FLOYD SAM
Floyd Sam was born on September 9, 1914 in Fresno, California according to the California Birth Index, at Ancestry.com, and his World War II draft card.
The Sam family has not yet been found in the 1920 United States census.
Sam has not been found in the 1930 census. His parents and siblings were at 1013 G Street in Fresno.
On January 15, 1931 Sam and his older brother, Earnest, began their trip to China where both of them were married. Sam had been with his wife, Young Shee, at “Pong Woo, Punyue, Kwangtung, China”. Earnest and his wife, Wong Shee, were there, too. The brothers, ages eighteen and seventeen, were aboard the steam ship President Hoover when it departed Hong Kong on April 12, 1932. They arrived at San Francisco on May 2, 1932 and admitted the same day. Sam’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 31562/006-04. Their final destination was to their father, Wing Chee Sam, at 1019 G Street in Fresno.
In 1933 Sam graduated from Edison High School.
Floyd Sam was born on September 9, 1914 in Fresno, California according to the California Birth Index, at Ancestry.com, and his World War II draft card.
The Sam family has not yet been found in the 1920 United States census.
Sam has not been found in the 1930 census. His parents and siblings were at 1013 G Street in Fresno.
On January 15, 1931 Sam and his older brother, Earnest, began their trip to China where both of them were married. Sam had been with his wife, Young Shee, at “Pong Woo, Punyue, Kwangtung, China”. Earnest and his wife, Wong Shee, were there, too. The brothers, ages eighteen and seventeen, were aboard the steam ship President Hoover when it departed Hong Kong on April 12, 1932. They arrived at San Francisco on May 2, 1932 and admitted the same day. Sam’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 31562/006-04. Their final destination was to their father, Wing Chee Sam, at 1019 G Street in Fresno.
In 1933 Sam graduated from Edison High School.
The Inventor yearbook
The 1936 California voter register listed Sam as a Democrat who lived at 1013 G Street in Fresno. His occupation was clerk.
In the 1940 census Sam was the second of seven siblings at 1013 G Street in Fresno. He was the proprietor of a soda fountain.
On October 16, 1940 Sam signed his draft card. His address was unchanged. He worked at the Swan Donut Shop. Sam’s description was five feet five inches, 128 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Sam enlisted in the Army Air Corps on September 12, 1942.
Sam was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Sam and his hometown in 1945 on page 217.
Floyd Sam…..Fresno, CaliforniaThe squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 1, December 25, 1943, said
EM’s Return from Detached ServiceGung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Technical Sergeant Sam was promoted to Master Sergeant.
After a two weeks’ special course in the air service dept at Orlando, Fla., 9 EM’s returned to the 407th this week. The group consisted of T/Sgt Floyd Sam, S/Sgts Henry Wong, James Yee, Ton G. Lum and George Wong, Sgts Donald Y. Louie and Hing B. Lo, Pfcs Koonwah Lim and George M. Shue.
Sgt Louie reported that the Flordia [sic] sunshine gave him a good tan. But Pfc Shue, contrariwise, caught a cold instead.
T/Sgt Sam gave out that several of the boys, namely Lum, Louie, Lo and Lim, had occasion to visit Cypress Garden down yonder. It so happens that this place is our C.O.’s hometown, and the boys seriously thought of invading the latter’s home. But in a case of cold feet caught them and the idea was abandoned.
The boys also visited the movie set where the “Tarzan” pictures are made—and found out how Johnny Weismuller could climb those jungle trees so fast. No, they feel they can climb them just as dextrously [sic].
One of the highlights of the EM’s returning trip was the real Chinese meal they had in Jacksonville. Said Floyd: “We had sea-weed soup, Chinese style chicken, beef and tomatoes, bean cakes, etc. Boy, did we eat!”
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. 5, January 21, 1944, said
Returned to duty this week was the 10 EM and WO T.A. Egnoski who went to Liberty, Ind. Last week to dismantle a wrecked B-25. Even though it snowed and rained, and the men sloshed through water and mud daily, the work was finished on schedule. The following is a partial record of the extra-curricular doings of the EM who made up this temporary duty section.
The entire 3rd floor of the Liberty Hotel was reserved for the EM. But—there weren’t any beds. So the men curled up on the floor, Allee samee sleeping on the grounds during maneuver. However, they brought their own mattresses and blankets along, so the situation was not bad. And then at least the place was warm. M/Sgt Floyd Sam would vouch for that, for he slept next to the heater.
…And now for a few bits of this ’n that gleaned from faraway N’York, where a few of the squadron EM spent a weekend that just couldn’t be called quiet….one group, the one that did the most running around, included none other than M/Sgt Floyd Sam, S/Sgt Hong S. Wee, and Pvt Woo K. Leung. Now, Leung was a NY Chinatownian, but Wee and Sam had never been to America’s #1 town before, and wanted to see what NY was all about…..Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said
…They started out Saturday noon with only themselves, but when dinnertime came the party numbered 18 people…with enuf gals for all the boys present…Sgt Wee found himself in a predicament when he was introduced to two gals…and they were twins! He couldn’t make up his mind whether to take Janet or Muriel…so he escorted both..and was pleased as Punch…whiel [sic] Pvt Leung took care of ze third sis, Eleanor….but Sgt Sam came into the picture, and Wee had to relinquish Muriel….
….While frolicking in a nite club, all that stood between Wee and the La Conga line was another Orange Blossom…..now he is advertising for an instructor to show him how to get in the groove, skin the cat, hop it up, and jive it down…..Whee, Wee!……
…..At a bowling session the party took two alleys…and Wee and Sam vied in showing the maximum of their pin rolling skill…the gals oh’d and ah’d as they rolled up strikes and spares…while Pvt Leung and Eleanor retired to a far corner and had themselves a conversation….no, it wan’t about the weather…
….Thus it went on…there were dinners and shows and sightseeing…the trio on the loose met many persons, including Donaldina Lew, lyric soprano from San Francisco’s Chinatown, singing in a Times Square nitery; and Helena Kuo, Chinese author and lecturer….
