MACK PONG
Mack Pong was born on April 19, 1920 in Fort Worth, Texas according to Texas birth databases at Ancestry.com. The birth certificate transcription had his first name as “Chas” while the birth index said “Chin”. His parents were Chin Kay Pong and Yee Shee.
The 1930 United States census counted “Mack Chin” as the oldest of five siblings. The Chin family were Fort Worth residents at 309 East 2nd Street.
In the 2014 book, Fighting for the Dream: Voices of Chinese American Veterans from World War II to Afghanistan, Pong said his father passed away in 1933. By 1935 the family had moved to San Francisco.
Pong has not been found in the 1940 census.
On February 14, 1942 Pong signed his World War II draft card which had the birth date August 11, 1920. His San Francisco address was 769 Sacramento Street. He was employed at the Mare Island Navy Yard. Pong’s description was five feet five inches, 130 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Mack Pong was born on April 19, 1920 in Fort Worth, Texas according to Texas birth databases at Ancestry.com. The birth certificate transcription had his first name as “Chas” while the birth index said “Chin”. His parents were Chin Kay Pong and Yee Shee.
The 1930 United States census counted “Mack Chin” as the oldest of five siblings. The Chin family were Fort Worth residents at 309 East 2nd Street.
In the 2014 book, Fighting for the Dream: Voices of Chinese American Veterans from World War II to Afghanistan, Pong said his father passed away in 1933. By 1935 the family had moved to San Francisco.
Pong has not been found in the 1940 census.
On February 14, 1942 Pong signed his World War II draft card which had the birth date August 11, 1920. His San Francisco address was 769 Sacramento Street. He was employed at the Mare Island Navy Yard. Pong’s description was five feet five inches, 130 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Pong enlisted on April 24, 1943.
Pong was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Pong and his hometown in 1945 on page 216.
Mack Pong…..San Francisco, CaliforniaThe squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 1, December 25, 1943, said
…Our lichee nut award for the busiest man of the week goes to Cpl Mack Pong. Need no explain why? He’s our mail orderly, see, and this is the week the Xmas mail and holiday presents roll in by the jeep-ful, see? Ergo, Mack is beginning to look like the hunchback of Notre Dame from carrying so many mail bags. But, [w]here’s our Xmas packages, Mack ?Gung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
….Postal Packin’ Papa Cpl Mack Pong tells us the guy who receives the most mail seems to be Pvt Wing S. Wong…..Gung Ho, No. 14, March 24, 1944, said
....And we have it straight from postal-packin’ papa Cpl Mack Pon [sic] that Cpl Elwood Lew has all of a certain Irene’s communiques filed in chronological order....Any cross index, Elwood?....Gung Ho, No. 22, July 22, 1944, said
....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
…’N Mack Pong has finally broken down & sent in a subscription to the said Chronicle so we can keep up with what’s cooking back in Bagdad-by-the-Bay...After the war Pong returned to California. Pong is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project. He is on page 233 of the Digital Program Booklet Volume One.
The 1947–1948 Vallejo, California city directory listed Pong at 2012 Florida. He was a mail carrier.
On July 19, 1948 Pong married Yee Shew Ngor in Hong Kong. Two days later they were aboard Philippine Air Lines, flight 301, when it departed Hong Kong. They landed at Oakland, California. Pong’s address was 769 Sacramento Street in San Francisco.
According to the 1950 census Pong, his wife, Mary, mother and three brothers resided in San Francisco at 1448 Hyde Street. Pong was a post office mail carrier.
Pong’s wife became a naturalized citizen on March 6, 1956. Their address was the same. They had two children, Alice and Thomas.
In 2010 Pong made a donation to the Kunming Flying Tigers Museum.
Pong passed away on December 20, 2014. His obituary appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, December 28, 2014.
Mack Pong was born on April 19, 1920 and passed away after a brief illness on December 20, 2014. Loving husband of 62 years to his wife Mary, who predeceased him. Caring father to Alice, Thomas, Max and Perry, and adoring grandfather to Megan, Katharine, Alexander and Meredith.Pong was laid to rest at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park. Pong was remembered on page nine of the Cathay Dispatch, February 2015, a publication of Cathay Post No. 384 in San Francisco.
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Mack lived in San Francisco since 1935 and was a Lowell High School graduate. He worked for the US Postal Service for 37 years and Morrison & Foerster for 11 years. He was proud of his service in World War II with the 407 Air Service Squadron of the US Army 14th Air Force: the Flying Tigers.
Mack helped organize and attended all the 407 Squadron and Combined Reunions, the first in 1956 and the last in 2013. As one of the “Greatest Generation” and a former Commander of the AMVETS Golden Gate post, he was devoted to veteran’s affairs.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend Visitation beginning at 9:30am and Memorial Service at 10 am on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at the Cypress Lawn Tiffany Chapel, 1370 El Camino Real, Colma, California. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cameron House or the Bay School of San Francisco.
DONALD C. POY
Donald Chin Poy was born on September 1, 1920 in Canton, China according to his World War II reenlistment draft card. A passenger list said his birthplace was “You Non, Sunning, China”. A Chicago Sunday Tribune article about Poy mentioned his father, Chin Toy Dick. A search of the Chinese Exclusion Act case files of the National Archives at Chicago showed two files:
Chin Poy Yu, son of Chin Toy Dick, 2008/1091
Chin Poy Yu, son of Chin Toy Dick, 2008/1170
Poy’s family name was Chin.
Seven-year-old “Poy Yu Chin” was aboard the steam ship President Lincoln when it departed Hong Kong on September 21, 1927. The passenger list said he had been with his mother, Louie Shee, at “You Non, Sunning, China”. On October 10, 1927 Poy arrived at Seattle, Washington. He was admitted on November 26, 1927. Moy’s final destination was to his father at Kwong Yuen Chong, 225 [West] 22nd Street in Chicago.
There was a “Donald Tsai Poy” who graduated from Harrison Technical High School in 1937. Below is his senior photograph.
1937 Harrisonian yearbook
Donald Tsai Poy resembles Donald Chin Poy in the photograph published in the Chicago Sunday Tribune, January 18, 1942, and the photographs on page 235 in the Digital Program Booklet Volume One of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project.
Poy has not yet been found in the 1940 United States census.
At some point Poy signed his World War II draft card. He enlisted on January 17, 1942. Poy was “The Recruit of the Day” in the Chicago Sunday Tribune, January 18, 1942 (below). An Aeronautical University graduate, Poy was accepted for training as a mechanic in the Army Air Corps.
Poy was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Poy and his hometown in 1945 on page 217.
Donald C. Poy…..Chicago, IllinoisIn the book Poy was mentioned on pages viii, 10 and 49.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Corporal Poy was promoted to Sergeant.
