterans’ home since 1994. The Stygar Family of Funeral Service is caring for the Kaeppel family, at the Stygar Florissant Chapel, 13980 New Halls Ferry Rd. (at Lindbergh); where service will be held on Monday, March 4 at 12 noon. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Memorials to the Missouri Veterans’ Home or a charity of your choice, appreciated. Visitation Sunday, 3-9 p.m.Kaeppel was laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. The Col. Eric H Kaeppel Collection is on facebook.
ANDREW KAN
Andrew Kan III was born on March 25, 1925 in Detroit, Michigan according to his World War II draft card.
The 1930 United States census counted Kan, his parents, Andrew and Bessie (Sun), in Detroit at 635 West Palmer Avenue. His father operated an art shop. Also in the household were an aunt and two lodgers.
Kan traveled with his father’s sister, Corinne Kan Kong, and her husband, Raymond Fah Kong. They were aboard the steam ship President Coolidge when it departed San Francisco, California on December 11, 1937. The trio arrived at Honolulu, Hawaii on December 16, 1937. The passenger list said the address of Andrew Kan Jr. was 21 3rd Street in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Kan and his father, Andrew Kan, Jr. were aboard the steam ship Lurline when it departed Honolulu, Hawaii in December 2, 1938. They arrived at Los Angeles, California on December 7, 1938. Kan’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 4500/3488.
According to the 1940 census, Kan’s mother had remarried to Gilbert Way. Kan was recorded as “Andrew Way”. Also in the family was his sister Valerie. They resided in San Bernardino, California at 1979 E Street.
On March 25, 1943 Kan signed his World War II draft card. His address was 2996 Valencia in San Bernardino, California. He was a student at San Bernardino High School and worked at Shidler’s Garage. Kan’s description was five feet eight inches, 155 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Kan enlisted on June 28, 1943.
Kan was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Kan and his hometown in 1945 on page 215.
Andrew Kan…..San Bernadino [sic], CaliforniaThe squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 4, January 14, 1944, said
…Now for our Dept. of Romance & Similar Nonsenses: ….Airmail epistles are flying these days between Sgt Andrew Kan and Lucy Lee of Detroit…Gung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
…..Shades of One Wing Low! A rash of ocarina and tonette amateur players has broken out in the squadron…..to date at least seven feverish GI’s, suddenly stricken with this musical disease…and have filled the barracks with weird and unearthly sounds…mostly during the dark of night. Nightly they congregate in small groups and proceed to do what they termed practicing, bringing out their “directions for playing” charts….Their ears deaf to the entreaty of bunk buddies, they wailed and blowed on their miniature instruments.Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said
…..As for the names of these torturers they consist thus far of Cpl John Ung, Sgt Andrew Kan, Cpl Eugene Szeto, Pvt Henry S.Y. Wong, Pfc Harry G King, Cpl Albert F. L. Fong, and Pvt Harry Lim…..
….while in another corner Sgts George Shue and Andy Kan, Cpls Elwood Lew and Fred Ko, Pfc’s Harry King and Albert FL Fong, Pvts York Q. Luke and Yee T. Yook scribbled autographs in Chinese and American to a group of lassies…
....How come Sgt Andy Kan doesn’t get more religious pamphlets from that certain gal correspondent?...maybe she has given up the idea of reforming him?.....Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said
….Is Cpl Richard Gee still taking jitterbug lessons from Sgt Andy Kan…
….on t’other hand Cpl Richard Gee sure managed to sabotage a duo of wolves who wanted to meet his date the other nite….ask Sgt Andy Kan and Cpl Bill Ng for the story….Gung Ho, No. 8, February 11, 1944, said
….The exodus to Detroit and Chicago last week-end was something to see…Having heard so many tales about the attractions in Detroit from such story tellers as Sgt Andy Kan and Cpl Harry King, dyed in wool natives…and also from Cpl Eugene MonGoy, other EM wanted to see for themselves……Sgt George Woong and Cpl Homer Eng certainly did….Gung Ho, No. 20, July 15, 1944, said
...We started a Bingo game of our own t’other nite..with Hong S. Wee & Andy Kan walking away with the coveted cigarette lighters...The next eve at the theater our boys played more bingo...& grabbed 7 out of 12 prizes...After the war Kan returned to California and attended the University of California at Berkeley. He graduated in 1949.