..meanwhile M/Sgt Floyd Sam was having one weary time inside the field, also looking for something…his glasses….the nite before, in Dayton, Sam and 1st/Sgt Ed Chan looked for a hotel room…and found one as big as a dormitory, and with almost as many beds….it was so big they were almost scared to sleep……..Gung Ho, No. 8, February 11, 1944, said
....Sa-ay, what’s this we hear about M/Sgt Floyd Sam having su-ch a good time after the mechanics’ party at Springfield?...notice we say after the party....Gung Ho, No. 13, March 17, 1944, said
….S/Sgt Donald “Yehudi” Louie all alone with his date on a bus going Cincinnati way….and attempting to avoid M/Sgt Floyd Sam, who was maneuvering for an intro….but in vain, for Sam, bold and unabashed, introduced himself….Gung Ho, No. 14, March 24, 1944, said
....Now it’s M/Sgt Floyd Sam who wants to take up a collection....to buy a new ditty for Sgt George Shue....the latter has been warbling, whistling, and humming “You’ll Never Know” and nothing else since last December....when he returned from DS to Orlando, Fla....To add to his repertoire we suggest “Shoo Shoo Baby”....we shoo do, Shue....Gung Ho, No. 22, July 22, 1944, said
.... Floyd Sam has dragged out his precious radio, and jive-hungry EM have been treated to jive from the states after all these months, & Allen K Pang, getting news of a hometown (Seattle) at last, learned that his brother S/Sgt Sun Pang was in on the D-Day invasion of Europe as a waist-gunner on a B-17..Sam was discharged on February 3, 1946 according to his veteran’s file. Sam is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project.
The 1947 Fresno city directory listed Sam at 1013 G Street. He worked at the Varsity Cigar Store.
According to the 1950 census, Sam was in the household of his brother, Chester, who was married with seven children. Also in the household were Sam’s younger siblings Harold and Bertha. Their Fresno address was 1013 G Street. Sam was the proprietor of a radio repair shop.
Sam traveled to Hong Kong where he married Shue Sim Lo on December 20, 1961. Her naturalization petition said Sam was an electrical specialist. Their address was 5058 Royal Palm Drive in Fremont, California. She became a citizen on July 26, 1965.
Sam passed away on March 10, 1990. His obituary appeared in the Oakland Tribune, March 13, 1990.
Sam, Floyd Passed away on March 10, 1990 in Fremont. Retired from Federal Aviation Administration, Oakland. Survived by wife Rosaline Lo Sam and daughters Adrienne Sam and Vivian Sam, all of Fremont. Aged 75 years.Sam was laid to rest at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park.
A rosary will be held on Wednesday evening at 7PM at Lima Family Fremont Chapel. Funeral Services are Thursday, March 15 at 11:30AM at the above Chapel located at 48800 Warm Springs Blvd, Fremont. Interment immediately following at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park, Fremont.
WONG H. SEAM
Wong Hing Seam was born on May 9, 1920 in Boston, Massachusetts according to his World War II draft card.
Seam has not yet been found in the 1930 United States census.
On September 11, 1931 Seam sailed from Seattle, Washington to China. He married Chow Shee and lived at “Ben How Lee, Hoiping, China”. Eighteen-year-old Wong was aboard the steam ship Empress of Japan when it departed Hong Kong on November 11, 1938. He arrived at Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on November 29, 1938. He transferred to the ship Princess Marguerite which took him to Seattle the same day. Seam’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 7030/2759. His final destination was to his brother, Ting Jim Wong, at 4 Tyler Street in Boston.
Seam has not yet been found in the 1940 census.
On July 1, 1941 Seam signed his draft card in Providence, Rhode Island. He lived at 6 Broad Street. He worked at the restaurant Ruby Foo’s Beachcomer. Seam’s description was five feet four inches, 124 pound, with brown eyes and black hair. (On June 30, 1942 another person with the same name signed his draft card which had the birth date May 9, 1922. His Boston address was 72 Tyler Street. He was four inches taller, unemployed and signed his name with an X.)
Seam enlisted on June 1, 1943 at Providence, Rhode Island. His induction was reported in the Providence Journal, June 2, 1943.
Army Inductions: ...Local Board No. 2, Providence—Wong H. Seam.
Seam was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Seam and his hometown in 1945 on page 217.
Wong H. Seam (William S. Wong)…..Boston, MassachusettsIn the book he appeared in photographs on pages 20, 53 and the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 13, March 17, 1944, said
.....Pfc Bot L. Wong is giving a few pointers on dancing to Pvt Seam H. Wong....with Cpl Homer KH Fong [sic] as a velly interested spectator....After the war Seam returned to Boston. Seam is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project. Seam is listed in the program book of the New England Chinese Americans WWII Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Award Ceremony in Boston on October 16, 2021.
The 1947 Boston List of Residents included Seam, a waiter, at 93 Warren Avenue.
According to the 1950 census “William Wong Seam” was a restaurant waiter who resided in Boston at 105 Warren Avenue.
The Evening Gazette (Worcester, Massachusetts), September 21, 1951, said Boston Chinatown was raising funds for Radio Free Asia which was aimed at China and North Korea.
