KENNETH MAH
The 1920 United States census recorded Kenneth Mah’s parents and four older siblings in Salem, Massachusetts. His father was a restaurant chef. The 1921 List of Boston, Massachusetts Residents said Mah’s father’s residence was 1 Hudson Street. He was a restaurateur.
Kenneth Mah was born on March 12, 1925 in Boston, Massachusetts according to his World War II draft card.
The 1930 census counted Mah as the seventh of nine siblings. Their parents were Goon and Gladys. The father was a restaurant waiter. The family resided at 45 Kingsley Street in Hartford, Connecticut.
In the 1940 census the Mah family were in Hartford at 18 Adelaide Street. Mah’s father was the proprietor of a Chinese store.
In 1942 Mah graduated from Bulkeley High School. He was the treasurer of the Edison Club and Boys’ Debating Club.
The 1920 United States census recorded Kenneth Mah’s parents and four older siblings in Salem, Massachusetts. His father was a restaurant chef. The 1921 List of Boston, Massachusetts Residents said Mah’s father’s residence was 1 Hudson Street. He was a restaurateur.
Kenneth Mah was born on March 12, 1925 in Boston, Massachusetts according to his World War II draft card.
The 1930 census counted Mah as the seventh of nine siblings. Their parents were Goon and Gladys. The father was a restaurant waiter. The family resided at 45 Kingsley Street in Hartford, Connecticut.
In the 1940 census the Mah family were in Hartford at 18 Adelaide Street. Mah’s father was the proprietor of a Chinese store.
In 1942 Mah graduated from Bulkeley High School. He was the treasurer of the Edison Club and Boys’ Debating Club.
Maple Leaves yearbook
On March 13, 1943 Mah signed his draft card. His Hartford address was 73 Montowese Street. He was described as five feet six inches, 138 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
At some point he enlisted and was assigned to the Army Air Corps.
Mah was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Mah and his hometown in 1945 on page 216.
Kenneth Mah…..Hartford, ConnecticutIn the book he was mentioned on pages viii, 8, 16, 19 and 21. Mah appeared in photographs on pages 27 and 29.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 1, December 25, 1943, said
Two Good Men.Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Private First Class Mah was promoted to Corporal.
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.
Gung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
8 EM on Detached Service.Gung Ho, No. 10, February 25, 1944, said
This week another out-of-town assignment was given the 407th. This time it was to assist in the repairing of a P-39 at Columbus, Ohio.
So to Columbus last Monday went S/Sgt Donald Louie, Cpls Henry Mar, Din Lew, John R. Ung, Kenneth Mah, Pfc’s John Chuck, Gim Jeong, and Pvt Louie Woon. The officer in Charge was W.O.T.A. Egnoski.
One Soldier’s Family.
Millions of Americans this month will be reading a very interesting story in the new (March) issue of Reader’s Digest. It is titled merely “Portrait of an American Family,” and is one of a series of Chronicles of Americanization the RD is featuring.
What makes this story unusually interesting is that it tells of the lives and fortune of a Chinese-American family in Hartford, Conn. You’ll read how a young couple from San Francisco’s teaming Chinatown went East years ago to better their fortune, and how they eventually were the proud patents of 9 children. Of the latter you will read that....
“....George, who has almost finished the work for his Ph.D in organic chemistry at the M.I.T., is attached to the 81st Chemical Battalion. The two oldest daughters, Margaret and Gladys, are trained nurses. Kenneth, 18, is in the Army Air Forces. Harold, 17, is...at the University of Chicago. Alice holds a responsible job in a war industry. May help her father in his business. The two youngest boys, still in high school, have newspaper routes.”
Although the RD story does not mention the fact, the aforementioned Kenneth is none other than Cpl Kenneth Mah of the 407th—Ken to his buddies in the electrical repair section. Yup, gentlemen, the story in this “Portrait of an American Family” is the story of Ken Mah’s own folks back home in Hartford.
It is an intensely interesting tale, and it is both American and Chinese in the way the Mahs have lived their lives. Typically Chinese-American is the way in which Ken’s parents, Goon Mah and Wong Shee, started out. The father born in this country, went to China thirty years ago, married, and brought his wife to San Francisco. There, unable to get ahead, the couple went east to Salem, Mass., where Goon Mah found a job in a restaurant. Later, when the family moved to Boston, Mah became his own restaurant owner, and named the place, approriately [sic] enough, “The Liberty”.
The passing years brought the Mahs many children. Several times, too, the family fortune ebbed and rose. Finally, the family moved to Hartford. The Reader’s digest [sic] story continues:
“Today, Goon Mah owns a thriving little restaurant on Hartford’s Mulberry Street.” Today, also, the Mahs live in “a house of their own—a pleasant, 8-room stucco dwelling Here they live a completely American life.”
One of the most significant parts of this article is this: “The Mahs, though proud of their Chinese background, are prouder still to be Americans, Perhaps that explains why, when the war Bond Authorities sought the most effective representative of Americanism in Hartford, they did not choose a member of some family old in American history. They went to Gladys Mah, and she took time off from the surgical department at the (Hartford0 hospital to tell Connecticut Yankees how important it is to buy bonds...... ”America has meant much to my family,” she said. “It has meant liberty, justice and equality—and the chance for knowledge.”
But read this story in the RD and find out a few things for yourself. It is a tale full of many things for which we are fighting.