In the 1950 census Kan lived with his father, step-mother, Mary, and half-sister Irma in Petoskey at 901 Waukazoo Street. Kan was clerk at a bazaar store.
On February 3, 1951, Kan married Katherine Lee in Chicago, Illinois. Their wedding was reported in the Petoskey News-Review, February 21, 1951.
The 1955 Petoskey, Michigan city directory said Kan operated Kan’s Gift Shop. He lived at 1115 East Mitchell.
Kan passed away on April 2, 1994, in Resort, Michigan. An obituary appeared in the Petoskey News-Review (Michigan), April 4, 1994.
Andrew Kan Jr., 69, of Petoskey, died April 2, 1994, at his residence.Kan was laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery.
Funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 6, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Petoskey. The Rev. Walter Draeger will officiate. Burial will take place in Greenwood Cemetery, Petoskey.
Mr. Kan was born March 25, 1925, in Detroit, the son of Andrew and Bess (Sun) Kan. He attended school in Detroit, Honolulu and San Bernardino, where he graduated from high school in 1943 and served as class president. He also attended and graduated from the University of California Berkeley in 1949.
Mr. Kan served in the U.S. Army Air Corps for two and a half years during World War II. He moved to Petoskey in 1949 when he went into business with his father at Andrew Kan. After a period of time, the business became Andrew Kan Travel, as it is today.
On Feb. 3, 1951, he married Katherine Lee in Chicago and she survives.
Mr. Kan was very active in the Petoskey community where he served as past president of the Petoskey Rotary and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He also served as past president of the Petoskey Lions, Chamber of Commerce, PTA, Petoskey-Bay View Country Club and Petoskey High School Booster Club. He also served two terms on the city council as First Ward councilman. He served two terms on the vestry of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, and was also active in Little League and Petoskey Softball.
Survivors include his wife, Katherine; stepfather and his wife, Gil and Mulan Way, of Troy; stepmother, Mary L. Kan, of Glendale, Ariz.; his children, David Kan and his wife, Glae, of Clinton, N.Y., Stephen Kan and his wife, Cindy, of Traverse City, Judith Meleski and her husband, Mike, of Greenfield, Wis., and James Kan and his wife, Debbie, of Petoskey; eight grandchildren; three half sisters, Jakki Kan Knutson of Tempe, Ariz., Valerie Way McCabe of Los Alamos, N.M., and Margery Way Pepitone of LaJolla, Calif.; and a uncle and aunt, Dr. and Mrs. Raymond Kong, of Honolulu.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Hospice of Little Traverse Bay, Emmanuel Episcopal Church or Petoskey Rotary Club. Envelopes for memorial contributions are available at the Stone Funeral Home in Petoskey where friends may call from 3-4 p.m. Tuesday, April 5. Visitation will also be held 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Petoskey.
YORK M. KAO
York Ming Kao was born on March 3, 1909 at Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. On his card “Chun Jang” was crossed out and replaced with “York M. Kao” when he became a naturalized citizen on March 10, 1943. The naturalization petition said his birthplace was “Pangtown, Lung Do District, Chung Shun Co[unty], Kwangtung Province China”.
Thirteen-year-old “Chun Jang”, his mother, Shee Go, and sister, Mee Jang, were aboard the steam ship Korea Maru when it departed Hong Kong on July 31, 1922. They had been with his grandmother, Lau Shee, in “Heungshan, China”. They arrived at San Francisco, California on August 29, 1922. His sister was admitted upon arrival and mother the following day. He was admitted on September 22, 1922. His final destination was to his father at the Sun Chong Company in San Francisco.
Kao has not been found the 1930 and 1940 United States censuses.