... The Chinatown campaign was planned by the Chinese American Legion Post under the chairmanship of William Wong Seam, a past commander of the post. ...The Boston Traveler, November 24, 1951, reported the upcoming installation of officers for the Boston Chinatown post of the American Legion at the post headquarters, 18 Oxford street. Seam, a past commander, was to be re-installed as commander. The Boston Globe, November 26, 1951, published a photograph of Seam and two others being sworn in at the Boston Chinatown Post.
The Jewish Advocate (Boston, Massachusetts) January 1, 1953, said
New Restaurant, “The Singapore” Open in BrightonThe Boston Evening American, February 1, 1960, said Seam was the assistant headwaiter at the Polynesian Village restaurant. According to the Boston Evening American, September 1, 1961, actress Ava Gardner stayed at the Hotel Somerset which housed the Polynesian Village. The restaurant ordinarily does not provide room service but made an exception for Gardner when she ordered drinks and food. Seam served Gardner and her maid.
William Wong Seam has announced the recent opening of his new Chinese restaurant, the Singapore, located at 595 Commonwealth avenue, Brighton, near Washington street.
Featuring food prepared in the Boston Chinatown manner, the Singapore has the finest in Chinese decor and furnishings. Food to take out is also a specialty.
Mr. Seam is a veteran of World War II, having served in the China-Burma-India theatre for 22 months and has been Commander of Chinatown Post 328, American Legion, for the past 2 years.
The 1962 and 1963 Boston city directories listed Seam at 38 Oxford. He was involved with real estate. Directories from 1964 to 1971 had his address as 10 Hudson Street. He was with the Qi Quon Agency.
Sampan, June 4, 1993, published the article, The Men Helped the “Tigers” Fly, and said in part
William Seam Wong, who grew up in Boston’s Chinatown and worked in the restaurant business before his retirement, was a member of the 407th Air Service Squadron, which also joined the 14th Air Service Group. Wong, who is also organizing the Boston reunion, went to China in 1944. He recalls a China in which life was uncertain and difficult for its people. “It was very hard to see the people suffer that way,” says Wong, who recalls refugees trudging down the roads and seeking lifts from American soldiers. When he went to China he could only speak the Guangdong dialect, but he quickly picked up Mandarin, he says.Seam passed away on May 12, 2020 in Boston. His obituary appeared in the Boston Globe, May 27, 2020.
Wong, William Seam “Simmy”
Husband, Father and World War II Flying Tiger Veteran
It is with great sadness that the family of William Seam “Simmy” Wong shares the news of his passing on May 12, 2020. Having just reached his goal of hitting 100 years of age, Simmy died peacefully at his home in Newton Highlands.
Simmy was born on May 9, 1920 in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of Wong Soon and Toy Lin, and spent his childhood in Boston’s Chinatown. In 1931, after Simmy’s mother had fallen ill, he and his family returned to Ping Tung village, Guangdong, China. He returned to the United States in his late teens.
In 1943, Simmy was inducted into the army, serving as a supply officer for the 407th Air Service Squadron which supported the 14th Air Force’s famed Flying Tigers. His tour of duty sent him all over the world, including Africa, India and China. After the war, Simmy maintained close ties with his brothers- in-arms, referring to them fondly as “the boys.” In 2020, Simmy was one of many Chinese Americans selected to be honored with a Congressional Gold Medal for his military service with the Flying Tigers in WWII.
After leaving the military, Simmy worked in the hotel and restaurant industry, and in the 1980’s, owned his own restaurant, “Wong’s Garden.” He married Andrea Lam in 1961, and they had 2 children, Michael KP Wong and Cheri-Ann Wong, whom he leaves behind.
He was an avid fan of the Red Sox, Celtics and New England Patriots and often took his children to Red Sox games when they were young.
Community and friendship were always important to Simmy. He was a member of the American Legion Chinatown Post 328 for more than 70 years, serving as Sr. Vice Commander in 1948 and Post Commander in 1949. He was also an elder of the Wong Family Benevolent Association.
Simmy was a longstanding member of many masonic bodies and lodges, including the Dalhousie Lodge (Master of Lodge in 2003–2004), Rabboni Lodge, Major General Henry Knox Lodge, and The Consolidated Lodge. He was a Shriner, a member of the York Rite and an assistant Tyler for the Scottish Rite Valley of Boston.
Friends and family will remember Simmy as one with a kind and generous heart who was always willing to help out or reach out to those in need. No matter where he went or what decade of life he was in, Simmy gathered friends easily and kept them close. He understood the value of friendship and the work it took to maintain those friendships. He cherished all the relationships he built over the years.
Services and a gathering to celebrate Simmy’s life will be held at a later time when family and friends can come together safely and happily. Donations in Simmy’s memory can be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children—Boston, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114.
LOCK F. SEW
Lock Fook Sew aka Jack Lock F. Sew was born on February 13, 1924 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. A passenger list had “Toishan, China” as his birthplace. His family name was Lock.
Thirteen-year old “Fook Sew Lock” was aboard the steam ship Empress of Canada when it departed Hong Kong on December 24, 1937. The passenger list said he had been with his mother, Lau Shee, at “Sin On, Toishan, China”. He arrived at Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on January 12, 1938. He transferred to the ship Princess Marguerite which took him to Seattle, Washington on the same day. Sew was admitted on February 23, 1938. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 7030/10685. Sew’s final destination was to his father, Wan Ton Lock, at 116 1/2 4th Avenue in Olympia, Washington.
Sew has not been found in the 1940 United States census.
On June 30, 1942 Sew signed his draft card. His address was 418 8th Avenue South in Seattle, Washington. He worked at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipyards. Sew’s description was five feet three inches, 125 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Sew enlisted on May 15, 1943.
Sew was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Sew and his hometown in 1945 on page 217.
Lock S. [sic] Sew (Jack Lock F. Sew)…..Seattle, WashingtonIn the book he appeared in the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.