10 EM’s Indiana-BoundGung Ho, No. 4, January 14, 1944, said
Days ago, near Liberty, Ind. a B-25 was forced down in the middle of a corn field. To get it out it was deemed necessary to dismantle the plane part by part.
This week that job of dismantling was given to the 407th. Ten EM’s were picked for the task, and left for Indiana Tuesday, accompanied by WO T.A. Egnoski. This temporary duty is to last approximately 5 days, at the end of which some additional practical experience should have been gained by the men.
The 10 EM’s who went there: M/Sgt. Floyd Sam, S/Sgt Donald Louie, Sgt Hing Lo, Sgt Wm Toy, Cpl Koonwah Lim, Cpl Geo. Chow, Sgt Donald Poy, Sgt Fulton Yee, Cpl Andrew Goon, Pfc Woo H. Niy….
“Give Us Liberty—”Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said
The address books of Sgts Fulton Yee, Donald Poy and Woo H. Niy are now worth confiscating. They enjoyed farming for a day under the guidance of a pretty farmerette. We didn’t catch the name, but her initials are Miss Ruth West.
….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 Sergeant Poy was presented the Good Conduct Ribbon by Captain 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….
Gung Ho, No. 14, March 24, 1944, said
....Sgt Donald C Poy, who’s so proud of the dee-rightful pin-up gals and good books his staff-room contains, sez he reads the Bible before turning in each nite....Cpl Woo H Niy could do likewise, since a femme down Texas way sent him a Bible recently....Gung Ho, No. 23, August 5, 1944, said
...’N Donald Poy, fixing an oil line, was drenched with the stuff...so he soaked his clothes in gasoline ’n out they came, white as snow...Poy’s veteran’s file said he was discharged on December 31, 1945. He reenlisted on January 2, 1946. His address was 249 West Cermak Road. He was described as five feet one-and-a-half inches, 118 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Poy is on the U.S. Army Veterans Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project.
Poy traveled to Hong Kong where he married Ming Chu Lee. The couple was aboard Philippine Air Lines, Special Charter, when it departed Hong Kong on April 9, 1948. Their destination was San Francisco. Poy’s Chicago address was 249 West Cermak Road.
Poy has not been found in the 1950 census.
Poy’s wife became a naturalized citizen on June 12, 1973. Their Chicago address was 301 West 24th Street.
East/West, August 16, 1972, published Poy’s letter.
At some point Poy retired from the U.S. Postal Service.
Poy passed away on November 3, 1992.
CHUNG QUAN
Chung Quan aka Willie Chung Quan was born on September 29, 1921, in Canton, China, according to his World War II draft card. I believe he is the same person who immigrated in 1932.
Quan lived with his mother, Ng Shee, mother, at Canton, Kwangtung, China. The ten-year old boy was aboard the steam ship President Lincoln when it departed Hong Kong on September 13, 1932. Eleven-year old Quan arrived at San Francisco, California on October 4, 1932 and admitted on October 10, 1932. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 32061/3-1. Quan’s final destination was to his father, Ah Sing Quan, at 321 8th Street in Oakland, California. In December he and his father traveled to China.
Fourteen-year old Quan was aboard the steam ship Empress of Russia when it departed Hong Kong on December 13, 1935. He had been with his father at 69 Pak Mee Street in Canton, China. He arrived at British Columbia, Canada on December 30, 1935. Quan traveled by train to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia where he boarded the ship Yarmouth on January 7, 1936. The next day he arrived at Boston, Massachusetts. His final destination was to Wong Chun, a friend, at 46 Hudson Street in Boston.
Quan has not been found in the 1940 United States census.
On February 15, 1942 Quan signed his draft card. His address was 16 Pell Street in New York Chinatown. He worked at the Shanghai Royal Restaurant. Quan’s description was five feet three inches, 103 pounds, with black eyes and hair.
Fourteen-year old Quan was aboard the steam ship Empress of Russia when it departed Hong Kong on December 13, 1935. He had been with his father at 69 Pak Mee Street in Canton, China. He arrived at British Columbia, Canada on December 30, 1935. Quan traveled by train to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia where he boarded the ship Yarmouth on January 7, 1936. The next day he arrived at Boston, Massachusetts. His final destination was to Wong Chun, a friend, at 46 Hudson Street in Boston.
Quan has not been found in the 1940 United States census.
On February 15, 1942 Quan signed his draft card. His address was 16 Pell Street in New York Chinatown. He worked at the Shanghai Royal Restaurant. Quan’s description was five feet three inches, 103 pounds, with black eyes and hair.
Quan enlisted on April 15, 1943.
Quan was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Quan and his hometown in 1945 on page 217.
Chung Quan (Willie Chung Quan)In the book he appeared in the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55. He was mentioned on page 62.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
Squadron Party Huge Success.Quan was discharged on February 7, 1946 according to his veteran’s file. Quan is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project.
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.
… The five-course dinner consisted of Siu Choy soup, ham fried rice[,] egg fooyong, Chinese fried chicken[,] almond and forturn [sic] cookies. It was whipped up in a matter of hours by available culinary experts of the 407th, Cpls Chung Quan and George Soo Hoo, Sgt. Joe Louis, Pfc’s Sew H. Chan, Gin Wong, Pong L. Wong and Chin F. Ying.
Quan has not been found in the 1950 census. At some point he settled in Boston. The 1963 Boston city directory said Quan and his wife, Betty, resided at 131 Hampden Street. He was retired.
A 1971 issue of Chinatown News said
In Boston, Mass., Chung Willie Quan was sworn in by Secretary of State John Davoren as Justice of Peace with authority to perform marriage ceremonies.The Chinese-American Times, July-August 1971, published a photograph of Quan with the article “J.P. Sworn In”.
Quan’s letter about littering was published in the Sunday Herald Traveler on February 27, 1972. Seven months later his letter about the poor condition of the Boston Common appeared in the Boston Herald Traveler on September 27.
A 1972 issue of DAV Magazine said
Presenting the award on behalf of National Commander Edward T. Conroy is Commander Chung Willie Quan, National Deputy Chief of Staff of Disabled American Veterans National Headquarters.Quan passed away on September 30, 1975 according to the Massachusetts Death Index at Ancestry.com.
CHUNG L. QUAN
Chung Loy Quan was born on August 8, 1911 in Canton, China, according to his World War II draft card. Passenger lists had “Namhoi, China” as his birthplace. His Social Security application said his parents were Kai Quan and Cheung Shee.
Twelve-year-old Quan was aboard the steam ship President Jackson when it departed Hong Kong on October 13, 1923. The passenger list said he had been with a friend, Quong Chong, at 58 Bonham Strand in Hong Kong. Quan arrived at Seattle, Washington on November 1, 1923 and admitted on December 11, 1923. Quan’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 7032/1940. His final destination was to Kwong Cheung at 151 East 26th Street in New York.