At some point Kao had moved to New York City where he graduated from New York University in 1940. The yearbook said he resided at 210 East 17th Street in Manhattan.
On October 16, 1940 Kao signed his draft card. His address was 209 North 8th Street in Phoenix, Arizona. Sometime later a second address, 2263 Wentworth Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, was written above his name. Kao’s description was five feet six inches, 155 pounds, with black eyes and hair.
Kao lived in Chicago when he enlisted at San Francisco on December 21, 1942. In Tampa, Florida, Kao was naturalized on March 10, 1943. His address was 311 Main Street in Watsonville, California.
Kao was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Kao and his hometown in 1945 on page 215.
York M. Kao…..Sacramento, CaliforniaThe squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 2, December 31, 1943, said
…Five more EM’s returned from their happy furloughs this week: Pfc’s Fong K Eng, Elwin Ong, John S. Leong, Gin Long, and Pvt Robert Jung….so did our own Sgt “York”—York M. Kai [sic], who came back quite a few days ago. So did our medical officer, Lt. K.C.K. Lau, “Doc” Lau to us all….he had a swell leave in New York.Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Sergeant Kao was promoted to Staff Sergeant.
...Talk about details, here’s one that was thrown on the willing shoulders of 12 GI’s on New Years Day...Having used the Loreto [sic] Club for our New Year Eve spree the place had to be policed up...so on New Year’s morn Pvts Nem Young [sic], Pong Ng, Wilbert Chung, Pfc’s Goy Chin, Harry King, Cpls Park Chin, John Ung, Ray Fong, Chee O. Der, Stephen Ng, Tonley Ju & S/Sgt. York Kao wore duly selected for this detail...the place was thoroly [sic] GI’d under the direction of 4 members of the club, feminine gender..then the detail was tendered a dinner with the fund remaining from the party...as guests they had the foregoing four ladies.......how nice!Gung Ho, No. 4, January 14, 1944, said
…S/Sgt York M. Kai [sic] turned chef last Sunday. By request, he cooked a Chinese chow for 20 people at the Loretto club, and everybody ate so much they could hardly move afterwards….Gung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
Squadron Party Huge Success.Gung Ho, No. 8, February 11, 1944, said Kao was presented the Good Conduct Ribbon by Captain E.F. Brown.
One more squadron party was held last Tuesday in the spacious clubrooms of the Loretto Club in Dayton. Consisting of a Chinese dinner and dance, it was arranged and prepared in a matter of 48 hours. Yet it turned out to be the best party so far given by the 407th. This was the consensus of opinion of both the EM’s and their guests.
Some 350 persons, including 150 guests, enjoyed themselves on the specially prepared 5-course Chinese dinner, which, incidentally, was cooked in our own mess and rushed by truck into town. To many of the guests the men of the 407th were the first Chinese-Americans they had ever met and talked with. Thus the development of Sino-American friendship also became an element of this party, though few were actually aware of it.
… Doing their part in making the preliminary arrangements was the 407th’s own committee which included S/Sgt York M. Kai [sic], Cpls. Stephen Ng and William Hoy. With the exception of the Pfc’s and the Pvts, all EM’s of the unit did their share of work before, during and after the party.
....Pvt Wing S. Wong is doing okay with a gal named Jinx....so are S/Sgts York M. Kao and Hong S. Wee with their dancing lessons at ze Loretto...with such good and willing teachers as Mickey and Helen ’n a few other Lorrettoites....Gung Ho, No. 12, March 10, 1944, said
S/Sgt York M. Kao just got out from a short spell in the station hospital.... While confined therein he gave an informal chat on things about Chinese to 250 patients...said chat being sponsored by the Convalescent Training Program.... There was quite an interest in China among the GI’s, Kai reported....Kao was discharged on January 3, 1946.
On June 12, 1947 Kao married Anna Kwo at the Lutheran Church in Shanghai, China. They were aboard the steam ship Marine Adder when it departed Shanghai on December 15, 1947. The couple arrived at San Francisco on January 8, 1948. Kan’s address was 2200 13th Street in Sacramento, California.
