ROBERT KVENILD
Robert Lee Kvenild was born on August 8, 1920 in Omaha, Nebraska according to his Social Security records. His parents were Birger Kvenild and Margit Testman, both Norwegian immigrants.
In the 1920 United States census (enumerated in April), Kvenild’s parents and brother, John, resided in Omaha at 5118 California Street. His father was a self-employed architect.
The Kvenild family has not been found in the 1930 and 1940 censuses.
Kvenild graduated from Omaha’s Central High School in 1939.
Robert Lee Kvenild was born on August 8, 1920 in Omaha, Nebraska according to his Social Security records. His parents were Birger Kvenild and Margit Testman, both Norwegian immigrants.
In the 1920 United States census (enumerated in April), Kvenild’s parents and brother, John, resided in Omaha at 5118 California Street. His father was a self-employed architect.
The Kvenild family has not been found in the 1930 and 1940 censuses.
Kvenild graduated from Omaha’s Central High School in 1939.
Kvenild enlisted in the Army Air Corps on December 10, 1941.
Kvenild was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Kvenild and his hometown in 1945 on page 213.
1st Lt. Robert Kvenild…..Omaha, NebraskaKvenild married Sally Hamilton in Venice, Florida on August 19, 1944. The wedding was reported in the Lincoln Journal Star (Nebraska), August 24, 1944.
At some point Kvenild was promoted to Captain.
Kvenild has not been found in the 1950 census. Public records said he resided, for a time, in Carmel Valley, California. Apparently he retired in Honomu, Hawaii.
Kvenild passed away on June 11, 2005. He was laid to rest at Kalahiki Cemetery.
LOOK C. KWONG (K.C. LOOK)
Look Ching Kwong was born on February 20, 1917 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. He will be referred to as Look.
Eighteen-year-old “Ching Kwong Look” was aboard the steam ship President Jefferson when it departed Hong Kong on August 3, 1935. Before traveling he had been with his mother, Moy Shee, at “Sai Hoi Sze Toyshan Kwangtung, China”. Look arrived at Seattle, Washington on August 20, 1935 and admitted on October 2, 1935. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 7030/7830. (The National Archives at Chicago has his Chinese Exclusion Act case file number 2008/1705.) His father, Fook Look, was in Seattle at 515 8th Avenue. Look’s final destination was Chicago, Illinois.
On October 16, 1940 Look signed his draft card. His Chicago address was 4537 North Clark Street. Sometime later the address (partly illegible) was changed. Look and his father worked at the Wing Wah Laundry.
Look’s veteran’s file said he enlisted on October 21, 1942.
Look was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Look and his hometown in 1945 on page 215.
Look C. Kwong (K.C. Look)…..Chicago, IllinoisThe squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Private Kwong was promoted to Private First Class.
Look was discharged on January 5, 1946. Look has not been found in the 1950 census.
Look passed away on June 13, 1991. The Social Security Death Index said his last residence was New York City.
KIMM CHAN K. LAU
Kimm Chan Kenneth Lau was born on September 14, 1904 in Honolulu, Hawaii according to his World War II draft card. His parents were Seong Fat Lau and Ming Kyan Chen.
The 1910 United States census counted Lau as the youngest of six siblings. The family resided in Koheo, Maui, Hawaii. His father was a farmer.
Lau has not yet been found in the 1920 census.
The 1930 census counted Lau, his father and older brother, Paul, in Honolulu at 2023 Metcalf Street. Lau was an automobile salesman. The 1930 Honolulu city directory had the same address and his employer was the Universal Motors Company.
Lau was aboard the steam ship Monterey when it departed Honolulu on September 8, 1932. He arrived at Los Angeles, California on September 13, 1932.
The Hahnemann Medical College (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) yearbook, The Medic 1934, listed Lau as a freshman. He graduated in 1937.
In the 1940 census Lau resided in New York Chinatown at 60 East Broadway. The self-employed medical doctor had five years of college.