On August 20, 1932 Quan departed Seattle bound for China. He married Wong Shee and lived at “Kow Kong, Namhoi, Kwangtung, China”. Quan was aboard the steam ship President Jefferson when it departed Hong Kong on July 22, 1933. He arrived at Seattle on August 8, 1933. His final destination was 151 East 26th Street in New York.
Quan has not been found in the 1940 United States census.
On October 16, 1940 Quan signed his draft card. His address was 174 Hester Street in New York City. He worked at Kwong Cheung & Co., 239 East 26th Street in New York. Quan’s description was five feet 6 inches, 120 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Quan enlisted on December 1, 1942.
Quan was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Quan and his hometown in 1945 on page 217.
Chung L. Quan…..New York, New YorkIn the book he appeared in the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 1, December 25, 1943, said
...Now excuse us while we go over to Barracks 3 and confer with “Field Marshal” Chung L. Quan about the war situation on the Burma Road........Gung Ho, No. 2, December 31, 1943, said
And last but not least, the “Gung Ho” will serve as the informal historical record of the 407th, reflecting in its pages the life of its men. You will not find in it anything of a military nature, but if you are interested in learning how “Field Marshal” Chung L. Quan got his great title, or why Pfc So Tak gets so much fan mail, “Gung Ho” will undertake to supply you the answers.
…From his GHQ in Barracks 3, “Field Marshal” Chung L. Quan in his latest communique expresses the opinions that what this squadron needs is more Chinese chow and less GI stew….incidently [sic], who ate up that jar of bean cakes we brought back all the way from Chicago?Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Private Quan was promoted to Private First Class.
…..“Field Marshal” Chung L. Quan is now a full fledged Pfc….this dept. is preparing a portrait of this celestial now so posterity may know his likeness…..Gung Ho, No. 4, January 14, 1944, said
Here, at last, is a reasonable likeness of “Field Marshal” Chung L. Quan, master strategist of the No. 10 Club, chief brewer of midnight rice congee, exponent of Taoistic anarchism, singer of Chinese operatic arias, and English language elocutionist extraordinary. His accomplishments are only matched by his shortcomings, but he has a suave tongue, a ready wit, and an ingratiating manner.Gung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
Squadron Party Huge Success.Gung Ho, No. 8, February 11, 1944, said Private First Class Quan 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.
… The five-course dinner consisted of Siu Choy soup, ham fried rice[,] egg fooyong, Chinese fried chicken[,] almond and forturn [sic] cookies. It was whipped up in a matter of hours by available culinary experts of the 407th, Cpls Chung Quan and George Soo Hoo, Sgt. Joe Louis, Pfc’s Sew H. Chan, Gin Wong, Pong L. Wong and Chin F. Ying.
Quan was discharged on January13, 1946 according to his veteran’s file.
The 1948 New York, New York city directory listed Quan at 17 Catherine Street. Quan has not been found in the 1950 census. In 1953 he was at 22 1/2 Catherine Street.
Quan passed away on December 7, 2001 according to the Social Security Death Index and his veteran’s file. His last residence was in New York. He was laid to rest at The Evergreens Cemetery. The Find a Grave date, December 14, may be the interment date.
FERDINAND Y. QUAN
Ferdinand Yuen Quan was born on April 23, 1923 in Oakland, California according to his World War II draft card. A passenger list said his Chinese name was Yick Hong Quan.
Nine-year-old Quan and seventeen-year-old sister, Annie, were aboard the steam ship President Hoover when it departed Hong Kong on October 25, 1932. They had been with a friend, Hay Quan, at “Kow Kong Mkt., Nam Hoy, [Kwangtung], China”. They arrived at San Francisco, California on November 15, 1932 and admitted that day. Quan’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 32196/004-18. The siblings final destination was to their brother, Tom Quan, at 809 Washington Street in Oakland.
The 1940 United States census said Quan’s mother, Gen, was a widow and the head of the household which included his older brother, Warren, and his wife, Bessie, and daughter, Carolyne. Quan was a high school student. They lived in Oakland at 90 9th Street.
In June 1942 Quan graduated from Oakland Technical High School.
On June 30, 1942 Quan signed his draft card. His address was the same. He was employed at the Moore Dry Dock Company. Quan’s description was five feet two inches, 115 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Quan enlisted on March 30, 1943.
Quan was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Quan and his hometown in 1945 on page 217.
Ferdinand Y. Quan…..Oakland, CaliforniaIn the book he appeared in the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.
After the war Quan returned to Oakland.
Quan sailed from San Francisco on September 19, 1947. At Hong Kong he married Koi Kee Ng. They stayed with her brother, Ng Wai Kong, at 141 Des V.R.W. in Hong Kong. The couple was aboard the steam ship President Cleveland when it departed Hong Kong on May 1, 1948. They arrived at San Francisco on May 19, 1948. Quan’s Oakland address was 90 9th Street.
According to the 1950 census, Quan, his wife, son, Leonard, and daughter, Pamela, were Oakland residents at 90 9th Street. Also in the household was his mother, sister-in-law and niece. Quan did sheet metal work on aircraft.
Quan’s wife became naturalized citizen on January 23, 1991. Their address was 319 Camino Everde, South Pasadena, California.
Quan passed away on January 2, 2011. He was laid to rest at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.
HOWARD QUAN
Howard Quan was born Ho Sai Quan on January 25, 1925 in San Francisco, California according to the California Birth Index at Ancestry.com. His Social Security application also had his Chinese name and the names of his parents, Quan Fun and Fung Shee.
In the 1930 United States census “Sai Quan” was the third of seven siblings, all born in California. The family lived in San Francisco at 1101 Grant Avenue. Quan’s father was a salesman in the importing business.
On August 7, 1936 Quan and his brother, Ho Nam Quan, sailed from San Francisco bound for China. They stayed with an aunt, Sum Shee, at “Kow Kong, Namhoi, Kwangtung, China”. Twelve-year-old Quan and his eleven-year-old brother were aboard the steam ship President Coolidge when it departed Hong Kong on January 9, 1938. They arrived at San Francisco on January 27, 1938 and admitted that day. Their final destination was to their father, “Yen Quen Quan”, at 1103 Grant Avenue in San Francisco.
In the 1940 census fifteen-year-old “Howard Quan”, his parents and siblings were San Francisco residents at 714 Pacific Avenue. His father was the proprietor of a butcher shop.
On January 25, 1943 Quan signed his World War II draft card. His address was the same. He was a student who worked after school at Rex Meat Market. Quan’s description was five feet seven inches, 130 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Quan enlisted on December 16, 1943.