The 1950 census said Kao, his wife, son, Franklin and daughter, Shirley, were Oakland, California residents at 92 8th Street. Kao was a grocery store salesman.
Kao’s wife was naturalized on February 19, 1957. Her address was 1808 East 21st Street in Oakland. She had two more sons, Teddy and Freddie.
Kao filed his Social Security claim on May 23, 1974.
Kao passed away on July 5, 1991, in Alameda, California.
HARRY G. KING
Harry Gene King was born on February 14, 1925 in Detroit, Michigan according to his World War II draft card. King’s middle name was on his Social Security application. His parents were Yee King and Chan Shee.
King has not been found in the 1930 United States census. However, in the 1930 census, there was a “Yee King” who was born in China and lived in Detroit at 721 Chene Street. He operated a laundry. A family tree, at Ancestry.com, has his name as “Yee Yuk King”. The family name was Yee not King.
A search of immigration records said thirty-seven-year-old “Yuk King Yee” and his nineteen-year-old wife, Chan Shee Chin, were aboard the steam ship Empress of Asia when it departed Hong Kong on July 21, 1921. The passenger list had “Luk Poo Lee, China” as Yee’s birthplace. The couple had been with Yee’s mother-in-law, Shek Shee, at 11 Ki Kong Street in Canton, China. The couple arrived at Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on August 8, 1921. They transferred to the ship Princess Charlotte which took them to Seattle, Washington on the same day. Yee was admitted August 9; his wife on August 22. Their destination was the Yee Chong Company at 213 Washington Street in Seattle.
According to the family tree Harry King was the third of five siblings who were Helen (1922–1974), James (1924-1973), George (1926–2000), and Frank (1929–1974).
The King family has not been found in the 1940 census.
On February 15, 1943 King signed his draft card. His Detroit address was 2215 Park Avenue. He was a student at the Ford Trade School. King’s description was five feet six inches, 129 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
The date of King’s enlistment is not known.
King was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed King and his hometown in 1945 on page 215.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Private King was promoted to Private First Class.
Gung Ho, No. 8, February 11, 1944, said
On April 29 1945 King’s mother, Chan Shee King, crossed the Ambassador Bridge from Windsor, Ontario, Canada to Detroit. Her Detroit address was 143 Charlotte. She became a naturalized citizen on April 18, 1947.
The family tree said King’s father passed away in 1947. The Detroit News, December 23, 1948, published a list of deaths which included “King, Yee, 55, Charlotte”. Based on the published age, he was born in 1893. The year is somewhat close to the family tree birth date of October 22, 1895. Charlotte was the street name of his residence which was the same street on his wife’s identification card when she crossed the Canadian border in 1945.
The 1950 census counted King, his widow mother, Elizabeth, and brothers George and Frank in Detroit at 5213 Brooklyn. King’s occupation was not recorded.
At some point King’s mother remarried to Jew Dooey who operated a laundry according to the 1950 census.
The date and place of King’s marriage to Ella is not known.
King’s mother passed away on April 16, 1995. A death notice appeared in the Detroit Free Press, April 19, 1995, said
FRED KO (FRED CHU KO)
Fred Ko aka Fred Chu Ko was born on June 9, 1923 in Sue Kai, Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. A passenger list said his birthplace was “Sunwui, Kwangtung, China”. Ko’s Social Security application included the name, Fat Ko. His parents were Ko Fung and “Jone See”.
Twelve-year-old “Fat Ko” was aboard the steam ship President Jackson when it departed Hong Kong on March 27, 1936. The passenger list said Ko had been with his mother, Chung Shee, at “She Kai, Sunwui, Kwangtung, China”. Ko arrived at Seattle, Washington on April 15, 1936 and admitted on August 28, 1936. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 7030/8490. Ko’s destination was to Kwong Ching, a friend, at 703 King Street in Seattle.
Ko has not been found in the 1940 United States census.