At some point Lau signed his World War II draft card. The book, Honor and Duty: The Chinese American WWII Veterans (2020) said he enlisted in the Army on May 22, 1943.
Lau was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Lau and his hometown in 1945 on page 213.
Captain Kimm Chan K. Lau (K.C. Kenneth Lau)…..New York, New YorkThe 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
Medical Officer PromotedGung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
Twin bars this week appeared on the shoulder of 407th’s medical officer, K. C. Kenneth Lau as he was promoted from 1st Lt. to Captain. The promotion became effective January 1, 1944, thus making it a real happy New Year to “Doc” as he is known to the unit personnel.
Capt. Lau, who hails from Hawaii, was an outstanding Chinese physician in New York City when he was called into the service. A specialist in internal medicine, he was instructor at the New York Medical College and visiting physician to the Metropolitan City hospital and the New York Medical College hospital.
He was commissioned a 1st Lt. in the Medical Reserve Corps in 1937, and his current active service began May 22, 1943. He was assigned as medical officer to the 407th in August, 1943, a month after the unit’s activation.
…..Sgt Charles Lum admits he has attended “Doc” Lau’s first aid lectures four times already, but still doesn’t know how many kinds of fractures there are, by gosh….
….Now for some sidelights and sundry trivia gleaned from the squadron shindig Tuesday eve at the Loretto….so did Capt “Doc” Lau, who kept at least one young lady interested for quite a while..yessir……Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said
….If you ask us Capt. “Doc” Lau’s cough medicine really works…on account the pink liquid taste[s] so bad your throat rather quit coughing than have the vile stuff go down the hatch….Gung Ho, No. 14, March 24, 1944, said
….On the t’other hand we find Lt. R.E. Byrne on the hunt for an alarm clock....he’s been sleeping to good it seems....Capt “Doc” Lau says the “best cure for insomnia is to get plenty of sleep”....for thr [sic] luvva mike, but how?....Gung Ho, No. 23, August 5, 1944, said
…..Short Shorties: Mon K Fong, Wm P [sic] Wong, Hong W Lowe, Suey W Jue, Soo J Wong, et al, are all emulating Captaincies “Doc” Lau’s style of smoking now—with ivory holders…Lau was discharged on April 18, 1946. His draft card said he reenlisted on April 29, 1946. Lau’s address was 13 Oliver Street in New York City. His description was five feet three inches, 145 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
On June 12, 1947 Lau and Katherine Chou obtained, in Manhattan, marriage license number 18680. They married at the Chinese Presbyterian Church, 225 East 31st Street, on July 7, 1947.
According to the 1950 census, Lau, his wife and two-year-old son, Donald, lived in Manhattan at 45 Madison Street. Lau was a self-employed physician.
The 1954 and 1955 Honolulu city directories listed Lau’s office at 1115 Young. He lived at 731 Ocean View Drive.
At some point Lau moved to California. He filed a Social Security claim on June 11, 1969.
The Modesto Bee (California), June 29, 1970, said a marriage license was issued to Lau and Trinidad M. Silveira, 51, of Stockton.
Lau passed away on August 26, 1992. An obituary appeared in the Modesto Bee, August 28, 1992, here and here.
Dr. K.C. Kenneth LauLau was laid to rest at Saint Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery.
Sept. 14 1904 — Aug. 26 1992
Dr. K.C. Kenneth Lau, 87, of Modesto died Wednesday at Stanislaus Medical Center
Dr. Lau was a native of Kula Hawaii. He lived in Modesto for 30 years. He was a medical doctor and internist who had practiced at Modesto State Hospital Stockton State Hospital and Scenic General Hospital. He served in the Army from 1943 to 1946. He is survived by his wife Trinidad Lau of Modesto; and children, Donald Lau of San Francisco, Raymond Lau of Beaverton, Ore., and Jenny Lau and Scheree Lau, both of Fresno.
A graveside service is set for 1:30 pm Saturday at St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled from 6 pm to 9 pm today at Colonial Chapel of Franklin & Downs in Modesto.