Reader’s Digest, March 1944
Gung Ho, No. 11, March 3, 1944
....“In the Spring a young man’s fancy turns to....” etc.,etc...which probably explains the many dazed and vacuous expressions a few EM are wearing.....then there’s the cute little eyeful Cpl Richard Y Wong was chit-chatting with at a Dayton skating rink....but it was at the Chungking eatery that he felt Cupid’s darts....there were four in the party, Cpls Richard Y Wong and Kenneth Mah and gal frans....the food and ev’rything was so-o good....Cpl Wong walked out into the cold, cold nite forgetting his gloves....didn’t even miss ’em...Gung Ho, No. 12, March 10, 1944
….A “Snafu” casaba team has been organized, migosh....with Cpl Eugene MonGoy and Pfc James Wong as co-managers, and captained by Cpl Kenneth Mah, with Sgt George Woong as alternate captain....Red shirts and black trunks are the colors of its uniform....But, oboyoboy, the Sanfu’s lost its debut game with the squadron official team by the tune of 40 to 4!!..At some point Mah was discharged. He is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project.
Mah has not been found in the 1950 census. His mother, sister, Gladys, and brother, Harold, were in Hartford.
Mah was listed at 73 Montowese in Hartford city directories from 1945 to 1962. From 1946 to 1949 he worked at the Wah Hing Company, 33 Mulberry. The directory years 1951 to 1953 listed his occupation as student.
The Springfield Sunday Republican (Massachusetts), November 4, 1951, published a photograph of Bard College (Annandale-on-Hudson, New York) students. Mah was one of three students cleaning windows, in one of the school’s buildings, as part of Bard’s community service program.
Public records said Mah, at various times, lived in New York City, Chicago and Conway, Arkansas. His last known residence was in Maryland.
CHARLIE MAR
Charles “Charlie” Mar was born on July 11, 1914 in Oakland, California according to his World War II draft card. His Social Security application had the birth date July 16, 1914. His parents were Ling Mar and Fung Shee.
Mar has not yet been found in the 1920 United States census.
The 1930 census counted Mar as the oldest of four siblings. Their father was a salesman of Chinese grocery and mother a cannery laborer. The family lived in Seattle, Washington at 318 25th Avenue South.
Mar has not yet been found in the 1940 census.
On October 16, 1940 Mar signed his draft card. His address was 1229 S.W. Washington Street in Portland, Oregon. Mar’s description was five feet seven inches, 148 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Mar enlisted on May 3, 1943.
Mar was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Mar and his hometown in 1945 on page 216.
Charlie Mar…..Seattle, WashingtonAfter the war Mar returned to Oregon.
Mar’s marriage was reported in two Portland newspapers. The Oregon Journal, March 14, 1948, said
Recent March Wedding ToldThe Oregonian, March 21, 1948, said
Married March 3 at the First methodist church was Miss Yona Jayne Yamada, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tamaichi Yamada, who became the bride of Charles Mar, son of Mrs. June Mar of San Francisco. The Rev. Laurence Everett Nye officiated.
The bride is a graduate of Lincoln high school and Barat college, Lake Forest, Ill. The bridegroom, who served three years in the air corps, received his education in Seattle, Wash.
Methodist Pastor Unites CoupleMar passed away on February 19, 1999. A death notice appeared in The Oregonian, February 27, 1999.
Miss Yona Jayne Yamada, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tamaichi Yamada, was married to Charles Mar, son of June Mar of San Francisco, March 3 at the First Methodist church. Rev. Laurence E. Nye officiated.
The couple plans to live here after a short honeymoon.
Mr. Mar served in the army air corps during the war and spent two years in China, Burma, India theater.
During World War II Yamada, who was born in Oregon, had been moved to the Civilian Assembly Center, Pacific International Exposition Ground, in Portland. She had never been to Japan.
Charles Mar
No service will be held for Charles Mar, who died on Feb. 19, 1999, of lung cancer at age 84.
Mr. Mar was born July 6 [sic], 1914, in Seattle. He lived intermittently in Portland, Fresno, Calif., and Seattle before returning to Portland about 1989. He owned Nikko’s Restaurant in Portland in the 1950s.
Survivors include his daughter, Marina Ramis of Portland; and two grandchildren.
Disposition was by cremation. Arrangements are by Hennessey, Goetsche & McGee Funeral Directors.
ERWIN W. MAR
Erwin Wong Mar was born on September 28, 1910 at Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. The California and Social Security Death Indexes have the birth date January 15, 1910. A passenger list said his birthplace was “Lungtin, Sunning, Kwangtung, China”.
Thirteen-year-old “Mar Wong”, his brother, Fee Wong, and their father, Bing Wong, were aboard the steam ship President Lincoln when it departed Hong Kong on September 15, 1923. The trio had been at “Lungtin, Sunning, Kwangtung, China”. They arrived at San Francisco, California on October 9, 1923. Their father was admitted upon arrival. His sons joined him on November 21, 1923. Mar’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 22639/006-10. Their final destination was to Wong Yue, a cousin, at Yee Lung, 901 Clay Street in San Francisco.
The 1930 United States census counted twenty-one-year-old Mar, a houseboy, in the Wiggins household which was in Oakland, California at 614 Mariposa Avenue.
The 1937 Fresno, California city directory listed Mar at 915 U Street. He was a clerk at National Dollar Stores. His address in 1940 was 510 Yosemite Avenue.
On October 16, 1940 Mar signed his draft card. His address was 212 1/2 Ferguson Alley in Los Angeles, California. He was employed at the Chung Mee Cafe. Mar’s description was five feet seven inches, 135 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Mar was in Los Angeles, California when he enlisted on April 12, 1943.
Mar was stationed at Patterson Field, Ohio when he became a naturalized citizen on December 6, 1943.
Mar was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Mar and his hometown in 1945 on page 216.
Erwin W. Mar…..Fresno, CaliforniaAfter the war Mar was aboard the ship General A. W. Greely when it departed Calcutta, India on November 9, 1945. He arrived at the port of New York on December 5, 1945. Mar’s veteran’s file said he was discharged on December 16, 1945.