On June 30, 1942 Ko signed his draft card. His address was Mellwood, Arkansas. He was described as five feet three inches, 158 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Harry G. King…..Detroit, MichiganIn the book King appeared in photographs on pages 20, 28, 38, 45, and 56. On page 46 King was also mentioned about arriving at a transport plane crash in Sian.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Private King was promoted to Private First Class.
...Talk about details, here’s one that was thrown on the willing shoulders of 12 GI’s on New Years Day...Having used the Loreto [sic] Club for our New Year Eve spree the place had to be policed up...so on New Year’s morn Pvts Nem Young [sic], Pong Ng, Wilbert Chung, Pfc’s Goy Chin, Harry King, Cpls Park Chin, John Ung, Ray Fong, Chee O. Der, Stephen Ng, Tonley Ju & S/Sgt. York Kao wore duly selected for this detail...the place was thoroly [sic] GI’d under the direction of 4 members of the club, feminine gender..then the detail was tendered a dinner with the fund remaining from the party...as guests they had the foregoing four ladies.......how nice!Gung Ho, No. 4, January 14, 1944, said
EM’s Visit Sheffield Plant.Gung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
This week 8 GI’s spent an enjoyable and informative 3 hours touring nearby Sheffield Corporation plant, now manufacturing precision and gauge instruments for war uses. They were interested in the instruments because all 8 were from the machine shop unit of the engineering section. They were Sgt Joseph K. Lee, Cpl George Gon, Pfc, Howard Quan, Pfc Harry King, Pfc Gordon Wong, Pvt On Y. Yee, Pvt Henry Hsiang, and Pfc Ying Y. [sic] Chin.
The GI’s not only toured the plant under a special guide, but also had their pictures taken at every stop they made. They were interested in the instruments, but the photographer was interested in them.
…Pfc Harry King is probably the first GI to get his Valentine…and with money enclosed too…for that kind of a deal we’re willing to be anybody’s Valentine….
…..Shades of One Wing Low! A rash of ocarina and tonette amateur players has broken out in the squadron…..to date at least seven feverish GI’s, suddenly stricken with this musical disease…and have filled the barracks with weird and unearthly sounds…mostly during the dark of night. Nightly they congregate in small groups and proceed to do what they termed practicing, bringing out their “directions for playing” charts….Their ears deaf to the entreaty of bunk buddies, they wailed and blowed on their miniature instruments.Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said Private First Class King was promoted to Corporal.
…..As for the names of these torturers they consist thus far of Cpl John Ung, Sgt Andrew Kan, Cpl Eugene Szeto, Pvt Henry S.Y. Wong, Pfc Harry G King, Cpl Albert F. L. Fong, and Pvt Harry Lim…..
….while in another corner Sgts George Shue and Andy Kan, Cpls Elwood Lew and Fred Ko, Pfc’s Harry King and Albert FL Fong, Pvts York Q. Luke and Yee T. Yook scribbled autographs in Chinese and American to a group of lassies…
Gung Ho, No. 8, February 11, 1944, said
….The exodus to Detroit and Chicago last week-end was something to see…Having heard so many tales about the attractions in Detroit from such story tellers as Sgt Andy Kan and Cpl Harry King, dyed in wool natives…and also from Cpl Eugene MonGoy, other EM wanted to see for themselves……Sgt George Woong and Cpl Homer Eng certainly did….Gung Ho, No. 9, February 18, 1944, said
….And was Cpl Harry King down-hearted when some pics he took at Detroit t’other weekend turned out to be perfect blanks…you see, there was supposed to be a pretty lass in the films somewhere….
….On the subject of boithday, we gotta note here the occasion of Cpl Harry G. King and Pfc Calvin Huie’s joint celebration at the Chungking St Valentines Day....certainly all had a wunnerful time, judging from the hilarity and laffter......Gung Ho, No. 12, March 10, 1944, said
....Most of the strange sounds that memorable evening emanated from the 25 “Humdingers” everyone was trying to coax a tune from....