Remembrances can be made to Visiting Nurses of Stanislaus County, 1905 Coffee Road, Suite 6, Modesto 95355.
CHOR Y. LAW
Chor Yow Law was born on January 4, 1908 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. Law’s naturalization petition said his true name was Chor Yow Tung and born on the same date in “Gunging Village, Nanhoy District, Kwangtung Province, China”.
Eight-year-old “You Chaw Law” and his parents, See Moy Law and Ho Shee, were aboard the steam ship Siberia Maru when it departed Hong Kong on December 18, 1916. They had been with Law Cheung, a cousin, at “Namhoi, Kwangtung, China”. The trio arrived at San Francisco, California on January 8, 1917. His father was admitted the following day. On June 16, 1917 Law and his mother were admitted. Their San Francisco destination was the Tai Chong Company at 743 Jackson Street.
The 1920 United States census counted Law as the oldest of two brothers born to Say M. Law and Shew Law. His father was a clerk at a dry goods store. The family lived in San Francisco at 952 Washington Street.
Law has not been found in the 1930 census.
On April 30, 1931 Law and his sister began their trip from San Francisco to China. Eight years later Law was aboard the steam ship President Coolidge when it departed Hong Kong on April 20, 1937. He had lived with his mother at “See Shan, Namhoi, Kwangtung, China”. Law arrived at San Francisco on May 5, 1937. His final destination was to Earnest Leung, a friend, at 743 Jackson Street in San Francisco.
On June 24, 1939 Law started his travel to China. Law and his sister, Yin Hing Law, were aboard the steam ship President Pierce when it departed Hong Kong on November 4, 1939. They had stayed with their brother, You Cheong Law, in “Gun Kuen, Namhoi, Kwangtung, China”. The siblings arrived at San Francisco on November 25, 1939.
In the 1940 census, Law was married to California-born Hong. He was a salesman of imported incense. Also staying with them were Law’s brother and sister. They resided in San Francisco at 21 Auburn Street. (Law’s next door neighbor was Benson K. Lee, a future 407th member.)
On October 16, 1940 Law signed his draft card. His San Francisco address was the same. He was self-employed. Law was described as five feet five inches, 115 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Law enlisted on May 12, 1943.
Law’s surname was misspelled on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Law and his hometown in 1945 on page 215.
Chor Y. Law…..San Francisco, CaliforniaIn the book Law was acknowledged on page viii, and mentioned on pages 20, 35 and 71.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said
….Add favorite phrases: Cpl James W Chan: “I’ll kill ya!”…and Pfc Chor Y. Law: “Have you something to do?”..Gung Ho, No. 22, July 22, 1944, said
...Sight of the week: in one corner of ze orderly room Yong [sic] Q. Ark, fiddling with a clock, suddenly set off the alarm...In a flash Chor Y. Law, in another corner, grabbed the phone, answered it in his most officious manner...’n then sat there for minutes wondering whyinheck there was no response..ho hum.After the war, Law returned to San Francisco. Law’s photograph appeared in The Memoir 1947 (see Group 45) which was published by the Chick Char Club in San Francisco.
The 1948 San Francisco city directory said Law was associated with the business Cathay Arts.
According to the 1950 census, Law and his wife, Ann, were San Francisco residents at 4019 Lawton. His occupation was not recorded.
East/West, July 11, 1967, said
407th air squad holds outingOn November 7, 1967, Law became a naturalized citizen. His address was 1446 Jackson Street in San Francisco.
The 407th Air Service Squadron will hold a picnic at Oakland’s Roberts Park on Sunday. July 30, at 2 p.m.
Many activities are being planned by Duey S. Leong. chairman, and his committee for the day. For information call Chor Y. Law, 781-2568.
The 407th saw service in North Africa, India and China. In China, the squadron was under the command of Clair L. Chennault, Commanding General of the 14th (Flying Tigers) Air Force. Plans are being made by the group for a fourth reunion in the summer of 1968.
Law filed a Social Security claim on October 31, 1972.
Law passed away on April 7, 1996. His obituary appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, April 10, 1996.