The 1947 Fresno city directory listed Mar at 1844 Lewis Avenue. He and the Jing brothers operated the Mandarin Cafe at 1222 Broadway.
According to the 1950 census, Mar, his wife, May (Gwendolyn Jing), daughters, Patricia and Sharlynn, and son, Stanley, lived in Fresno at 1844 Lewis Street. Mar was a restaurant proprietor and cook. The head of the household was his father-in-law, Horn Yee Jing who was married to Loo Shee.
By 1955 Mar was a clerk again at the Dollar Store. His home address was the same.
Mar passed away on November 9, 1977 in San Francisco. His obituary appeared in the Fresno Bee, November 11, 1977.
Erwin W. Mar
Funeral services for Erwin W. Mar, 67, a former Fresnan, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the Stephens Bean Chapel.
Burial will be in Belmont Memorial Park. Mar, a native of China, died Tuesday in a San Francisco hospital. He moved to San Francisco five months ago after having lived in Fresno 47 years.
Surviving are two daughters, Patricia Mar of San Francisco and Sharlynn Mar of San Jose; a son, Stanley of Oakland and a sister, Mrs. Mar Moo Ying of San Francisco
HENRY Y. MAR
Henry Yet Mar was born on September 11, 1924 in San Francisco, California according to his World War II draft card.
Mar has not yet been found in the 1930 United States census.
The 1940 census counted Mar as the second of four siblings. Their parents were Mark, a WPA sewer project laborer, and Leong Shee. They were Fresno, California residents at 1214 Tuolumne Street.
On December 21, 1942 Mar signed his draft card. His address was unchanged. He worked at the New China Garage. Mar’s description was five feet five inches, 122 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Mar enlisted on June 26, 1943.
Mar was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Mar and his hometown in 1945 on page 216.
Henry Y. Mar…..Fresno, CaliforniaIn the book Mar was mentioned on pages 16 and 46. He appeared in photographs on pages 42, 53 and 63.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Private First Class Mar was promoted to Corporal.
Gung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
8 EM on Detached Service.After the war Mar returned to Fresno. Mar is on the U.S. Army Veterans Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project. The Society of Oral History on Modern China interviewed Mar, John Ong, Richard Gee and James Jay of the Air Service Group. http://www.chineseoralhistory.org/topic-en.html
This week another out-of-town assignment was given the 407th. This time it was to assist in the repairing of a P-39 at Columbus, Ohio.
So to Columbus last Monday went S/Sgt Donald Louie, Cpls Henry Mar, Din Lew, John R. Ung, Kenneth Mah, Pfc’s John Chuck, Gim Jeong, and Pvt Louie Woon. The officer in Charge was W.O.T.A. Egnoski.
The 1947 Fresno city directory listed Mar at 147 Eden Avenue.
In 1949 Mar enrolled at the University of California at Berkeley where he was a member of the Chinese Students Club. The 1950 census counted Mar, a student, in Berkeley at 2212 Bancroft Way.
In 1952 Mar graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the School of Architecture.
1952 Blue and Gold yearbook
On July 12, 1953 Mar married Emma Wong at Sacramento, California.
The 1955 Sacramento city directory listed Mar at 2121 10th Street. He was a designer for Charles F. Deans. The 1958 directory listed his address as 4334 4th Avenue. He was a draftsman for architect Gordon Stafford.
Mar’s wife passed away on September 16, 2015.
Additional information about Mar has not been found.
HAROLD G. MARSHALL
Harold George Marshall was born on June 10, 1911 in Richmond, Virginia according to his World War II draft card. However, census records said he was born in Illinois. Marshall’s wife’s naturalization petition said his birthplace was La Grange, Illinois.
The 1920 United States census counted Marshall as the second of three siblings. Their parents were Byron, a telephone linesman, and Tillie. They lived in Beloit, Wisconsin at 1011 Randall Street.
In the 1930 census nineteen-year-old Marshall boarded with the Clarel family in Maywood, Illinois at 2004 South Fourth Avenue. He was a public service meter reader.
He has not been found in the 1940 census.
On October 16, 1940 Marshall signed his draft card. His Maywood address was 1409 South 2nd Avenue which was later crossed out and replaced with 607 South 3rd Avenue. His description was six feet one inch, 170 pounds, with brown eyes and hair.
At some point Marshall enlisted in the Army Air Corps.
Marshall was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Marshall and his hometown in 1945 on page 213.
1st Lt. Harold B. [sic] Marshall…..Beloit, WisconsinIn the book he was mentioned on pages 18 and 30. He appeared in a photograph on page 35.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 4, January 14, 1944, said
Lt. Marshall Promoted—but Fast.Gung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
This week 2nd Lt Harold G. Marshall of the squadron’s engineering section received the good military tidings that he had been appointed 1st Lt.
For swift promotion what happened to Lt. Marshall was something of a record. He was a second “looey” for only 28 days when he was promoted to 1st Lt!
To Lt. Marshall—a Gung Hay!
….Now for some sidelights and sundry trivia gleaned from the squadron shindig Tuesday eve at the Loretto…1st Lt Marshall attended a 407th squadron party for the first time that nite…and enjoyed himself as well….The East Liverpool Review, (Ohio), February 22, 1944, published a photograph of Marshall with Koonwah Lim.
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After the war Marshall married Mary Rose Moffat on July 2, 1947 at Winnebago County, Illinois. She was born in Bournemouth, England.
Marshall’s veteran’s file said he reenlisted on April 1, 1951 during the Korean War. He was discharged on June 18, 1953.