....Harry is 19 and Calvin has reached the ripe old age of 20....or as Pfc Henry Wong (30) so aptly stated, nest [sic] year Calvin can vote for Roosevelt....The whole affair was keyed to foolishness, from the bibs the two celebrants wore about their necks to the plastic eating utensils they found before them...But they somehow managed to devour their chicken dinner.....
….Entertainment was furnished by both celebrants and the 26 hosts…just to mention a few hi-lites and ji-jinks [sic]….Cpl Ray Fong sang a few choice arias and melodies….Calvin’s rendition of Chinatown in Chinese brought down the house….And the Red River Valley Trio, consisting of Harry, Calvin, and Pfc Glen [sic] Fuzz Chin struggled thru a few unidentified ditties....
.....Still at Detroit: Sgt Tommy Yee called on his date Saturday nite....and found her preoccupied with....yeah, two other “buddies”. ....One of ’em was Cpl Harry G. King, who grinned at Yee with the wide and vacuous grin that only his countenance could fashion....Gung Ho, No. 13, March 17, 1944, said
....Glimpses: Cpl Harry G King scribbling letters after “lights out”—inside the shower room....Gung Ho, No. 14, March 24, 1944, said
....That box of succulent fried chicken which made a brief—very brief—appearance in lower barracks three one day was Cpl Harry King’s....His Mama in Dee-troit prepared it and he brought it back with him on his last pass there....Mrs. King sho’ is a swell cook, said the hungry buddies who gobbled up most of the poultry, leaving Harry with a few bones to chew on....
....and Cpl Harry G King, he of the silly grin, has been inflicting “Roses are red, violets are blue,” pomes [sic] to a Margie in N’Yawk....After the war King returned to Detroit.
On April 29 1945 King’s mother, Chan Shee King, crossed the Ambassador Bridge from Windsor, Ontario, Canada to Detroit. Her Detroit address was 143 Charlotte. She became a naturalized citizen on April 18, 1947.
The family tree said King’s father passed away in 1947. The Detroit News, December 23, 1948, published a list of deaths which included “King, Yee, 55, Charlotte”. Based on the published age, he was born in 1893. The year is somewhat close to the family tree birth date of October 22, 1895. Charlotte was the street name of his residence which was the same street on his wife’s identification card when she crossed the Canadian border in 1945.
The 1950 census counted King, his widow mother, Elizabeth, and brothers George and Frank in Detroit at 5213 Brooklyn. King’s occupation was not recorded.
At some point King’s mother remarried to Jew Dooey who operated a laundry according to the 1950 census.
The date and place of King’s marriage to Ella is not known.
King’s mother passed away on April 16, 1995. A death notice appeared in the Detroit Free Press, April 19, 1995, said
Dooey, BettyKing passed away on March 28, 2004 in Detroit.
Beloved wife of the late Jew Dooey and Yee Yuk King. Dear mother of Harry (Ella) King, George (Linda) King, the late Helen Lim, the late James King, and late Frank King. Leaves five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Services Thursday 1 p.m. at Sawyer-Fuller Funeral Home 2125 W. [garbled text].
FRED KO (FRED CHU KO)
Fred Ko aka Fred Chu Ko was born on June 9, 1923 in Sue Kai, Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. A passenger list said his birthplace was “Sunwui, Kwangtung, China”. Ko’s Social Security application included the name, Fat Ko. His parents were Ko Fung and “Jone See”.
Twelve-year-old “Fat Ko” was aboard the steam ship President Jackson when it departed Hong Kong on March 27, 1936. The passenger list said Ko had been with his mother, Chung Shee, at “She Kai, Sunwui, Kwangtung, China”. Ko arrived at Seattle, Washington on April 15, 1936 and admitted on August 28, 1936. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 7030/8490. Ko’s destination was to Kwong Ching, a friend, at 703 King Street in Seattle.
Ko has not been found in the 1940 United States census.
On June 30, 1942 Ko signed his draft card. His address was Mellwood, Arkansas. He was described as five feet three inches, 158 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Ko enlisted on June 19, 1943.
Ko was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Ko and his hometown in 1945 on page 215.