After the war Sew returned to Seattle. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, January 16, 1946, listed returning veterans.
Cpl. Lock F. Sew, 418 8th Ave. S.The 1950 census counted Sew, his wife, Tew Lan, son, Dick, and father in Seattle at 1244 Jackson. Sew was a self-employed butcher.
Sew passed away on October 30, 1975 in Seattle, according to the Washington Death Records at Ancestry.com. A death notice appeared in the Seattle Times, November 2, 1975.
Lock, (Jack) Sew F.
1902 15th Ave. South. Survived by wife, Chow Ling; son, Dennis W. Lock; daughter, Doris L. Lock, all Seattle. Services 1 p.m. Wednesday, Butterworth Family Mortuary. Burial, Lake View.
JEAN H. SHING
Jean Han Shing was born on December 11, 1924 in Fall River, Massachusetts according to his World War II draft card.
Shing was “Pow Hing Shing” in the 1930 United States census. He was the second of five siblings. Their parents were “Lee Guey Shing”, a restaurant chef, and “Toy Shee”. The family lived on Main Street at Lakeville, Massachusetts.
In the 1940 census the Shing family was at the same location.
On December 28, 1942 Shing signed his draft card. His Lakeville address was South Main Street. He worked at the Plymouth Shoe Company. Shing’s description was five feet one-and-a-half inches, 110 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Shing enlisted on May 17, 1943.
Shing was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Shing and his hometown in 1945 on page 217.
Jean Shing…..Lakeville, MassachusettsIn the book Shing was mentioned on pages viii, 21, 28, 58 and 71. He appeared in photographs on pages 29, 60 and the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said Private First Class Shing was promoted to Corporal.
….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. 9, February 18, 1944, said
….And for once Sgt Gon and Cpl Shing were glad to meet a couple of teachers….and maybe learn a few things…the latter were not only young but pretty too….the “pupils” were taken for a ride ’round the countryside….ah, such gor-gee-ous scenery!
….T/Sgt Lee and S/Sgt Jung didn’t exactly sit around their off duty hours either…oh no….Lee forgot to bring along his O.D. pants, but did that stop him from going out?…he went out—in Sgt Koonwah Lim’s trousers!….and stayed out till 8 ayem of a Sunday morn…tsk, tsk….Sgt Lim was the only one who ever got enough sleep…always in bed at 9 PM..and was the best snorer of the group outside of Cpl Gwon J. Lee…..But “we certainly appreciate the kindness of the people of Greenfield,” said all the boys afterwards…
....and didja notice Cpl Jean H. Shing running out on the gang t’other PM to keep that very important engagement?...a la Dagwood......Gung Ho, No. 12, March 10, 1944, said
….Glimpses: ....and Cpls John B. Chuck and Jean Shing, and Pfc. Ben Louie racing to the proximity of three WAC’s in the mess hall….
After the war Shing returned to Lakeville. His photograph appeared in The Memoir 1947 (see group 50) which was published by the Chick Char Club in San Francisco.
Shing was at the same address in the 1950 census. An Ancestry.com family tree said he married Marjorie Toy Goon Chin on August 27, 1950 in Lakeville.
Shing was listed in the History of the Town of Lakeville, Massachusetts, 1852–1952; One Hundredth Anniversary of the Town of Lakeville.
Shing, an electrical contractor, was mentioned in his wife’s profile in the Class of 1944 Chelsea High School 15th Anniversary Beacon, 1944–1959.
Shing passed away on May 17, 2017. An obituary was posted at Ashley Funeral Home.
GEORGE M. SHUE
George Mark Shue was born on March 8, 1908 in New York, New York according to his World War II draft card which had his full name. On his birth certificate Mark was also his father’s name. He and his wife, “C Shue” or Shee Shue lived in Chinatown at 13 Mott Street.
Shing was listed in the History of the Town of Lakeville, Massachusetts, 1852–1952; One Hundredth Anniversary of the Town of Lakeville.
Shing, an electrical contractor, was mentioned in his wife’s profile in the Class of 1944 Chelsea High School 15th Anniversary Beacon, 1944–1959.
Shing passed away on May 17, 2017. An obituary was posted at Ashley Funeral Home.
Lifelong Lakeville resident, Jean H. Shing, passed away on May 17, 2017 following a short illness. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marjorie (Chin), children, grandchildren, brother William P. Shing, two brother-in-laws, Arthur and Theodore Chin, and many nephews and nieces.Shing was laid to rest at Sampson Cemetery.
Family descendants include Jeffrey, wife Kathryn (Kowalczyk) and daughter, Hannah; Caron, husband Kim Lau and son, Austin; Jonathan; and Jerald, partner Duane Diviney, son Kai and daughter Mika.
Born on December 11, 1924, in Fall River, Massachusetts, Jean is the elder son of Lee G. & Toy Shee Shing who earned their U.S. citizenship after migrating from Canton China. The family survived the Depression Era, WWI, WWII and being the sole Chinese family in Lakeville.
Jean was a Technical Sergeant in the Army Air Corps, 14th Air Force, during WWII. He was stationed at Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio and proudly served in the CBI (China, Burma, India) Theater. He was in charge of his own squad of electricians in the 407th Service Squadron. Jean was inducted on May 17, 1943 and honorably discharged on January 9, 1946. His brother, Jeanon, also served in the Army during the same period.
Jean started Shing Electric Co. and was partnered by his youngest brother, William, after his military service during the Korean War. Jean and Marge met through mutual friends at a social dance in Boston and he would travel to Chelsea to court her. They were married on August 27, 1950. They built our home at 60 Clear Pond Road, Lakeville where he resided with his wife and son, Jon, until illness. Jean enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing on his heavy equipment, and loved family gatherings. At these gatherings, he enjoyed and took pride in playing his accordion and harmonica. He was self-taught. He had always been a proponent of conservatism and the 2nd Amendment. Jean was a Benefactor Member of the NRA and a member of the Taunton Rifle & Pistol Club.