ALFRED H. LEE
Alfred Hong Lee was born on November 11, 1924 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. A passenger list said he was born in “Hong Woo Village, Toyshan, Kwangtung, China”.
Twelve-year-old “Hong Lee” was aboard the steam ship President Jefferson when it departed Hong Kong on October 16, 1937. While in China he stayed with his mother, Yee Shee at “Tong Ping, Toyshan, Kwangtung, China”. Lee arrived at Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on November 2, 1937. He traveled by train to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. On November 9, 1937 Lee was aboard the ship Yarmouth when it departed. He arrived at Boston, Massachusetts the next day. Lee’s final destination was New York City where his father, Lee Geu, lived.
Lee has not been found in the 1940 United States census.
On December 26, 1942 Lee signed his draft card. His address was 160 East 44th Street in Manhattan, New York City. Lee’s description was five feet four inches, 130 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. Lee was employed at the New Market Steel Company in Plainfield, New Jersey.
Law passed away on April 7, 1996. His obituary appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, April 10, 1996.
Law, Chor Y.—In San Francisco, passed peacefully on April 7, 1996. Beloved husband of Anne E. Law. Loving brother of Ada (Cheen) Quan and the late Robert (Lilly) Law. Cherished uncle of many loving nieces and nephews. A Veteran of WWII with the 407th Air Service Squadron stationed in China; retired from Tai Chong Co. [泰彰號] on Grant Ave. of S.F.
Friends and relatives are cordially invited to attend the Funeral Services on Saturday, April 13, 1996 at 1 p.m., at the Chapels of the Green Street mortuary, 649 Green St., S.F., CA. Interment Lookssan Cemetery, Colma, CA.
ALFRED H. LEE
Alfred Hong Lee was born on November 11, 1924 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. A passenger list said he was born in “Hong Woo Village, Toyshan, Kwangtung, China”.
Twelve-year-old “Hong Lee” was aboard the steam ship President Jefferson when it departed Hong Kong on October 16, 1937. While in China he stayed with his mother, Yee Shee at “Tong Ping, Toyshan, Kwangtung, China”. Lee arrived at Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on November 2, 1937. He traveled by train to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. On November 9, 1937 Lee was aboard the ship Yarmouth when it departed. He arrived at Boston, Massachusetts the next day. Lee’s final destination was New York City where his father, Lee Geu, lived.
Lee has not been found in the 1940 United States census.
On December 26, 1942 Lee signed his draft card. His address was 160 East 44th Street in Manhattan, New York City. Lee’s description was five feet four inches, 130 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. Lee was employed at the New Market Steel Company in Plainfield, New Jersey.
Lee enlisted on June 7, 1943.
Lee was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Lee and his hometown in 1945 on page 215.
Alfred H. Lee…..New York, New YorkThe squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 13, March 17, 1944, said
PVT LEE IS “COVER BOY”Lee’s veteran’s file said he discharged on January 17, 1946. His photograph appeared in The Memoir 1947 (see Group 18) which was published by the Chick Char Club of San Francisco.
This week Pvt Alfred H. Lee was surprised to see his own likeness gracing the cover of the March issue of “Plane Facts,” a technical magazine published by the Air Service Command, Patterson Field.
The picture showed Lee at work in the welding section, dressed in the GI fatigues and wearing goggles. Put Lee could hardly recognize himself at first glance.
Pvt Lee hails from New York, was born on Armistice day 20 years ago, and came to this country in 1937.
The 1950 United States census counted an “Alfred H Lee” who was married to “Soo Lan” and had a daughter, Judy. They lived in New York Chinatown at 176 Allen Street. His occupation was not recorded.
Lee passed away on November 4, 1979 according his veteran’s file.
ANDREW W. LEE
Andrew W. Lee is on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Lee and his hometown in 1945 on page 215.