Marshall passed away on February 7, 1997 in Tullahoma, Tennessee. His obituary appeared in the Tampa Bay Times (St. Petersburg, Florida), February 21, 1997.
ANTHONY MIUCCI
Anthony Louis Miucci was born on January 9, 1919 in Rosebank, [Staten Island], New York according to his World War II draft card.
In the 1920 United States census Miucci was the only child of Orazia and Rose. They lived on Reyecuelo Street at Staten Island.
The 1930 census counted Miucci, his parents and sister, Florence, in Staten Island at 215 Chestnut Avenue.
The Miucci family of six were at the same address in the 1940 census. Miucci was comptometer operator in the carloading industry.
On October 16, 1940 Miucci signed his draft card. His address was unchanged. He was employed at the Universal Carloading Company in Manhattan. Miucci’s description was five feet six inches, 165 pounds, with brown eyes and hair.
Marshall’s veteran’s file said he reenlisted on April 1, 1951 during the Korean War. He was discharged on June 18, 1953.
Marshall passed away on February 7, 1997 in Tullahoma, Tennessee. His obituary appeared in the Tampa Bay Times (St. Petersburg, Florida), February 21, 1997.
Marshall, Harold George, 85, of Tullahoma, formerly of Brooksville, died Friday (Feb. 7, 1997) at Harton Hospital, Tullahoma. Born in Lagrange, [Illinois] he lived here for 22 years. He was a troubleshooter for Commonwealth Edison. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force after 37 years and was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. Survivors include his wife, Mary-Rose; two sons, Byron, Chicago, and Jay, Daytona Beach; a daughter, Candice Ryan, Itasca, two sisters, Mildred Zick, South Beloit, and Alice Buckett, Beloit, and four grandchildren. Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home, Tullahoma, Tenn.Marshall was laid to rest at Eastlawn Cemetery.
ANTHONY MIUCCI
Anthony Louis Miucci was born on January 9, 1919 in Rosebank, [Staten Island], New York according to his World War II draft card.
In the 1920 United States census Miucci was the only child of Orazia and Rose. They lived on Reyecuelo Street at Staten Island.
The 1930 census counted Miucci, his parents and sister, Florence, in Staten Island at 215 Chestnut Avenue.
The Miucci family of six were at the same address in the 1940 census. Miucci was comptometer operator in the carloading industry.
On October 16, 1940 Miucci signed his draft card. His address was unchanged. He was employed at the Universal Carloading Company in Manhattan. Miucci’s description was five feet six inches, 165 pounds, with brown eyes and hair.
At some point Miucci enlisted in the Army and was assigned to the 407th Air Service Squadron. He was not listed or mentioned in Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993 or In the Shadow of the Tiger.
After the war Miucci returned to Staten Island where he married Yvonne M. Confaix on May 19, 1946.
Miucci has not been found in the 1950 census.
Miucci passed away on February 9, 2003. His obituary appeared in the Staten Island Advance, February 11, 2003.
Anthony Miucci, 84
WW II veteran, retired traffic department manager
Lifelong Rosebank resident Anthony Louis Miucci, 84, a World War II veteran and retired traffic department manager, died Sunday in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze.
He graduated from Curtis High School in 1937.
A World War II veteran, Mr. Miucci served in the Army Air Forces from 1943 to 1946. He served in the 407th Air Service Squadron and 14th Air Force Flying Tigers, and saw duty in China, India and Burna. He attained the rank of staff sergeant.
Mr. Miucci worked for almost 40 years for Universal Car Loading, Manhattan. He retired as a traffic department manager in 1970. After his retirement, he worked for about 10 years as a security guard in the vault at the former Chase Manhattan Bank’s main branch at 1 Chase Plaza, Manhattan.
A lifetime parishioner of St. Joseph’s E.C. Church, Rosebank, he was also a church trustee and member of its Holy Name Society. He served as n usher during masses and a chairman for bingo games and the church bazaar.
Mr. Miucci belonged to the Staten Island Council, Knights of Columbus, and served as financial secretary for approximately 35 years.
A world traveler, his destinations included Alaska, Panama, Russia, Norway, Italy, France, Portugal and the Caribbean. He also enjoyed gardening.
Surviving are his wife of 56 years, the former Yvonne M. Confair; a brother, Louis J., and a sister, Florence Magi.
The funeral will be Thursday from the Richmond Funeral Home, Grant City, with a mass at 9:30 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Grasmere.
EUGENE MONGOY
Eugene Mongoy was born on August 20, 1924 in Miami, Florida according to his World War II draft card. The Miami Herald, August 28, 1924, said he was the first Chinese baby born in Miami. His parents were Joe and Myrtle. Six months later a photograph of infant Mongoy appeared in the Miami Herald, March 14, 1925.
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The Mongoy family has not been found in the 1930 United States census.
The 1935 Florida State census counted Mongoy as the third of five siblings. The family lived at 240 West Flagler Street in Miami.
On October 16, 1936 Mongoy began his trip from Seattle, Washington to China.
Fourteen-year-old Mongoy was aboard the steam ship Empress of Japan when it departed Hong Kong on January 24, 1939. The passenger list said he stayed with Chow Hing Look, an uncle, at “Tung Wo Lee, Hoiping, China”. Mongoy arrived at Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on February 11, 1939. He transferred to the ship Princess Charlotte for Seattle and arrived the same day. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 7030/8890. Mongoy’s final destination was 240 West Flagler Street in Miami.
The Mongoys have not been found in the 1940 census. The 1940 Miami, Florida city directory said his father was a grocer at 3314 Douglas Street in Coconut Grove.
After Central Elementary School, Mongoy attended Ada Merritt Junior High. The Miami Herald, May 17, 1941, published a photograph of him about to throw the shot put. Mongoy’s education continued at Miami Senior High School.