He was a self-made entrepreneur, energetic, compassionate, caring, perfectionist, mentor and a “take charge guy”. He never hesitated to give an opinion (in his later years, it didn't matter if you asked) and he was always willing to give helpful advice. Those who knew Jean will always remember the time he helped them out in some way. The “Patriarch” will be sadly missed.
Visiting hours will be held in the Ashley Funeral Home, 35 Oak St. Middleboro, on Friday, June 2nd from 4–7 pm. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, June 3rd at 11 am. Burial will follow at Sampson Cemetery, Lakeville.
GEORGE M. SHUE
George Mark Shue was born on March 8, 1908 in New York, New York according to his World War II draft card which had his full name. On his birth certificate Mark was also his father’s name. He and his wife, “C Shue” or Shee Shue lived in Chinatown at 13 Mott Street.
The 1910 United States census counted Shue as the fourth of five siblings. Their parents were Mark, a cook at a race track, and “Chora”. The family lived in Brooklyn on Neck Road near Avenue U and East 28th Street.
In the 1920 census Shue, his parents and siblings resided in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at 138 9th Street. Shue’s father had a grocery business.
Thirteen-year-old Shue lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania when he applied for a passport on July 22, 1921. His address was 138 North 9th Street. He planned to depart from Seattle, Washington, on August 11, 1921, to visit Japan and Hong Kong.
Eighteen-year-old Shue was aboard the steam ship President Jackson when it departed Hong Kong on April 10, 1926. The passenger list said he had visited Tak Yet Sun at 174 Desvoeux Road in Hong Kong. Shue arrived at Seattle on April 29, 1926. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 30/3538. Shue’s final destination was the Fook Lee Company at 923 Race Street in Philadelphia.
The 1930 census said Shue was in his brother-in-law’s household in Baltimore, Maryland at 2716 Mosher Street. His sister, Ida, married Fong Lee and had three children. Shue was a restaurant waiter.
Shue has not yet been found in the 1940 census.
Shue was in Philadelphia when he signed his draft card on October 16, 1940. He lived with his sister, Mamie Moy, at 919 Spring Street. He worked at the Hop Yick Laundry in Wilmington, Delaware. Shue’s description was five feet eight inches, 176 pound, with brown eyes and black hair.
The 1930 census said Shue was in his brother-in-law’s household in Baltimore, Maryland at 2716 Mosher Street. His sister, Ida, married Fong Lee and had three children. Shue was a restaurant waiter.
Shue has not yet been found in the 1940 census.
Shue was in Philadelphia when he signed his draft card on October 16, 1940. He lived with his sister, Mamie Moy, at 919 Spring Street. He worked at the Hop Yick Laundry in Wilmington, Delaware. Shue’s description was five feet eight inches, 176 pound, with brown eyes and black hair.
Shue enlisted on July 18, 1941 at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland.
Shue was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Shue and his hometown in 1945 on page 217.
George M. Shue…..Washington, DCThe squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 1, December 25, 1943, said
EM’s Return from Detached ServiceGung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Private First Class Shue was promoted to Corporal.
After a two weeks’ special course in the air service dept at Orlando, Fla., 9 EM’s returned to the 407th this week. The group consisted of T/Sgt Floyd Sam, S/Sgts Henry Wong, James Yee, Ton G. Lum and George Wong, Sgts Donald Y. Louie and Hing B. Lo, Pfcs Koonwah Lim and George M. Shue.
Sgt Louie reported that the Flordia [sic] sunshine gave him a good tan. But Pfc Shue, contrariwise, caught a cold instead.
T/Sgt Sam gave out that several of the boys, namely Lum, Louie, Lo and Lim, had occasion to visit Cypress Garden down yonder. It so happens that this place is our C.O.’s hometown, and the boys seriously thought of invading the latter’s home. But in a case of cold feet caught them and the idea was abandoned.
The boys also visited the movie set where the “Tarzan” pictures are made—and found out how Johnny Weismuller could climb those jungle trees so fast. No, they feel they can climb them just as dextrously [sic].
One of the highlights of the EM’s returning trip was the real Chinese meal they had in Jacksonville. Said Floyd: “We had sea-weed soup, Chinese style chicken, beef and tomatoes, bean cakes, etc. Boy, did we eat!”
Gung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
….while in another corner Sgts George Shue and Andy Kan, Cpls Elwood Lew and Fred Ko, Pfc’s Harry King and Albert FL Fong, Pvts York Q. Luke and Yee T. Yook scribbled autographs in Chinese and American to a group of lassies…Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said Corporal Shue was promoted to Sergeant.
Gung Ho, No. 14, March 24, 1944, said
....Now it’s M/Sgt Floyd Sam who wants to take up a collection....to buy a new ditty for Sgt George Shue....the latter has been warbling, whistling, and humming “You’ll Never Know” and nothing else since last December....when he returned from DS to Orlando, Fla....To add to his repertoire we suggest “Shoo Shoo Baby”....we shoo do, Shue....Shue was aboard the ship General J. R. Brooke when it departed Calcutta, India on October 7, 1945. He arrived at the port of New York on November 3, 1945. Shue’s veteran’s file said he was discharged at Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania on November 8, 1945.
Shue’s wife, Chew See Shue (Yew Ho Chew), and three children, Tung Hong, Fat Hong and Go Sik, were aboard the USAT Admiral W.S. Benson when it departed Shanghai on February 22, 1947. They had been at “Non Hong Village, Canton, China”. Mother and children arrived at San Francisco on March 14, 1947. Their final destination was to 827 Broadway in Camden, New Jersey where Shue lived.