Fred Ko (Fred Chu Ko)…..Mellwood, ArkansasThe squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Private First Class Ko was promoted to the rank of Corporal.
Gung Ho, No. 4, January 14, 1944, said
Now for our Dept. of Romance & Similar Nonsenses: …talk about lines being crossed—Cpl Hing Jee was stood up too t’other nite in town..but this isn’t the end of the story…as Jee sat eating in the Chungking eatery Cpl Fred Ko and Pvt York Q. Luke breezed in with two belles…you’ve guessed it: one of the gals was Jee’s missing date!…Gung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
….while in another corner Sgts George Shue and Andy Kan, Cpls Elwood Lew and Fred Ko, Pfc’s Harry King and Albert FL Fong, Pvts York Q. Luke and Yee T. Yook scribbled autographs in Chinese and American to a group of lassies…On the second page of Gung Ho, No. 14, March 24, 1944, Ko, “The Chinese hill-billy from Arkansas”, was one of three caricatures drawn by Glenn Chinn.
Ko was discharged on January 7, 1946 according to his draft card. Ko is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project which the Bobby Ko Family, Gloria Ko Wong Family and Barbara Ko are Warrior Circle supporters. Details of Ko’s life and family are at the Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition Project. Photographs of Ko are on page 117 of the Digital Program Booklet Volume One.
In China Ko married Hang Kwai Fung. On August 21, 1946 they were aboard Philippines Air Line, flight 201, when it departed Hong Kong. The flight included a stop at Honolulu, Hawaii on August 22, 1946. The newlyweds eventually arrived at San Francisco. Ko’s address was “Rightor & Columbia, St. Helena, Arkansas”.
The 1950 census counted Ko, his wife and two daughters, Barbara Jean and Gloria Jean, in Earle, Arkansas on Court Street. Ko was a partner and manager at a “retail cash market”.
Ko passed away on March 19, 1988 in California. He was laid to rest at Rose Hills Memorial Park.
FRANK W. KOCH
Frank W. Koch was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Koch and his hometown in 1945 on page 213.
If the middle initial is incorrect, there was a Frank K. Koch who served in the Army Air Force. He was a Pennsylvania native who passed away in 2004.
Frank Joseph Koch (February 23, 1915–May 18, 2007) was born and died in California. His obituary said
DAN KONG
Dan Kong was born on December 12, 1923 in Canton, China according to his obituary. A passenger list said his birthplace was “Faryuen, Kwangtung, China”. His Social Security application said his parents were King Kong and Yim Shee.
Twelve-year-old “Din Kong” was aboard the steam ship President Coolidge when it departed Hong Kong on August 25, 1938. The passenger list said he had been with is mother, Yim Shee, in “Lok Cheung, Faryuen, Kwangtung, China”. Kong arrived at San Francisco, California on September 12, 1938 and admitted on November 19, 1938. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number 38510/11-2. Kong’s final destination was to his brother, Kop Kong, at 150 East Santa Clara in San Jose, California.
The 1940 United States census counted Kong as one of seven in the household whose head was May Kong, a cousin. They lived in San Jose at 37 South Fourth Street. All of the men, except Kong, were butchers.
Kong’s World War II draft card has not been found. There was a “Dan Kong”, born 1925, who enlisted at Santa Clara, California on August 4, 1943.
Kong was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Kong and his hometown in 1945 on page 215.
After the war Kong returned to San Jose.
Kong traveled to China and married Mee Kwan Lo. They were aboard Pan American Airways, flight 2, when it departed Hong Kong on November 14, 1947. The couple arrived the next day in Honolulu, Hawaii. The next stop was San Francisco, California. Kong’s address 150 East Santa Clara, San Jose, California.
The 1950 census counted Kong, his wife, daughter, Lorraine, and son, Clement, in San Jose at 255 East St. James. His occupation was butcher at a meat market.
San Jose city directories listed Kong as a butcher at State Meat Market. He lived at 231 Delia for many years.
Dan Kong was naturalized on November 29, 1966.