In the 1942 directory the Mongoys’ address was 1036 SW 3rd Avenue.
On January 3, 1943 Mongoy signed his draft card. His address was 1036 S.W. 3rd Avenue in Miami. He was described as five feet seven inches, 140 pounds, with brownies and black hair.
The 1935 Florida State census counted Mongoy as the third of five siblings. The family lived at 240 West Flagler Street in Miami.
On October 16, 1936 Mongoy began his trip from Seattle, Washington to China.
Fourteen-year-old Mongoy was aboard the steam ship Empress of Japan when it departed Hong Kong on January 24, 1939. The passenger list said he stayed with Chow Hing Look, an uncle, at “Tung Wo Lee, Hoiping, China”. Mongoy arrived at Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on February 11, 1939. He transferred to the ship Princess Charlotte for Seattle and arrived the same day. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 7030/8890. Mongoy’s final destination was 240 West Flagler Street in Miami.
The Mongoys have not been found in the 1940 census. The 1940 Miami, Florida city directory said his father was a grocer at 3314 Douglas Street in Coconut Grove.
After Central Elementary School, Mongoy attended Ada Merritt Junior High. The Miami Herald, May 17, 1941, published a photograph of him about to throw the shot put. Mongoy’s education continued at Miami Senior High School.
In the 1942 directory the Mongoys’ address was 1036 SW 3rd Avenue.
On January 3, 1943 Mongoy signed his draft card. His address was 1036 S.W. 3rd Avenue in Miami. He was described as five feet seven inches, 140 pounds, with brownies and black hair.
Mongoy enlisted at Camp Blanding, Florida on June 16, 1943.
Mongoy was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Mongoy on page 216.
Eugene Mongoy…..Miami, FloridaThe squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said
….Cpl Eugene MonGoy is head man with a certain “Rose” in Detroit….Is so?….on the other hand, Pvt Sang Chan reportedly has the femme situation in Detroit monopolized….does it include Rose?……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 Dee-troit is still the mecca for the 407th wolfpack on weekend...one Sgt who’s initials are George Woong has been dubbed “Baby TNT”...Hmm...but don’t ask Cpl Eugene MonGoy....he’s still recuperating from the trip....seems he contracted a bit of Rose fever, and is still in a daze...he and Woong both have it bad....Gung Ho, No. 12, March 10, 1944, said
….A “Snafu” casaba team has been organized, migosh....with Cpl Eugene MonGoy and Pfc James Wong as co-managers, and captained by Cpl Kenneth Mah, with Sgt George Woong as alternate captain....Red shirts and black trunks are the colors of its uniform....But, oboyoboy, the Sanfu’s lost its debut game with the squadron official team by the tune of 40 to 4!!..Gung Ho, No. 13, March 17, 1944, said
.....Some humans put their noses to the grindstone...but Cpl Eugene MonGoy puts his to the typewriter carriage—literally... There’s nothing wrong with his glimmers, but the way he rests his proboscis on the carriage when he types might make one think he’s half blind....Gung Ho, No. 20, July 15, 1944, said
...Herewith once more is our usual dish of il-literary beansprouts...It’s a far cry from Patterson Fld, Ohio to India, but chop suey is still chop suey wherever the locale..so here goes nothing...Gung Ho, No. 22, July 22, 1944, said
...The sight of the week was Eugene Mongoy, So Tak & Kwong D Hom, who went out on a bamboo hunting expedition... Somebody told the hunters they had to wade into a nearby jungle to get at their object...so what did they do? Hom armed himself with a carbine...Mongoy took along his first-aid kit...Precautions, said they. Well, the only “jungle” they traversed was a field of tall elephant grass...ho hum...Which reminds us that the 1st/Sgt went out monkey-hunting the other day, but brought only himself back...No simpletons, these simians...
....After a short stay in ze hospital, postal packin’ papa Mack Pong is back...In his absence Florida Flash (in the pan) Eugene Mongoy subbed as mailman & made himself the most sought after EM...also the most cussed guy when he didn’t bring in any letters....Gung Ho, No. 23, August 5, 1944, said
...Eugene Mongoy’s sky-blue T-shirt harmonizes nicely with Lt Bowers’ sea-blue trunks...The Miami Herald, November 11, 1945, said
Eugene MonGoy has been promoted to sergeant in the 407th Air Service Squadron of the 14th Air Force in China. A former Miami Senior High student, he is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe MonGoy, 1036 S.W. Third ave., and has been overseas since April 1944.The 1945 Florida state census counted Mongoy (Army Air Corps) and his parents at 1036 SW Third Avenue. According to the 1945 Miami, Florida city directory Mongoy was in the Army and at the same address. The listing included his wife’s name, Elsie. Information about her and their marriage has not been found.
The Miami News, November 4, 1945, and the Miami Herald, November 11, 1945, said Mongoy was promoted to sergeant. The Herald mentioned the 407th Air Service Squadron.
After the war Mongoy returned to Miami. Mongoy is on the U.S. Army Veterans Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project.
In the 1950 census Mongoy and two siblings lived with their parents in Miami at 2400 SW 26 Lane.
The Miami Daily News, June 9, 1950, covered the marriage of Mongoy and Mazie Eng here and here.
Mongoy passed away on October 5, 2007. His obituary appeared in the Miami Herald, October 6, 2007.
Gene Mon Goy, a native Miamian, passed away October 5, 2007, after lapsing into a coma caused by a heart attack on August 17, 2007. He was 83.
Gene was born on August 20, 1924, the eldest son of Joe and Myrtle Mon Goy, Chinese immigrants from Hingong, China. The Mon Goys were one of the first Chinese American families to settle in Miami. Gene had the distinction of being the first Chinese baby born here.