Quan was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Quan and his hometown in 1945 on page 217.
Howard Quan…..San Francisco, CaliforniaIn the book Quan appeared in photographs on pages 19, 38, 56 and 67.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 2, December 31, 1943, said
Basketball Game.Gung Ho, No. 4, January 14, 1944, said
Playing their 5th game this season, the 407th casaba team met the 912th Engrs Squadron Thursday in the field gymnasium. Considered the number one basketball tossers in Patterson Fld, the 912th defeated the 407th aggregation by a score of 40-21.
So far, in all the games played, the 407th team, managed by Sgt Woody Chan, has met up with keen and stiff competition, and this last game was no exception. In the 5th game just played the starting line-up consisted of Sgt William “Murphy” Quan (captain), Pfc Albert Fong, Pvt Ben Louie, Pvt Henry Wong (13), and Pvt Edward Chew. Other players include Cpl Wing H. Fong, Pfc John S. Leong, Pfc Howard Quan, Pvt Peter Gee, Pvt Edwin Chu, Sgt Woodrow Chan, Cpl Thomas Lee, Cpl Samuel Yee, Sgt Charles Lum, and Pfc Howard Loo.
EM’s Visit Sheffield Plant.Gung Ho, No. 9, February 18, 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.
MEN OF THE 407TH
CASABA TOSSING CELESTIALS
There is one outstandingly interesting thing about the 407th basketball team. And that’s in the fact that out of 13 players 11 are from San Francisco. Of the remaining two, one is from Oakland, Calif., and the other from New York City. This makes a total of 12 Californians out of a team of 13 players.
We might mention in passing that Sgt Woodrow Chan, the team’s manager, is from Long Island, N. Y. while property manager Pfc Elvin Ong is also from Frisco. But we might add that Woody is a native-born Californian.
What does all these statistics prove? Nothing very much perhaps, except that wherever you find a bunch of San Francisco Chinatown boys together you are bound to find some good basketball players among them. The largest Chinatown in the U. S. is the home of the best casaba tossing celestials to be found in the country. They are familiar with all the favorite sports of the American people, but for some reason they excel in basketball. Give the average SF Chinatown boy a gym or a backyard with a couple of baskets and a ball, and he will feel at home. The casaba tossers of the 407th were weaned in the basketball countts [sic] of St. Mary’s School, the Chinese YMCA, the French School, the Chinese Playground, the Commodore Stockton School—all inside the purlieu of S F Chinatown.
Take Sgt Murphy Quan for instance. A San Franciscan by birth and domicile, he has been tossing the casaba around since he could run. When he graduated from Mission High, where he was a basketball player on the varsity quintet, he started playing with the various Chinatown A. C’s—the small little clubs that used to come and go. Murphy didn’t care which club he played under, so long as he could toss that ball around.
He finally teamed up with the Nom Wah, Chinatown’s crack basketball outfit. The Nom Wah developed slowly, but at the height of its splendor it had practically all the best casaba players to be found in the community. The skill and prowess of its players was something to see & admire. Murphy played under the Nom Wah banner for years and became one of its outstanding players. His team played not only in SF, but also in Sacramento, Stockton, Los Angeles etc. It entered as many leagues and tournaments as it could handle. Winning 3 leagues in one season was one of Nam Wah’s crowning achievements, and Murphy was in there pit Ching for all he was worth.
Six players who have played in the Chinese Playground league are Cpl Albert Fong, Pfc Henry Wong-13, Pvt Peter K. Gee, Pfc Ben Louie, Pfc Howard Quan and Cpl Harry Q. Wong. In addition, Fong has also played with the Chinese “Y” and the Mohicans All-Stars; Wong has played with the Cherokee Club; Gee also with the Dragoneers and the Chung Wah Trojans; Harry Wong was with the Chinese Y as well as the Dragoneers; and Louie and Quan were with the Chinese YMCA.
As for the others, Pfc Henry Leong played in the Galileo H. S. Team; Pvt David Fong was with the Chung Wah Trojans; Pvt Edward Chew was with the Oakland Chinese Presbyterian Youths team; Pfc Howard Loo played for the Dragoneers; Pvt John S. Leong for the Sacred Heart H. S. and Pvt Edwin Chu for the Chinese Church League in New York.
—W. H.Gung Ho, No. 13, March 17, 1944, said
....During a swimming session t’other afternoon Sgt Murphy Quan and Pfc Howard Quan vied to see which one had the more shapely calfs...with other members of their flight as judges....Murphy won....Such inanities....and such legs....Quan was discharged on January 11, 1946 and returned to San Francisco.
The San Francisco Chronicle, April 18, 1947, said Quan and Wah Lee obtained a marriage license.
Quan was listed twice in the San Francisco Chinese Directory 1949.
According to the 1950 census Quan, a butcher, his wife, Wah, and daughter, Sharon, lived at 714 Pacific Avenue, apartment 1, in San Francisco. Birth records indicate Quan had a second daughter, Rebecca, born in 1949, who was not counted. In apartment 2 was his father, a widower, and seven siblings: Jack, Thomas, Daisie, Frank, Virginia, Claire and Sylvia. A third daughter, Wendy, was born in 1951.
Quan passed away on February 9, 1983. Funeral notices appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle and San Francisco Examiner, February 10, 1983.
Quan, Howard—In S.F., Feb. 9, 1983; dearly beloved husband of Wahly [sic] Quan; devoted son of Fung Lee Quan; loved father of Sharon Wong, Becky Soffiotto and Wendy Yau; loved brother of Frances Leong, Daisy Wong, Claire Fung, Virginia Won, Sylvia Chan, Jack, Tom and Frank Quan; loved grandfather of Penny and Jeremy Wong.
Visitation, Thursday evening, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., and funeral services, Friday morning, 11 a.m., at Halsted-N. Gray, 1123 Sutter St. Memorials to First Chinese Baptist Church, 1–15 Waverly Pl., San Francisco, preferred.
LUM M. QUAN
Lum Man Quan was born on October 18, 1912 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. A passenger list said his birthplace was “Kaukong, Namhoi, Kwangtung, China”.
Eight-year-old “Man Lum Quan”, his parents, Leem Quan and Poon Shee, and twin brother, Man Que Quan, were aboard the steam ship Golden State when it departed Hong Kong on October 5, 1921. They had stayed with Quan’s paternal grandmother, Li Shee, at “Kaukong, Namhoi, Kwangtung, China”. The family arrived at San Francisco, California on October 25, 1921. Quan, his mother and brother were admitted October 28, 1921. Quan’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 20588/018-11. Their final destination was to Choi Quan, Quan’s brother, at Wing Sang & Company, 477-9 9th Street in Oakland, California.