The 1950 census counted Ko, his wife and two daughters, Barbara Jean and Gloria Jean, in Earle, Arkansas on Court Street. Ko was a partner and manager at a “retail cash market”.
Ko passed away on March 19, 1988 in California. He was laid to rest at Rose Hills Memorial Park.
FRANK W. KOCH
Frank W. Koch was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Koch and his hometown in 1945 on page 213.
WOJG [Warrant Officer Junior Grade] Frank W. Koch…..Long Beach, CaliforniaThere are a few men who might be Koch. There was a Frank Willard Koch (July 11, 1913–June 3, 1961) who was born and died in Missouri. Evidently he never lived in California.
If the middle initial is incorrect, there was a Frank K. Koch who served in the Army Air Force. He was a Pennsylvania native who passed away in 2004.
Frank Joseph Koch (February 23, 1915–May 18, 2007) was born and died in California. His obituary said
... Frank served in the U.S. Army from 1934 to 1937 and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1941 to 1946. From 1943 to 1946, he served as an Aircraft Engineering Officer in the Fourteenth Air Force, which operated in the China-Burma-India theater during World War II as the Flying Tigers. ...
DAN KONG
Dan Kong was born on December 12, 1923 in Canton, China according to his obituary. A passenger list said his birthplace was “Faryuen, Kwangtung, China”. His Social Security application said his parents were King Kong and Yim Shee.
Twelve-year-old “Din Kong” was aboard the steam ship President Coolidge when it departed Hong Kong on August 25, 1938. The passenger list said he had been with is mother, Yim Shee, in “Lok Cheung, Faryuen, Kwangtung, China”. Kong arrived at San Francisco, California on September 12, 1938 and admitted on November 19, 1938. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number 38510/11-2. Kong’s final destination was to his brother, Kop Kong, at 150 East Santa Clara in San Jose, California.
The 1940 United States census counted Kong as one of seven in the household whose head was May Kong, a cousin. They lived in San Jose at 37 South Fourth Street. All of the men, except Kong, were butchers.
Kong’s World War II draft card has not been found. There was a “Dan Kong”, born 1925, who enlisted at Santa Clara, California on August 4, 1943.
Kong was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Kong and his hometown in 1945 on page 215.
Dan Kong…..San Jose, CaliforniaIn the book, Kong was in the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.
After the war Kong returned to San Jose.
Kong traveled to China and married Mee Kwan Lo. They were aboard Pan American Airways, flight 2, when it departed Hong Kong on November 14, 1947. The couple arrived the next day in Honolulu, Hawaii. The next stop was San Francisco, California. Kong’s address 150 East Santa Clara, San Jose, California.
The 1950 census counted Kong, his wife, daughter, Lorraine, and son, Clement, in San Jose at 255 East St. James. His occupation was butcher at a meat market.
San Jose city directories listed Kong as a butcher at State Meat Market. He lived at 231 Delia for many years.
Dan Kong was naturalized on November 29, 1966.
Kong passed away on July 1, 2000, in San Jose. An obituary appeared in the San Jose Mercury News, July 5, 2000.
Kong, Dan—76. Passed away July 1, 2000 in San Jose, CA. Dan was born December 12, 1923 in Canton, China. He was a successful businessman who owned and operated the State Meat Market for over 50 years and was a patriotic veteran of WWII, a member of the 407th Air Service Squadron, 14th Service group “The Flying Tigers”. Survived by his loving wife of 53 wonderful years, Mee Kwan. Beloved father of Lorraine Lee and son-in-law Peter Lee, Clement Kong and daughter-in-law Melinda Kong, and Elaine Schultz and son-in-law Craig Schultz. Loving brother of Sui To Kong and Penny Lowe. Adored by his grandchildren Jason, Darren, Nathan, Jordan, Lara and Cameron.
Friends are invited to attend Funeral Services 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 8 at Oak Hill Funeral Home’s Chapel of the Oaks, 300 Curtner Ave., San Jose. Visitation will be Friday 6:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at the above chapel. Memorial contributions can be made to the Aoki Diabetes Research Institute, 1938 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95616.
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