Gene was married to his beloved wife Mazie for 57 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Janet Powell and her husband Jim; his son Michael Mon Goy; and his son Steven Mon Goy and his wife Kristen. He also leaves three grandchildren—Townshend Powell, and Hayley and Hannah Mon Goy—as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Gene is also survived by his, sister Margaret Mason and her longtime companion Bernhard Lukoschek; his brother Christopher Mon Goy and his longtime companion Jacqueline DeBreau; and his sister Jessie Gee and her husband Tom. He was preceded in death by his sister Cella Wong.
Gene attended Central Elementary School, Ada Merritt Junior High, and Miami Senior High School. At the age of 14, he attended school in China for two years, returning to Miami to complete high school.
Gene served his country during World War II in the Army Air Corp., 14th Army Signal Corps in Kunming, China, maintaining aircraft flying supplies over the Himalayas.
As a young man, Gene built free-flight powered model airplanes. He later became an avid fisherman, winning many fishing trophies and awards as one of the charter members of the Tropical Anglers Fishing Club.
Following WWII he worked in the family grocery business at Joe’s MG Market in Coconut Grove and later worked as a route salesman for Holsum Bakery in South Miami. Gene also owned and operated the Burger Castle on West Bird Road. After 13 years in the fast food business, he formed Quality Snaks Distributors, serving customers throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
In 1999, at age 75, Gene finally retired and began devoting all of his time to his grandchildren, traveling with Mazie and his siblings, managing his investments, and researching and writing his family history.
The family will receive visitors on Saturday, October 13, 2007 at Stanfill Funeral Home, 10545 South Dixie Highway, Miami, FL, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any contributions be made to the Vitas Hospice Unit at Aventura Hospital, or a charity of your choice.
MARK T. MOOTY
Mark Taylor Mooty was born on June 1, 1919 in Columbia, Alabama according to his World War II draft card.
The 1920 United States census counted Mooty as the youngest of four siblings. Their parents were Ross, a physician, and Anna. Also in the household were their maternal grandparents and an aunt. They were Columbia residents on North Main Street.
In the 1930 census the Mootys’ home was in Winter Haven, Florida at 650 Avenue J. N. W.
Mooty graduated in 1938 from Winter Haven High School.
According to the 1940 census, the Mooty family was at the same address. Mooty had one year of college.
On October 16, 1940 Mooty signed his draft card. He was a student at the University of Florida in Gainesville. His description was five feet ten inches, 175 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair.
Mooty married Alice C. Bryan on February 4, 1942 at Hardee, Florida.
The obituary in the Coast Star, (Manasquan, New Jersey), September 22, 2005, said Mooty was a pre-med student. He decided to withdraw and attend flight training school. The Tampa Tribune, December 14, 1941, said Mooty was one of the commissioned second lieutenants in the air corps reserve. The Coast Star said
Col. Mooty having earned his wings, flew missions over Germany, Italy, Liby and Rumania as a B-24 commander. He rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel after the [August 1, 1943] bombing raid over the Ploesti oil fields in Rumania. Col. Mooty was a command pilot who led the first mission over Tripoli to damage the German-held pipeline. Along with his crew, their successful raids and missions are a piece of history in a war fought and won by the greatest generation. Having flown every aircraft the Air Force build and flew, he was awarded countless commendations, decorations, medals and ribbons: among them are the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Force Commendation Medal, Silver Star for Valor, WW II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Expeditionary Medal.Later, Mooty was assigned to 407th Air Service Squadron.
In the Shadow of the Tiger mentioned Mooty on pages 17 and 76.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said
Squadron Gets New C. O.After the war Mooty continued to serve in the Air Force.
Coming as a complete surprise, the 407th this week got a new Commanding Officer in the person of Maj. Sydney T. Smith. Maj. Smith took over the reins previously held by Capt Mark T. Mooty, who has been transferred to another organization.
Members of the unit felt keenly the loss of Capt Mooty, since he had commanded this squadron upon its activation several months ago and had earned the respect and loyalty of its entire personnel. Hearts were heavy last week when Capt Mooty announced that he had been relieved.
However, Maj. Smith has had an impressive record of combat flying and administrative experience behind him and he expects to continue the work so well begun by the 407th’s previous commanding officer. A flying fortress pilot, Major Smith’s record has included some thirty bombing missions over Nazi occupied territory in Europe. He has also commanded an American Air Force unit in England.
Asked for a message to the personnel through the pages of “Gung Ho,” the 407th’s Commanding Officer said:
“Without taking too much of your time or space, I wish to say that I am very glad to have the opportunity to be associated with the 407th.”
“In the time that I have observed you from “the outside,” and the short time since assuming command, it has been plainly evident that this is an outfit that will go far and do a good job under any conditions.
“Remember, that under any circumstances, your C. O. is behind you, right or wrong. But just try not to be wrong too many times.”
He has not yet been found in the 1950 census. The 1957 Montgomery, Alabama city directory listed Mooty (United States Air Force) at 948 Graham.
The Coast Star said
Upon retirement, Col. Mooty pursued his lifelong love of dogs and accepted an offer from the American Kennel Club in New York City to hold the office of secretary for 18 years. He bred and showed collies and English bull terriers, and, of late, Gordon setters, all champion pedigree show-dogs. Col. Mooty was president of the Monmouth County Kennel Club as well as president of the SPCA of Monmouth County. He was a member of the Order of Daedalians, The National Fraternity of Military Pilots, and an active member of the National Rifle Association.Mooty’s wife, Alice, passed away on August 19, 1980 at Red Bank, New Jersey. He married Lydia E. O’Brien on June 1, 1986 at Middletown Township, New Jersey.