The 1930 United States census counted Quan as a lodger in San Francisco at 1123 Grant Avenue. Quan and the four men in the household were clerks at a meat market.
In the 1940 census Quan was a San Francisco resident at 717 Pacific Avenue. He was a partner in a retail meat business.
On October 16, 1940 Quan signed his draft card. His address was 1065 Grant Avenue. He was employed at the Pow Sang Company. Quan’s description was five feet three inches, 135 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Quan enlisted on December 18, 1942.
Almost a year later Quan was naturalized at Dayton, Ohio on December 6, 1943.
Quan was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Quan and his hometown in 1945 on page 217.
Lum M. Quan…..San Francisco, CaliforniaIn the book he appeared in the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55. Quan was mentioned on pages viii, 19 and 43.
After the war Quan returned to San Francisco.
The naturalization petition of Quan’s wife, Lan Kan Woo, said they married on June 29, 1948 at Hong Kong. The couple was aboard the steam ship President Wilson when it departed Hong Kong on September 5, 1948. They arrived at San Francisco on September 21, 1948. Quan’s address was 727 Green Street in San Francisco.
According to the 1950 census Quan, his wife and seven-month-old daughter, Karen, were San Francisco residents at 1116 Mason Street. Quan operated a butcher shop.
Quan’s wife became a naturalized citizen on August 22, 1961. Their address was 1116 Mason Street in San Francisco. They had three children: Karen, Michael and Donald.
Quan passed away on June 25, 1999.
WILLIAM K. QUAN
William Kahn “Murphy” Quan was born on May 12, 1916 in San Francisco, California according to his World War II draft card.
1940 United States census counted Quan, his mother and sister in San Francisco at 30 John Street. He was a chauffeur.
On October 16, 1940 Quan signed his draft card. His address was the same. His description was five feet eight inches, 145 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Quan enlisted on June 4, 1943.
Quan was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Quan and his hometown in 1945 on page 217.
William K. Quan…..San Francisco, CaliforniaIn the book Quan appeared in photographs on pages 19, 63 and 66.
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
…Murphy Quan Gets A SurpriseGung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said
Among the many Xmas presents which arrived late was one for Sgt William “Murphy” Quan. It was gaily wrapped and artistically decorated. And it was rather heavy, as if it contained pounds of sweets.
In the twinkling of an eye Murphy’s buddies gathered around him as he proceeded to unwrap the package. Mouths were watering at the prospects of something good to eat. After all, the present was from Bill’s mother, so it must contain something exceptionally good.
The boys crowded around. Bill’s fingers tore away the wrappings, opened the box cover, pulled aside the wax paper and—
For reposing on the tour part of the gift box was several pounds of succulent-looking Chinese sausages.
And on the bottom was a great big salted fish, the famous “Yow Dai Day” from the waters of Monterey, California.
The faces of the onlookers fell. But Murphy beamed.
“Ah!” he ah’ed, “now I can cook myself some real Chinese chow. Oboyoboy!”
Mrs Quan certainly knew what her boy wanted.
Basketball Game.
Playing their 5th game this season, the 407th casaba team met the 912th Engrs Squadron Thursday in the field gymnasium. Considered the number one basketball tossers in Patterson Fld, the 912th defeated the 407th aggregation by a score of 40-21.
So far, in all the games played, the 407th team, managed by Sgt Woody Chan, has met up with keen and stiff competition, and this last game was no exception. In the 5th game just played the starting line-up consisted of Sgt William “Murphy” Quan (captain), Pfc Albert Fong, Pvt Ben Louie, Pvt Henry Wong (13), and Pvt Edward Chew. Other players include Cpl Wing H. Fong, Pfc John S. Leong, Pfc Howard Quan, Pvt Peter Gee, Pvt Edwin Chu, Sgt Woodrow Chan, Cpl Thomas Lee, Cpl Samuel Yee, Sgt Charles Lum, and Pfc Howard Loo.
Casaba Team WinsGung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
Playing the 6th game of the current Patterson Field intra-squadron basketball league series, the 407th quintet came through with a resounding victory this Thursday when it met the 2nd Weather Squadron. The score at the end of the game was 40 to 9 in favor of the 407th.
Playing in better than usual form, the 407th’s starting line-up consisted of Cpl Albert Fong, Sgt “Murphy” Quan, Pfc Henry Leong, Pfc Henry Wong (13) and Pvt Peter K. Gee.
Playing forward, Al Fong was high score man, turning in 15 points, while Henry Leong displayed good floor work, ably supported by the other players.
…..Gosh, that basketball game played by the 407th quintet Thursday eve must have been rigged, or else a couple of the boys were a wee bit soft…for on the morning after the players limped into the Orderly Room and signed up for Sick Call. Rough game, Murphy Quan and John Leong?…..
More Casaba Tussles.Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said
Last week and early this week the squadron basketball team played its 8th and 9th games in the current Patterson Field intra-squadron casaba series.
Playing against the 923rd Guard Squadron last Friday night, our team came through with a victory, the score being 28 to 26. The final did not indicate that the 407th team led their opponents throughout the game. The staring line-up included Murphy Quan, Peter K. Gee, Ben Louie, Henry Wong (13), and Henry Leong, with Murphy scoring 16 points to become high point man.
Monday night, playing against Aviation Sq “B”, the opposing team won by a score of 29 to 25. The starting line-up was almost the same, the change being the inclusion of Albert Fong, who took Henry Leong’s place. Again Murphy Quan was high point man, coming through with 11 points.
Next Monday the 407th team will play its 10th game in this series, with the Base Hospital team as opponents. The following night the team will play a separate game against the 3511th Serv Unit, Military Dept., University of Dayton. The latter is an ASTP unit, and reported to consist of fast and expert tossers. The game will be played at the university gymnasium.
Basketball Team Plays Two More Games.Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said
The 407th casaba contingent was kept busy on the eve and the first day of Chinese New Year. These athletic sessions did not prevent the players from celebrating the festival, but they did interrupt the celebration.
Playing on its 10th game in the current Patterson Field intra-squadron series against the Base Hospital team the 407th came thru with a victorious score of 47 to 22. The starting lineup were Murphy Quan, Albert Fong, John Leong, Peter K. Gee and Henry Leong.
Murphy, playing forward, was high scoring man, making no less than 28 points, which was more than the opposing team got in their entire game. Murphy now has 91 points to his credit in the series, and this puts him up among the first five high scoring men in the league.
The following evening, playing the ASTU (Army Specialized Training Unit) team at the U. of Dayton gym, the 407th was defeated by a score of 44 to 28. However, this trouncing did not affect the squadron team’s standing in the league series, as this was an extra-mural games, played at the ASTU’s invitation. The 407th starting lineup for this game was the same as the previous night’s game except for Ben Louie, who replaced John S. Leong.