Andrew W. Lee…..San Francisco, CaliforniaThe squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 1, December 25, 1943, said
...Talk about happy smiling faces, you should see the countenances of those lucky boys who returned this week from furlough...How about that, Sgts Andrew Lee, Wm Quan, Cpls Fong Lee, Wilfred Eng, Tonley Ju, Mon K. Fong, Benson Lee, Pfc’s Din Lew, Homer Eng, Roland Gee, Howe Jay, Chin Ying, Pvts John J. Lee and Henry Wong (30)?.........Gung Ho, No. 2, December 31, 1943, said
…And before we forget to remember, here’s some cuff notes from our Xmas shingdig [sic] last week….Sgt Andrew Lee had one too many, but Cpl W. J. Hoy had to be content with just a sip, because he had a train to catch……..Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said Staff Sergeant Lee was promoted to Technical Sergeant.
…Was it Sgt Andrew Lee who walked into his barracks at the ungodly hour 1:30 ayem on Xmas morn and woke up all the slumbering GI’s because he was connting [sic] cadence—but loud—all the way?
….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 Lee was presented the Good Conduct Ribbon by Capt. E.F. Brown.
….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….
….while T/Sgt Andy Lee has his momentous moments with a gal named, of all things, “Muscles”…Ouch!….
At Ancestry.com there was an Andrew W. Lee who was born on March 2, 1910 in China. He has not been found in census and immigration records. Lee re-enlisted in the Air Corps on October 30, 1945. Lee passed away on October 3, 1947 in San Francisco according to the California Death Index at Ancestry.com.
ARTHUR R. LEE
Arthur R. Lee was born on July 29, 1924, in Manhattan, New York, New York, according to his World War II draft card which did not have his middle initial. Lee’s middle name was probably Roy which was his father’s first name and his brother’s middle name. Lee’s parents were Roy Arthur Lee, of China, and Mary Crawford, of New York. They married on April 1, 1920 in Manhattan.
The 1925 New York state census counted Lee as the youngest of three siblings. The family of five were Chinatown residents at 47 Mott Street. His father was a carpenter.
In the 1930 United States census, the Lee household included another son and a step-daughter. They lived in Chinatown at 17 Mott Street.
According to the 1940 census, fifteen-year-old Lee had completed his first year of high school. The Lee family of six were at the same address in Chinatown.
Lee’s father, a tenement janitor, passed away on July 3, 1941.
On December 16, 1942 Lee signed his draft card. His address was 58 Elizabeth Street in Chinatown. His description was five feet ten inches, 146 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
An “Arthur R. Lee” enlisted in the Army on May 1, 1943. His race was listed as white.
The book, Honor and Duty: The Chinese American WWII Veterans (2020) has an “Arthur Lee”, from New York, with serial number 38421527, but it is not in the National Archives database.
Lee was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Lee and his hometown in 1945 on page 215.
Arthur R. Lee…..New York, New YorkIn the book Lee was acknowledged on page viii. He was quoted on page 8. (His quote also appeared in the Columbus Dispatch (Springfield, Illinois) August 15, 2014, “The year soldiers invaded the state fairgrounds”.)
Springfield in the summer months was hot and humid. You could just stand in the sun and you would be soaked to the skin in a few minutes. I remember that late in the afternoon each day, a truck would come into camp and give cold chocolate milk drinks to us. Boy, that was sure worth looking forward to.He was also quoted on pages 10 and 74.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Private First Class Lee was promoted to Corporal.
After the war Lee returned to New York.
The 1950 census said unemployed Lee lived in Manhattan at 164 East 33rd Street. His mother was head of the household which included her daughter Ann (a widow), son Thomas, and daughter Grace who was married with two children.
In the Shadow of the Tiger said Lee used the GI Bill to earn a business degree. He found employment at American Express.
Additional information about Lee has not been found.
BENSON K. LEE
Benson Kee Lee was born on July 31, 1920 in San Francisco, California according to his World War II Draft card. The California Birth Index, at Ancestry.com, recorded his name as “Nee K Lee”.
Lee has not yet been found in the 1930 United States census.
In 1937 Lee graduated from the High School of Commerce. The San Francisco Examiner, December 8, 1937, published the list of graduates.