Col. Mooty was a Master Gardener with the Blue Water Bay Gardening Club in Niceville, where he was a resident for 15 years. He was a golf member at the Blue Water Bay Golf Club, the Rumson Country Club and the Sea Bright Beach Club.
Mooty passed away on August 14, 2005 in Niceville, Florida. He was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
FOT Y. WONG
Fot Yee Moy was born on September 30, 1910 in “Theisan, China” according to his World War II draft card. A passenger list had his birthplace as “Mee Young, Sunning, China”.
Fifteen-year-old “Fat Yee Moy” and his father, Chee Moy, were aboard the steam ship President Jackson when it departed Hong Kong on June 9, 1926. They had stayed with a friend, Chan Kee of the Dollar S.S. Line, in Hong Kong. They arrived at Seattle, Washington on June 27, 1926. Moy’s father was admitted upon arrival. Moy joined him on July 23, 1926. Moy’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 30/5068. Their final destination was to his father’s brother, Ling Moy, at 506 Mill Street in Portland, Oregon.
On October 6, 1928 Moy began his travel from Seattle bound for China. Moy married Leung Shee and lived at “Mee Young, Sunning, Kwangtung, China”. He was aboard the steam ship President Taft when it departed Hong Kong on April 30, 1932. Moy arrived at Seattle on May 17, 1932 and admitted that day. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 7030/3826. Moy’s final destination was to Tung Shung Tack, a friend, at 415 7th Street in Seattle.
The 1940 United States census counted Moy and his father at 1514 Lycaste Avenue in Detroit, Michigan. In 1935, Moy had been in Chicago while his father was in Seattle. They operated a laundry.
On October 16, 1940 Moy signed his draft card. His address was unchanged. Moy’s description was five feet four inches, 130 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
On October 6, 1928 Moy began his travel from Seattle bound for China. Moy married Leung Shee and lived at “Mee Young, Sunning, Kwangtung, China”. He was aboard the steam ship President Taft when it departed Hong Kong on April 30, 1932. Moy arrived at Seattle on May 17, 1932 and admitted that day. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 7030/3826. Moy’s final destination was to Tung Shung Tack, a friend, at 415 7th Street in Seattle.
The 1940 United States census counted Moy and his father at 1514 Lycaste Avenue in Detroit, Michigan. In 1935, Moy had been in Chicago while his father was in Seattle. They operated a laundry.
On October 16, 1940 Moy signed his draft card. His address was unchanged. Moy’s description was five feet four inches, 130 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Moy’s veteran file said he enlisted on June 4, 1943.
Moy was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Moy and his hometown in 1945 on page 216.
Fot Y. Moy…..Detroit, MichiganThe squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Private Moy was promoted to Private First Class.
Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said
The Tale of a Pig’s Stomach & Other Celestial VictualsGung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said Private First Class Moy was promoted to Corporal.
There were six celebrants to begin with: Sgt Henry Lew, Cpl Hung-sheung Lee, Pfc’s Gwon J. Lee, Fong K. Eng, Fot Y. Moy, and Pvt Thomas W. Chan. I was the seventh and extra participant.
It was the eve of Chinese New Year and an occasion not to be lightly passed. What if we were four thousand lis from home, strangers in a strange land, and without the proper locale and ingredients for a celebration? The advent of the Year of the Monkey still had to be observed. So thought, Sgt Lew, late of San Francisco Chinatown, and so the others concurred. One must have wine to toast the new dawn, and at least a facsimile of a celestial banquet. Women and songs may be passed over, but viands for the inner man were truly essential.
The esteemable Mr Quan, chef at the Nanking chop suey nookery, was consulted[.] Immobile of feature and calm of demeanor, he viewed the culinary problem amidst a profusion of pots and pans and Chinese frying skillets. The Nanking catered to an American clientele, and only such foods as chop suey and chow mein were served—abominable vittles which the epicures properly hold in disdain. But how could one obtain the ingredients of a feast which would delight the palate of these brethren from afar? Some strategy was required, Mr. Quan observed. He knitted his brow in concentration. Sgt Lew was apprehensive.
The chef’s mettle was challenged, for he must fashion some tasty victuals from very simple ingredients, since the traditional foods were unavailable. Birds’ nest and shark’s fins were but a nostalgic memory here, and there were no condiments and herbs for the preparation of steamed ducks and chickens. And there was likewise no mellow rice wine. It was a culinary situation which called for cleverness and skill adaptation. The artist in Mr. Quan rose to the occasion, for was not every cook worthy of his calling an artist at heart?
So a passable dinner for six hungry celestial GI’s was promised. Sgt Lew departed to rally his five other celebrants together. The chef made this proviso—the dinner was not to be eaten till the Hour of the Serpent, at 9 PM., after the Nanking had closed its doors for the day. This was necessary to allow the chef time to do the cooking, and permit the diners to sample the dishes at their leisure and in a semblance of privacy.
At five, out of curiosity, I made a reconnaissance of the kitchen. All I saw were three pots, tightly covered, with food being steamed from Chinese iron-cast cooking pans. Dried bean curd was being steamed in one pot and dired [sic] oysters in anohter [sic], and both were later to be concocted into a soup. From the third pot came a faintly familiar and pleasant aroma.
“That,” the chef explained, “is a pig’s stomach. I was fortunate in getting a good one today, fresh and full of gastric juice.”
Pig’s stomach! (chu tu) A food as common as salt, yet, properly prepared, an epicure’s delight. Properly steamed en casserole with soup and condiments, the resultant meat fulfilled the Chiness [sic] gourmand’s three tests of a food’s virtue: taste, tenderness and crispiness.