The 407th team’s next intra-squadron game will be played Feb. 2 against the 9th Reporting Detachment. The chances for winning, according to our team, are fifty-fifty.
Casaba Quintet Plays 11th Game.Gung Ho, No. 8, February 11, 1944, said
This week the squadron basketball team played the 11th game of the current Patterson Field intra-squadron series against the 9th Reporting Detachment. With both sides evenly matched, the 407th quintet came through with another victory. The score ended 36 to 22.
Murphy Quan again was the high scoring player, turning in 14 points, This hikes his total in the series to 105 points.
Starting lineup for this game included Henry Leong, Henry Wong (13), Albert Fong, Peter Gee, and Murphy Quan. At the beginning of the second half the starting lineup was totally replaced by John S. Leong, Howard C. Loo, Edwin Chu, Edward Chew, and David Fong. Throughout the game Wong and Leong exhibited good floor work.
A Round Dozen.Gung Ho, No. 9, February 18, 1944, said
The 407th casaba quintet this week chalked up another victory in the Paterson Field intra-squadron basketball series.
Playing its 12th game against the 1st Plant Maintenance Squadron, our team came through with a score of 36 to 24, thus eliminating another opponent.
Murphy Quan continued sinking the goals, logging 19 points for this game. This brings his league totals now to 124 points and puts him among the top three players in this series. Albert Fong chalked up 9 points and brought his total score up to 68 points.
This game was marked throughout with plenty of floorwork and rough and tumble playing. At one point Harry Q. Wong, jumping up to retrieve the ball from under the basket, was clipped on the head by an opponent, and sent sprawling to the floor, completely K. O’d.
With about three more games in the series to be played off, the 407th has an even chance of getting up to the top five. It is now in six[th] place. As for individual high scoring, Murphy Quan has more than an even chance to be the top scoring man in the entire series. The ex-star player of the former crack Nom Wah basketball team in San Francisco is doing all right.
The Unlucky 13th.Gung Ho, No. 10, February 25, 1944, said
The numerical symbol of universal bad luck hit the 407th’s basketball aggregation last week when it played its 13th game in the intra-squadron series against the Hqs ASC quintet. It was the 13th game, and it was played on a Friday. And there were 13 players in the team.
The starting line-up included Murphy Quan, Albert Fong, Ben Louie, Henry Leong, and Henry Wong (13). Our team led the game all the way until the end of the third quarter. Then, at the last quarter, the opposing team begin to break loose with a few goals. At the end of the game the score was tied—25 to 25.
A 3-minute overtime was played. The opposing made one foul goal—and won the game by that one single point.
For the 407th team, Albert Fong was high scorer, turning in 11 points. Murphy Quan followed with a total of 6 points. That half a dozen digits, though, placed Quan as the highest individual scorer in the league series. At the end of the game that night he had totaled 130 points.
As of last Friday, the 407th casaba team’s standing in the series was, 6 games won and 7 games lost, with about 2 more games to go.
MEN OF THE 407TH
CASABA TOSSING CELESTIALS
There is one outstandingly interesting thing about the 407th basketball team. And that’s in the fact that out of 13 players 11 are from San Francisco. Of the remaining two, one is from Oakland, Calif., and the other from New York City. This makes a total of 12 Californians out of a team of 13 players.
We might mention in passing that Sgt Woodrow Chan, the team’s manager, is from Long Island, N. Y. while property manager Pfc Elvin Ong is also from Frisco. But we might add that Woody is a native-born Californian.
What does all these statistics prove? Nothing very much perhaps, except that wherever you find a bunch of San Francisco Chinatown boys together you are bound to find some good basketball players among them. The largest Chinatown in the U. S. is the home of the best casaba tossing celestials to be found in the country. They are familiar with all the favorite sports of the American people, but for some reason they excel in basketball. Give the average SF Chinatown boy a gym or a backyard with a couple of baskets and a ball, and he will feel at home. The casaba tossers of the 407th were weaned in the basketball countts [sic] of St. Mary’s School, the Chinese YMCA, the French School, the Chinese Playground, the Commodore Stockton School—all inside the purlieu of S F Chinatown.
Take Sgt Murphy Quan for instance. A San Franciscan by birth and domicile, he has been tossing the casaba around since he could run. When he graduated from Mission High, where he was a basketball player on the varsity quintet, he started playing with the various Chinatown A. C’s—the small little clubs that used to come and go. Murphy didn’t care which club he played under, so long as he could toss that ball around.
He finally teamed up with the Nom Wah, Chinatown’s crack basketball outfit. The Nom Wah developed slowly, but at the height of its splendor it had practically all the best casaba players to be found in the community. The skill and prowess of its players was something to see & admire. Murphy played under the Nom Wah banner for years and became one of its outstanding players. His team played not only in SF, but also in Sacramento, Stockton, Los Angeles etc. It entered as many leagues and tournaments as it could handle. Winning 3 leagues in one season was one of Nam Wah’s crowning achievements, and Murphy was in there pit Ching for all he was worth.
Six players who have played in the Chinese Playground league are Cpl Albert Fong, Pfc Henry Wong-13, Pvt Peter K. Gee, Pfc Ben Louie, Pfc Howard Quan and Cpl Harry Q. Wong. In addition, Fong has also played with the Chinese “Y” and the Mohicans All-Stars; Wong has played with the Cherokee Club; Gee also with the Dragoneers and the Chung Wah Trojans; Harry Wong was with the Chinese Y as well as the Dragoneers; and Louie and Quan were with the Chinese YMCA.
As for the others, Pfc Henry Leong played in the Galileo H. S. Team; Pvt David Fong was with the Chung Wah Trojans; Pvt Edward Chew was with the Oakland Chinese Presbyterian Youths team; Pfc Howard Loo played for the Dragoneers; Pvt John S. Leong for the Sacred Heart H. S. and Pvt Edwin Chu for the Chinese Church League in New York.
—W. H.
….Orchids to “Murphy” otherwise known as Sgt William K. Quan, for his slick playing on the basketball courts last week….altho he was sick, he played anyhow…and managed to sink 10 more points to add to his individual high scoring in the league plays…….Gung Ho, No. 11, March 3, 1944, said
Basketballers End League Plays
One week ago last Thursday the squadron casaba quintet played the 478th Air Base Sqdn, and came out on the short end of a 33-29 score. Murphy Quan was high point man as usual and turned in 10 digits, making his total in the intra-squadron league up to 140 points.
Then this Tuesday night the team played an outside game against the Chaminade Eagle, one of the best high school quintets of Dayton. Out-played by good teamwork on the part of the opposition, the 407th team lost by a score of 43-22, with Albert Fong turning in 7 points as high scorer.