According to the 1950 census “George Mark”, and his family were Philadelphia residents at 2617 North 11th Street. He was the proprietor of a laundry.
Shue passed away on November 9, 1982. “George Mark” was laid to rest at Chenango Valley Cemetery.
HANSON SIU
Hanson Siu was born on July 11, 1922 in Suisun, California according to his World War II draft card. The California Birth Index, at Ancestry.com, said he was born July Sui on July 14, 1922; this date appeared in his obituary.
A passenger list said Siu began his trip from San Francisco to China on April 30, 1931. Fifteen-year-old “Yun Sun Sui/July Sui” and his older brother, “Jew On Siu/Suisun Siu”, were aboard the steam ship President Coolidge when it departed Hong Kong on May 5, 1938. The brothers had been with their mother, Chin Shee, at “Sue Nee, Chungshan, Kwangtung, China”. They arrived at San Francisco on May 23, 1938 and admitted that day. Siu’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 38194/8-17. Their final destination was to Loy Shun, a friend, at 932 Grant Avenue in San Francisco.
Siu has not been found in the 1940 United States census.
On June 30, 1942 Hanson (July) Siu signed his draft card. His San Francisco address was 838 Grant Avenue #403. He was unemployed. Siu’s description was five feet six inches, 128 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
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Siu enlisted on December 10, 1942.
Siu was not mentioned or listed in either Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993 or In the Shadow of the Tiger. The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 1, December 25, 1943, said
...Greetings to the 4 new men who joined the 407th this week. They are Cpl Eugene Szeto and Pvt Gem Y. Lee of New York, Cpl San Pon of Detroit, and Cpl William J Hoy of San Francisco....and Pfc Hanson Siu was transferred to the 555th Squadron at Springfield, Illinois........During the war Siu was in an accident involving a jeep. He suffered a knee injury. He was admitted to the hospital in June 1945. Siu was on the USS General C.C. Ballou (AP-157) when it departed Calcutta, India on October 10, 1945. He arrived at New York on November 6, 1945. Siu was discharged from the hospital in July 1946. Siu is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project.
Siu has not been found in the 1950 census.
Siu married Lucy Soo on October 27, 1956 at Monterey, California.
Polk’s San Francisco City Directory 1957 listed Siu.
Pacific AvenueSiu had a listing in the Try US. 1975 National Minority Business Directory.
1251 Designs Oriental int decs PR 62915
Hanson Siu
Engineering & Drafting ServicesSiu passed away on July 12, 2018. His obituary appeared in the Mercury News (San Jose, California), July 28, 2018.
2450 Hanson Siu
1734 Valpico Drive, San Jose 95124
408-264-2143
Human factors engineering, biotechnology, plant engineering, graphic arts and industrial design. Cstmrs: NASA; Lockheed Aircraft (estab 1970, empl 1)
Hanson SiuSiu was laid to rest at the Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery.
July 14, 1922–July 12, 2018
Resident of Cupertino
Hanson Siu passed away peacefully on July 12, 2018, after a full life of almost 96 years. Born in Suisun, California, Hanson traveled back and forth from China in his earlier years before attending middle and high school in San Francisco. After graduating from California Art Academy, Hanson worked as a designer for Safeway and Lockheed before focusing his attention on real estate. Humble to a fault, Hanson loved to travel and was fiercely devoted to his family and friends. While his kind, warm smile will be missed by all, he is now happily reunited with his beloved wife, family and Gang of friends that he missed so dearly in his last years.
Preceded by his wife of 53 years Lucy, Hanson was father to Greg Siu and Gale Moffet, father-in-law to Pam Siu and Stan Moffet, and grandfather to Brian and Kevin Siu, Amy and Theresa Moffet, all of Saratoga.
Friends are invited to attend a visitation from 7:00pm to 9:00pm on Thursday August 2, 2018 at Lima & Campagna Sunnyvale Mortuary, 1315 Hollenbeck Ave., Sunnyvale. Funeral Service Friday, August 3, 2018 at 12:00pm at above funeral home. Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Los Altos with a luncheon gathering immediately after.
In lieu of flowers, Hanson would have preferred donations to the American Red Cross.
SYDNEY T. SMITH
Sydney Thomas Smith was born on February 23, 1914 in Denver, Colorado. His mother’s maiden name was Thomas.
The 1920 United States census counted Smith, his divorced mother and older sister, Beattie, in the household of his maternal grandparents, Henry and Mary Thomas. They were Denver residents at 1014 West 2nd Avenue.
In the 1930 census Smith lived with his father, George, stepmother, Birdie, and aunt, Florence, in Santa Barbara, California at 410 East Arrellaga Street. His father was a manager at the Southern California Gas Company.
Smith’s veteran’s file said he enlisted in the Air Corps on March 26, 1940. On April 2, 1940 the census said Smith, a student pilot, was at the Air Corps Training Department in San Diego, California. He had three years of college.
Smith was at Geiger Field in Spokane, Washington when he married Arkie L. Haley on June 16, 1942.
The 1943 Santa Barbara, California city directory listed Smith at 213 East Montecito. He was in the United States Army.
Smith was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Smith on page 213.
Major Sydney T. SmithIn the book Smith was mentioned on pages 17 and 40.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said
Squadron Gets New C. O.Smith was listed in the Official Army and Air Force Register Volume II: R to End, January 1, 1948.
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.”
According to the 1950 census Smith, his wife and two children, Kenneth and Patricia, lived in Norfolk, Virginia at 15 Kwajalein Building. He worked at the Armed Forces Staff College.