The honorable Quan was speaking again: “I shall blend the pig’s stomach later with the bean curd and oysters. Then will be added water-chestnuts, slices of abalone, and fresh pork for additional taste. A dash of dried peppers will give the soup a special tang. It’s all a matter of blending the ingredients.”
At 8 o’clock the celebrants had arrived, adequately equipped with alcoholic liquid to do the occasion justice. With commendable patience they sat and waited. A bottle was uncorked. Talk of old times and other Chinese New Years filled the little restaurant.
And at the Hour of the Serpent the viands were brought forth, all steaming hot. All except the plate of boiled chicken, which must be cold and must be flavored with freshly prepared mustard and soy sauce. The skin of the chicken had the proper degree of yellow hue, signifying it was cooked just right, and the meat was snow-white.
There was a dish of fried prawns, large shrimps cooked in catsup in their shells until they took on the color of ripe tomatoes. Each prawn reposed on the plate in the shape of a red crescent moon.
There was barbecued spareribs—chopped into cubes and fried in deep fat and then poured over with gravy compounded of many condiments. Shredded green onions over the top gave the dish a touch of vivid color.
Then there were small shrimps finely diced and fried with several varieties of vegetables. It was a dish notable for its crunching crispiness and its colors of pink and green and brown.
There was a plate of crispy siu choy, the vegetable-that-looks-like-dragon-teeth. It wasn’t fried, as was the usual custom, but broiled to a crisp brown, them lightly fried with a portion of the pig’s stomach that was not used for soup. Siu Choy and chu tu—an unbeatable combination for crispiness and taste!
All these and wine too. Pvt Chan rose and toasted the gathering. The viands gradually vanished, though the soup bowls were replenished more then [sic] once. Pfc Moy, his moon-face now rosy, likewise proposed a toast. The wine bottle emptied.
When the Hour of the Rat was in its half-way mark, which is midnight, the good was all consumed. It was then that chef Quan came out form his kitchen nook. His eyes swept the empty dishes on the table, and his head nodded in satisfaction. Respectfully, the celebrants rose as one man and prevailed upon him to sip a toast to the coming year.
The Year of the Monkey was thus ushered in. The celebrants, though far from home, we're happy for the moment. The party was over.
....W. H.
Gung Ho, No. 14, March 24, 1944, said
....On Second Thought dept: Cpl Fot Y Moy, all dressed to po [sic] a-towning Sunday nite....till he stepped outside the barracks door and felt the icy winds blowing in his moon-face....He beat a hasty retreat and returned to his game of solitaire....Moy was discharged on January 31, 1945 and returned to Detroit. Moy is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project. Eric Moy is a Supporting Member.
Moy began his trip to China on January 24, 1947. Moy, his wife, Yuen You Leong, and sons, Lem Geng Moy and Sung Geng Moy, were aboard the ship General William H. Gordon when it departed Hong Kong on August 21, 1947. The family arrived at San Francisco on September 8, 1947. Their final destination was 1514 Lycaste Avenue in Detroit.
In the 1950 census Moy, his wife, May, sons, Leland and Peter, and father were Detroit residents at 1575 Hillger. Moy owned a laundry business.
Moy’s wife was naturalized on August 22, 1956.
Moy passed away on May 10, 1994. He was laid to rest at Clinton Grove Cemetery. His wife passed away on September 30, 2001.
THEW MOY
Thew Moy was born on January 27, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois according to his World War II draft card and Social Security application.
Fourteen-year-old “Kwock Threw Moy”, his father, Ling Moy, and brother, Kwock Yee Moy, were aboard the steam ship Empress of Japan when it departed Hong Kong on February 8, 1938. They had been with Ng Shee, Moy’s mother, at “Hon Hong, Toishan, China”. The trio arrived at Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on February 26, 1938. They transferred to the ship Princess Charlotte which took them to Seattle, Washington the same day. Moy’s father was admitted upon arrival. Moy and his brother joined their father on March 2, 1938. Moy’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 7030/10765. Their final destination was to Kwok Dun Moy, his brother, at 717 West 43rd Street in Chicago.
Moy has not been found in the 1940 United States census.
On June 27, 1942 Moy signed his draft card. His Chicago address was 1466 East 67th Street which was the location of the Sing Lee Laundry where he worked. Moy’s description was five feet four inches, 131 pounds, with black eyes and hair.
Moy enlisted on April 28, 1943 according to his veteran’s file.
Moy was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Moy and his hometown in 1945 on page 216.
Thew Moy…..Chicago, IllinoisIn the book he appeared in the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said
….New Year’s day found the smiling faces of Cpl Richard Chinn and Pvt Thew Moy adorning the front page of the Dayton Daily Herald….with a big writeup about how they were celebrating the occasion….fame for a day……..Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said Private Moy was promoted to Private First Class.
Moy was discharged on January 5, 1946 and returned to Chicago. Moy is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project.
“Kwock Thew Moy” returned to China and married Yim Ying Lee. Her naturalization petition said they married in Hong Kong on July 2, 1948. The couple was aboard the ship General William H. Gordon when it departed Hong Kong on September 19, 1948. They arrived at San Francisco on October 5, 1948. Moy’s Chicago address was still 1466 East 67th Street.
Moy has not been found in the 1950 census.
Moy’s wife was naturalized on January 3, 1956. Their address was 2220 South Princeton in Chicago where they had two children, Sara and Stephen.
Pubic records said Moy resided in Chicago at 216 West 23rd Street during the 1990s.
Moy’s wife passed away on March 9, 2001 in Chicago. Six weeks later Moy passed away on April 20, 2001. He was laid to rest at Mount Auburn Memorial Park.
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