This Thursday the squadron team played its 15th and last game in the field intra-squadron series against the 836th Guard Sqdn. This final game saw the 407th team on the victorious side, with the score at 27 to 22. Murphy Quan turned in 14 points to send his individual score in the series up to 154. This score puts him at the very top place.
At the end of this series, the team’s standing was 8 games lost, and 7 won. And by next week another league will probably start playing off.
Casaba NotesGung Ho, No. 13, March 17, 1944, said
At the end of last week the Patterson Field intra-squadron basketball games ended. And as it ended the 407th casaba team’s official standing in the league stood as follows:
Sgt William Murphy Quan took top place for individual scoring. He played twelve games in the series and turned in a total of 154 points, beating the next highest individual scorer by nine points.
Meanwhile, Murphy Quan has been drafted to play with the Patterson Field All-Stars. He chalked up 14 points in his first game, when the All-Stars played the Coca-Cola quintet at Springfield.
SQUADRON QUINTET WINS CONSOLATION TROPHYAfter the war Quan returned to San Francisco.
By defeating the 478th Air Base Sqdn to the tune of 28–26 the 407th basketball team this week won the consolation trophy in the current Post league tournament.
There was double satisfaction in winning this game, for the 478th had beaten our team in the previous intra-squadron tournament.
The starting lineup for the 407th included Murphy Quan, Albert Fong, Ben Louie, Henry Wong (30), and Henry Leong.
Almost at the end of the game, with only 4 minutes to go, Henry Wong fell and sprained his ankle. David Fong substituted for him and helped to sustain our team’s speedy playing. Murphy Quan piled up 13 points to maintain his high scoring record.
The consolation trophy has been awarded to the team. The quintet has played its second and last tournament for the season but by no means has it played its last game. Meanwhile, Murphy Quan continues to play forward with the Patterson Field All-Stars. This group was honored last Saturday evening with a special banquet at the service club.
....During a swimming session t’other afternoon Sgt Murphy Quan and Pfc Howard Quan vied to see which one had the more shapely calfs...with other members of their flight as judges....Murphy won....Such inanities....and such legs....
According to the 1950 census, Quan and his wife, Margaret, were San Francisco residents at 15 Freeman Court. He was employed at the Post Office.
The San Francisco Examiner, July 19, 1951, said Quan changed his name from “William Kahn-quan” to Murphy Quan. The Denver Post, July 19, 1951, published the Associated Press report.
Chinese Proud, Murphy Quan Now Real NameOn February 20, 1962 Murphy William Quan and Margaret Jeung Quan adopted two-year-old Lo Sz Ngai, born in Hong Kong, and named her Colleen. They lived at 1249 Green Street in San Francisco.
San Francisco, July 19.—(AP)—William Kahn-quan, 35, a Chinese, was a pleased and proud man Thursday. He had his name changed legally to Murphy Quan.
Superior Judge Franklin Griffin approved the change after Attorney Samuel Lee explained that as a young lad in Chinatown Quan had the nickname “Murphy” tagged on him, and it stuck.
It came about because of young Quan’s liking for Irish Songs, green ties and other associations, identified with the sons of Erin.
Quan, post office special delivery messenger, married Peggy Leong [sic], and he said they will name their first-born either Kelly or Colleen.
Quan’s wife passed away on May 7, 1967.
Quan passed away on August 23, 2005. A funeral notice appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, August 27, 2005.
Quan, Murphy—Born on May 16 [sic], 1916, has gone on to his eternal home on August 23, 2005 in San Francisco. Beloved husband of the late Margaret; devoted father to Colleen Quan-Tonge and Kelly; loving grandpa of five. Friends and family are invited to visit Wed, Aug. 31 from 2 pm, with reflections of his life starting at 6:45 pm to 8 pm at Halsted N. Gray-Carew & English, 1123 Sutter St., SF. Interment private. In his remembrances donations may be made to American Heart Assoc., 120 Montgomery, Ste. 1650, SF, CA 94104. Complimentary Parking 415-673-3000
JOHNNY QUONG
Johnny Quong was born on October 10, 1924 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. The Nevada Death Index, his veteran’s file and grave marker have the birth year 1923. Without Quong’s Chinese name his immigration records cannot be searched. The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah), December 31, 2014, said Quong was thirteen years old when he arrived at San Francisco; the Deseret News said he was eleven. In the second half of the 1930s Quong stayed with his father’s friends but ran away a number of times. Eventually he joined his father in Montana.
The 1920 United States census counted Kip Quong at 404 1st Street in Havre, Montana. He worked at a laundry and, most likely, was Quong’s father. Quong and his father have not been found in the 1940 census.
The same address was Quong’s draft card which he signed on January 18, 1943. His description was five feet four inches, 124 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Quong’s veteran’s file said he enlisted on June 27, 1943. (He should not be confused with Johnny Quong of Mississippi.)
Quong was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Quong and his hometown in 1945 on page 217.
Johnny Quong…..Havre, MontanaIn the book he appeared in a photograph on page 53 and the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 9, February 18, 1944, said
…For the record, the oldest EM in the 407th seem to be Cpls Henry Luke and Bert L. Deng…closely followed by Sgts William P. Hsia and Henry B. Lew….and the youngest is Pvt Johnny Quong….their respective ages?….that’s a telling!……Gung Ho, No. 23, August 5, 1944, said
…..Did Johnny Quong fly out of bed fast t’other morn when he found a 1 1/2 foot s-n-a-k-e was sharing his bunk!…Ng Y Wing gave the reptile the coup de grace..both swore it was a cobra…Quong was discharged on December 31, 1945. He moved to Utah.
The Ogden Standard-Examiner (Utah), July 1, 1948, said a marriage license was issued to
Johnny Quong, 23, Salt Lake City, and Mary Yim, 21, Ogden.The 1950 census counted Young and his Utah-born wife in Salt Lake, Utah at 350 East So Temple, apartment eight. He was a window trimmer and she a waitress.
At some point Quong got involved in the food service business. The trade magazine, Institutions, March 1963, introduced Quong on page 32:
The Story of Quickee ChickenQuong’s business was examined on page 124.
We are always please to tell success stories. Mr. John Quong, shown below, is the proprietor of Chinafood Kitchen, of Salt Lake City, an imaginative Chinese-American Restaurant. His leading take-out food, Quickee Chickee, has captured the hearts of Utahns. In our article, “Have You Tried Take-Out?” (page 123) we report on his success, as part of a detailed look at the profit role of “take-out.” The article provides many bright and fresh salesmanship pointers as well.