Smith was discharged on February 5, 1963.
Smith passed away on May 20, 1982. He was laid to rest at Santa Barbara Cemetery.
GEORGE C.S. SOO HOO
George Chew Suey Soo Hoo was born on June 15, 1923 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. The Social Security Death Index had the birth date August 15, 1923. A passenger list had the birthplace “Hoiping, China”.
Ten-year-old “Chew Suey Soo Hoo” was aboard the steam ship President Coolidge when it departed Hong Kong on March 24, 1934. The passenger list said he had been with his mother, Dong Shee, at “Lee Hong Village, Hoiping, Kwangtung, China”. He arrived at Los Angeles, California on April 14, 1934 and admitted on April 24, 1934. Soo Hoo’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 9402/601. His final destination was to his father, Gate Hong Soo Hoo, at 169 West Main Street in Ventura, California.
The 1940 United States census counted Soo Hoo in Winslow, Arizona. He was one six of partners in a grocery store. In 1935 he lived in Oxnard, California.
On June 30, 1942 Soo Hoo signed his draft card. His Winslow address was 110 East First Street. His description was five feet ten inches, 152 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Soo Hoo enlisted at Phoenix, Arizona on April 27, 1943.
Soo Hoo was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Soo Hoo and his hometown in 1945 on page 217.
George C.S. Soohoo…..Winslow, ArizonaThe squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
Squadron Party Huge Success.Gung Ho, No. 9, February 18, 1944, said
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.
….Cpl George SooHoo took a graceful spill t’other nite on the snow and is nursing a sprained right ankle..s’too bad...After the war Soo Hoo returned to Winslow. There is a George Soo Hoo on the U.S. Army Veterans Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project.
According to the 1950 census Soo Hoo was single and the proprietor of a cafe. His address was 105 1/2 East 2nd Street.
Soo Hoo was aboard the steam ship President Cleveland when it departed Hong Kong on January 12, 1954. The ship stopped at Honolulu, Hawaii on January 25, 1954. It arrived at San Francisco on January 31, 1954. Soo Hoo’s address was 118 East 2nd Street in Winslow. He was married.
Soo Hoo was not listed in Winslow city directories from 1950 to 1955. The 1956 directory is not available. The 1957 directory said his address was 312 East Aspinwall Street. In 1960 he and Yee Sau Fong were on Williamson Avenue and associated with the National Cafe at 118 East 2nd Street. (Five matchcovers are here.)
Some time later, Soo Hoo moved to New Mexico. He and others were involved with the Soo Hoo Corporation No. One.
Soo Hoo passed away on either March 21 (Social Security Death Index) or 22 (Find a Grave), 2013. He was laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park.
JEAR Q. SUE
Jear Quay Sue was born on November 12, 1911 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. A passenger list said “Lin Tong, Toishan, China” was his birthplace. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file said his family name was Jear but he will be referred to as Sue.
Sixteen-year-old “Quay Sue Jear” was aboard the steam ship Empress of Russia when it departed Hong Kong on October 24, 1928. The passenger list said he had been with his mother, Mah Shee, at “Lin Tong, Toishan, China”. Sue arrived at Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on November 10, 1928. He traveled by train to Halifax, Nova Scotia. On November 19 Sue was aboard the ship Nerissa when it departed. Two days later he arrived at New York. Sue was admitted on December 4, 1928. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 125, 889, box 376 (New York). Sue’s final destination was to his father, Jear Yook, at 36 Pell Street in Chinatown.
Sue has not been found in the 1920 United States census.
In 1934 Sue traveled to China. He was aboard the steam ship Empress of Russia when it departed Hong Kong on October 13, 1939. Sue had married Quan Shee and they stayed at 25 Central Street in Hong Kong. He arrived at Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on November 1, 1939 and admitted that day. Sue’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 7030/6704. His final designation was to his father, Yuk Jear, at 6917 23rd Street in Brooklyn, New York.
The 1940 census counted “Jear Quay Sue” as the oldest of three brothers who were waiters. Their father was a restaurant cook. They family of five lived in Manhattan’s Chinatown at 88 Elizabeth Street.
On October 16, 1940 Sue signed his draft card. His address was 254 Broome Street. He was unemployed. Sue’s description was five feet five inches, 178 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Sue enlisted on July 7, 1943.
Sue was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Sue and his hometown in 1945 on page 217.
Jear Q. Sue…..New York, New YorkIn the book he appeared in the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.
On May 14, 1944 Sue married Martha J. Pitts in Manhattan.
After the war Sue returned to New York.
Sue has not been found in the 1950 census. His wife was in Galveston, Texas where she stayed with her mother, a widow, and unmarried sister.
Additional information about Sue has not been found. His wife passed away on April 15, 1998. Her obituary did not mention him.
SZE C. SHEN
Sze Chu Shen was born on July 4, 1907 in Ling Po, China according to his World War II draft card which he signed on November 4, 1942. His address was 119 Elizabeth Street in New York Chinatown. He was a student at the New York Technical Institute. Shen’s description was five feet six inches, 145 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Shen’s immigration records have not been found nor was he counted in the United States censuses.
Shen’s veteran’s file said he enlisted on December 26, 1942. Later he was assigned to the 407th Air Service Squadron. Shen, as Shen Chu Sze, filed a naturalization application on November 20, 1943. On January 14, 1944 he became a naturalized citizen as Sze Chu Shen.
Shen was not listed or mentioned in Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993 and In the Shadow of the Tiger.
Shen was discharged on February 19, 1944.
The Dayton Daily News (Ohio), March 1, 1944, said Shen’s honorable discharge was due to a nervous condition. While a seaman Shen survived two torpedo attacks. A vessel brought Shen to New York where he was drafted. The photograph’s caption said Shen’s discharge was explained to him by Sgt. William P. Hsia, of the 407th, who spoke the same dialect.