The 1940 census counted Lee, his parents, Young and Kim, and older brothers Quon and Harold, at 27 Auburn in San Francisco. (Lee’s next door neighbor was Chor Y. Law.)
On February 14, 1942 Lee signed his draft card. His San Francisco address was 27 Auburn Street. He worked at the Mare Island Navy Yard. Lee’s description was five feet seven inches, 138 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Lee enlisted in the Army Air Corps on September 23, 1942.
Lee was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Lee and his hometown in 1945 on page 215.
Benson K. Lee…..San Francisco, CaliforniaHe appeared in a photograph on page 53.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 1, December 25, 1943, said
...Talk about happy smiling faces, you should see the countenances of those lucky boys who returned this week from furlough...How about that, Sgts Andrew Lee, Wm Quan, Cpls Fong Lee, Wilfred Eng, Tonley Ju, Mon K. Fong, Benson Lee, Pfc’s Din Lew, Homer Eng, Roland Gee, Howe Jay, Chin Ying, Pvts John J. Lee and Henry Wong (30)?.........Gung Ho, No. 2, December 31, 1943, said
Come Out Soon, Fellers!Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said
As 1943 draws to a close and 1944 comes over the horizon, a small number of our personnel are confined at the station hospital for various sicknesses. They include Sgt Sack Wan, S/Sgt Norman Lerenman (attached), Cpl H.L. Hachett (attached), Pvts Herbert J. Lee, Jan W. Wong, Harry Gin, S/Sgt Ton Lum and Cpl Benson K. Lee.
To these buddies goes our greetings for the New Year, and hearty wishes for their early recovery.
…and Benson Lee, fresh out of the station hospital, went bowling t’other nite in Dayton…and scored a mere 208…and Cpl Paul Fong, decrecating [sic] his own proficiency at the game, proceeded to roll up a score of 225….such lousy players…..yeah!……Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944 said Corporal Lee was promoted to Sergeant.
Lee’s veteran’s file said he was discharged on January 8, 1946. Lee is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project.
Lee has not been found in the 1950 census. He married Ella W. Lee on April 26, 1952 in San Francisco.
The 1959 San Francisco city directory listed Lee at 517 Bright. The 1962 San Jose, California city directory listed Lee at 594 North King Road. He was a State Franchise Tax Board auditor. His address in the 1968 San Jose directory was 560 North 19th Street.
Lee passed away on February 10, 1985 in Alameda County, California.
FONG LEE (HENRY L. LEE)
Fong Lee was born on September 5, 1912 in “Tung Wah Village, Toy Shan, Kwangtung, China” according to his 1964 naturalization petition. He also changed his name to Henry Fong Lee.
A passenger list with a “Fong Lee”, age nine, said he and his father, Shew Lee, were aboard the steam ship President Lincoln when it departed Hong Kong on May 9, 1923. Before leaving they had been with Lee’s mother, Ip Shee, at “Tungwah, Sunning, Kwangtung, China”. Father and son arrived at San Francisco on May 30, 1923. Lee’s father was admitted upon arrival. Lee’s admission came on June 25, 1923. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 22207/7-13. Their destination was to Kon Kong Chan, a friend, at Tung On Wo, 719 Sacramento Street in San Francisco.
Lee was at Glen Rock, Wyoming when he began his travel to China on November 27, 1926. Lee’s petition said he married Chui Po Wong at “Tung Wah Village, Toy Shan, Kwangtung, China” in June 1927.
Lee was aboard the steam ship President Coolidge when it departed Hong Kong on December 28, 1940. He had stayed with a friend, You Lai Lee, at 152 Connaught Road C, in Hong Kong. Lee arrived at San Francisco on January 16, 1941. His final destination was to his brother, Sai Lee, at 2313 Santa Clara in San Francisco.
Lee’s draft card has not been found. He enlisted at San Francisco, California in the Army Air Corps on October 24, 1942. His birth year was 1914.
Lee was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Lee and his hometown in 1945 on page 215.