Promotion Builds Business in UtahQuong had success with a number of restaurants in Salt Lake City. The Book of Tiki: The Cult of Polynesian Pop in Fifties America (2000) included images of the Hawaiian and the food delivery trucks. (Search, Johnny Quong restaurant, for images)
A 5-story high “Quickee Chicken” sign, top left, is the first eye-stopper at Salt Lake City’s China Food Drive-In. To bring potential patrons to the sign, China Food uses newspaper, radio, outdoor and bus advertising as well as the bright red and yellow “Quickee Chickee” signs atop each of its delivery trucks, below. But to make sure patrons return again and again, Johnny Quong, China Food’s owner, relies on good food and packaging, left. Among his most successful promotions: a 5¢ hamburger sale—the first hamburger was 21¢, the second a nickle [sic]. Another success: a 25¢ Tater Dog (a weiner with french fried potatoes coated around it) free with each take-out order of chicken or Chinese food sold by the operation. …
Quong passed away on September 19, 1999. His obituary appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune, September 22, 1999.
Johnny Quong, age 75, died on Sept. 19, 1999 at the Washoe Medical Center in Dayton, VA. Johnny was born on Oct. 10, 1923 in Canton, China. He was a former resident of Salt Lake City, UT, having lived the last four years in Dayton. Owner of King Quong Restaurant in Salt Lake City, Utah as well as The Hawaiian, Papa Quongs, Pier 54 and the Beachboy Restaurants, all in Salt Lake City, Utah. He served in the U. S. Army during World War II as an aircraft mechanic with the Flying Tigers. He enjoyed cooking and his grandchildren. An avid B.Y.U. football fan.Quong was laid to rest at Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. His wife passed away on January 18, 2007.
He is survived by his wife Mary Yin Quong, Dayton, Nevada; sons Alvin Quong and Calvin Quong both of Salt Lake City, Utah; two brothers, one sister, 12 grandchildren.
Memorial Service will be held on Thursday September 23, 1999 at 1:30 p. m. at FitzHenrys Funeral Home in Carson City, Nevada.
Memorials to a charity of your choice.
HERBERT J. REDDING
Herbert Jackson Redding was born on September 18, 1920 in Webster, Kentucky according to the Kentucky Birth Index at Ancestry.com. His middle name was found at That’s Them.
The 1930 United States census counted Redding as the youngest of four children born to Hobert and Effie. They lived in Henderson, Kentucky at 1502 Clay Street.
In 1938 Redding graduated from Barrett Manual Training High School.
In the 1940 census Redding and his parents were at the same address.
A draft card for Redding has not been found. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on December 6, 1940.
Redding was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Redding on page 217.
1st Lt. Herbert J. ReddingIn the book he appeared in a photograph on page 19.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said
Squadron Participates in Springfield War Loan Parade.After the war Redding returned to Henderson. The Evansville Courier (Indiana), November 7, 1948, said
A Fourth War Loan Drive parade was held in Springfield last Sunday. Participating in the parade were six flights from Patterson Field. One flight each came from the 478th Sq., the Air Service Command, the WAC, and 1st Radio Sq. The 407th was the only unit furnishing two flights.
Capt. E. F. Brown, executive officer of the 407th, was in charge of the flights from this field.
The flights from the 407th went to Springfield by trucks. The downtown district was jammed with spectators. As the men of the 407th marches, dressed in field jackets and with carbines or sub-machine guns slung over their shoulders, one onlooker in the crowd was heard to yell “King Hay Fat Choy!” It was an American who was familiar with the form of greeting for Chinese New Year.
The 407th flights were led by Lt H. J. Redding and WO T. A. Egnoski. This Fourth War Loan parade was the third one in recent months in which the men of the 407th have participated. The previous two were held in Sidney and Dayton.
Mr. and Mrs. William F. Berry, Geneva, announce the marriage of their daughter, Anna Jean, to Herbert J. Redding, son of Mr. and Mrs. Haywood Redding. The wedding took place in Raton, N. with the Rev. Carpenter the minister.According to the 1950 census Redding was a self-employed watchmaker. He and his wife were Henderson residents at 316 Center Street.
Redding passed away on June 29, 2015. His obituary appeared in The Gleaner, June 30, 2015.
Herbert J. Redding, 94, Henderson, passed away Monday, June 29, 2015, at St. Anthony’s Hospice Lucy Smith King Care Center in Henderson.Redding was laid to rest at Fairmont Cemetery.
He was born in Tilden, on Sept. 18, 1920, to the late Haywood and Effie Jenkins Redding. Herbert was a member of First Baptist Church in Henderson. He owned and operated Redding Jewelers in Henderson for over 40 years. Herbert served in the Air Force for over 28 years and was an avid golfer.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ann B. Redding; and one daughter, Gina Ann Redding. He is survived by one son, Randall Redding, and his wife, Ellen, of Henderson; three grandsons, David Andrew Redding of New Orleans, Scott Randall of Louisville and John Alexander Redding of Lexington; and one nephew, Doug Redding of Prescott, Ariz.
Services will be private. Friends may call from 4–6 p.m. Tuesday at Tomblinson Funeral Home Henderson Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony’s Hospice.
HENRY C. RICH
Henry Clay Rich Jr. was born on January 26, 1908 in Cushing, Texas according to his World War II draft card.
The 1910 United States census counted Rich as the youngest of six children born to Henry and Dovie. His father operated a market. They lived in Cushing, Nacogdoches County, Texas.
The 1920 census said the Rich family resided in Angelina County, Texas on Lufkin and Pump Station Road. Rich’s father was a stationery engineer at an oil pump station.
In the 1930 census Rich, his parents, sister and brother-in-law lived in Lufkin, Texas at 348 Charlton Street. Rich was a clerk at his father’s filling station.
According to the 1940 census Rich, his wife, Lila, and sister-in-law, Jean, lived at 340 Charlton Street. Rich was furniture salesman who had one year of college.
On October 16, 1940 Rich signed his draft card. His address was the same. He was employed at the Dixie Hardware and Furniture Company. Rich was described as five feet ten inches, 170 pounds, with hazel eyes and blonde hair.
Rich enlisted on June 16, 1942.
Rich was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Rich and his hometown in 1945 on page 217.
2nd Lt. Henry C. Rich…..Lufkin, TexasAfter the war Rich returned to Lufkin.
The 1950 census said Rich, his wife and son, Richard, were Lufkin residents at 345 Charlton Street. He was the manager of a woodworking shop.
Rich passed away on June 21, 1973 in Lufkin. The death certificate said he resided in Wells, Texas and was a retail auto supply merchant. Rich was laid to rest at Oak Grove Cemetery.
Related Posts
Introduction
(Next post Group 21: Sam–Szeto)
No comments:
Post a Comment