Fong Lee (Henry L. Lee)…..San Francisco, CaliforniaLee’s Social Security application had the middle initial F not L. In the book Lee was mentioned as part of the Gung Ho staff. He was in the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 1, December 25, 1943, said
...Talk about happy smiling faces, you should see the countenances of those lucky boys who returned this week from furlough...How about that, Sgts Andrew Lee, Wm Quan, Cpls Fong Lee, Wilfred Eng, Tonley Ju, Mon K. Fong, Benson Lee, Pfc’s Din Lew, Homer Eng, Roland Gee, Howe Jay, Chin Ying, Pvts John J. Lee and Henry Wong (30)?.........Gung Ho, No. 4, January 14, 1944, said
Translator StumpedGung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
Back in the halcyon days of civilian existence Cpl Fong Lee (who writes a splendid article in this issue’s Chinese section) was a teacher of the Chinese language, an American university student, and a translator par excellence.
But the other day a technical term came up in the engineering section which completely floored his erstwhile translating ability. It was only a simple mechanical gadget, but a mighty useful thing. Cpl Lee met his linguistic Waterloo as he stared at the instrument and scratched his befuddled cranium.
The term which stumped the translater [sic] was the cycinder [sic] hold-down packing-nut lug-wrench.
…sa-ay, who had that loud nightmare in Barracks #1 t’other a.m. and scared the pajamas off Cpl Fong Lee?…
…whereas Cpl Fong Lee found the party too noisesome [sic] and pointless to him…his scholarly dignity was ruffled by too many feminine giggles….and he would much have preferred a forum anyway…..Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said Corporal Lee was promoted to Sergeant.
….Sgt Fong Lee, he of the scholarly demeanor, started the native New Year with a remarkable reversal of behavior….by taking up the dubious art of bowling. No kidding, boys….he actually stepped onto an alley and knocked down the pins right and left….to total 65 points…which isn’t bad at all for a tyro….Gung Ho, No. 8, February 11, 1944, said Lee was presented the Good Conduct Ribbon by Captain E.F. Brown.
Gung Ho, No. 10, February 25, 1944, said
….It isn’t news any more when veteran howlers like Sgt Baby TNT Woong and Cpl Stanley Chinn go awolfin’….but it sure is news when S/Sgt Lawrence S. Fong and Sgt Fong Lee take off on a bender to Detroit….these two homebodies seldom go any place atall……must be the propaganda the other EM have been bringing back on this particular town….S/Sgt Fong was non-committal, but Sgt Fong Lee was enthusiastic in declaring that the gals were swell.Gung Ho, No. 11, March 3, 1944, said
New “Gung Ho” Staff Members.Lee was discharged on December 7, 1945 according to his petition. He returned to California. He has not been found in the 1950 census.
Sgt Fong Lee brings to the “Gung Ho” Chinese section a goodly amount of experience as a translator and as an instructor of the Chinese language. His formal education was completed in several different places: grammar school in Glenrock, Wyo.; high school in San Francisco; college in China; and post gradate work in Berkeley, Cal. He received his A.B. sheepskin in ’39, then returned to the U.S. for P.G. work at the University of California.
Lee reads Japanese, speaks the Mandarin and Shanghai dialects in addition to his own Cantonese tongue, and also knows his aeronautics. He has worked as a translator in a Chinese language daily in San Francisco, and has taught in a Chinese language school.
On November 5, 1964, Lee submitted his naturalization petition. His address was 923 Centennial Street in Los Angeles, California. He was a grocery store owner. Lee included his service dates and army serial number with an incorrect last digit, 5 instead of 4. (19140765 belonged to someone else.) Lee was naturalized on December 18, 1964.
Lee’s wife arrived at Los Angeles on October 26, 1965.
Lee passed away on August 3, 1976 in Los Angeles according to the California Death Index at Ancestry.com
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Introduction
Lee passed away on August 3, 1976 in Los Angeles according to the California Death Index at Ancestry.com
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Introduction
(Next post Group 13: G Lee–J Lee)
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