The 1960 Manhattan, New York city directory listed Shen at 780 8th Avenue.
Shen filed a claim for Social Security benefits on February 17, 1970. He passed away on October 5, 1996. His last residence was in New York.
EUGENE F. SZETO
Eugene Francis Szeto was born on October 28, 1918 in Rochester, New York according to his World War II draft card.
The 1920 United States Census counted “Francis E. Sezto” as the only child of Ming, restaurant waiter, and Grace. They were Detroit, Michigan residents at 124 Labrosse Street.
The 1930 census said Szeto was the oldest of three siblings. Their father was a restaurant chef. They lived in Detroit at 1836 Myrtle Street.
In the 1940 census Szeto was a waiter at the Ruby Foo restaurant in Miami Beach, Florida. His address was 1750 West Avenue.
On October 16, 1940 Szeto signed his draft card. His address was 32 Mott Street in New York Chinatown. He was employed at the Ruby Foo restaurant in Miami. Szeto’s description was five feet eight inches, 145 pounds, with black eyes and hair.
Szeto enlisted at Fort Jay on Governors Island in New York City on August 1, 1942.
Szeto was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Szeto and his hometown in 1945 on page 217.
Eugene F. Szeto…..New York, New YorkIn the book Szeto was mentioned on pages 15 and 76. 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
...Greetings to the 4 new men who joined the 407th this week. They are Cpl Eugene Szeto and Pvt Gem Y. Lee of New York, Cpl San Pon of Detroit, and Cpl William J Hoy of San Francisco....and Pfc Hanson Siu was transferred to the 555th Squadron at Springfield, Illinois........Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said
…..Cpl Eugene Szeto wants everybody to know he’s proud of his kid brother, Fredric, 10….on account the latter has a prominent part in a play just opened in Boston, called “Suds in Your eye”…….brother Frederic figures in a Chinatown scene…Gung Ho, No. 4, January 14, 1944, said
ConfirmationGung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
Three EM’s who are Catholics were given the sacrament of Confirmation last Sunday at the Post chapel. The trio included S/Sgt George Wong, Cpl Eugene F. Szeto, and Pfc Howe T. Jay.
Bishop Rehring, Auxiliary Bishop of Cincinnati, was present to administer the sacrament, considered one of the most important religious ceremonies in the Catholic Church.
…..Shades of One Wing Low! A rash of ocarina and tonette amateur players has broken out in the squadron…..to date at least seven feverish GI’s, suddenly stricken with this musical disease…and have filled the barracks with weird and unearthly sounds…mostly during the dark of night. Nightly they congregate in small groups and proceed to do what they termed practicing, bringing out their “directions for playing” charts….Their ears deaf to the entreaty of bunk buddies, they wailed and blowed on their miniature instruments.Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said
…..As for the names of these torturers they consist thus far of Cpl John Ung, Sgt Andrew Kan, Cpl Eugene Szeto, Pvt Henry S.Y. Wong, Pfc Harry G King, Cpl Albert F. L. Fong, and Pvt Harry Lim…..
....Cpl. Eugene Szeto is taking up Chinese in a big way....trying to learn both the spoken and written lingo....Like any guy from Brooklyn, he’s finding the going tough...when you find a half dozen words with the same sound but meaning six totally different things, that’s too much for a boy from Brooklyn....Thus far Szeto is averaging two characters a day....By the end of the duration he should know quite a handful of those ideographs....Gung Ho, No. 8, February 11, 1944, said
….Altho Cpl Billy Woo isn’t what you’d call a newly wedded soldier, he’s still constantly extolling the virtues of marital bliss…he feels sorry for the boys who are bachelors..but we still ain’t convinced, see? Cpl Eugene Szeto, f’instance, is very anti-marriage….
....We thought the ancient Chinese custom of paying off one’s debts before the New Year was dead and gone....but some GI disproved it t’other day by sending some money to Cpl Eugene Szeto in repayment for an old debt...the funny part was that Szeto had practically forgotten about the whole thing.....Gung Ho, No. 9, February 18, 1944, said
Oh! For the Good Old Times!The Shanghai Evening Post and Mercury (New York, New York), February 25, 1944, said
In every soldier’s career there comes a period of trying circumstances, wherein that good old army game known simply as the GI Party plays a prominent role.
It is definitely the bane of a soldier’s life. Ask anyone who has had K. P. on a Friday, or who has had to remove the top layer of a floor with a GI brush. But this little squadron of eager beavers outdid themselves in our last clean up campaign.
Frankly, gentlemen, I’m lost! The old place is not what it used to be, and I’m homesick! I miss the old barracks where I used to spend my off-duty leisure time. (Notice I said off-duty)
It seems like only yesterday when I could enjoy a cigarette without worrying too much about where my ashes might fall. Can’t get used to running down to the latrine for a smoke, or taking off my shoes before entering our little “Bungalow”. Have you tried to get into another guy’s meticulously, disgustingly clean barracks? Well, don’t, unless you have an intra-barracks commonication [sic] from Barracks chief to barracks chief authorizing this movement of troops! Remember the good old days when we could go next door to see Joe and shoot the breeze with impunity?? Ah, me!
But that’s all in the past now, for since the last GI party, it's been found advisable to familiarize one’s self with the times of day when the local latrines are available for conference purposes.
Cpl Eugene F. Szeto
Ohio Airmen Edit Gung Ho, Chinese-English News SheetGung Ho, No. 11, March 3, 1944, said
Fung Ho, mimeographed news sheet in English and Chinese, brings information of the men in the 407th Service Squadron, AC Patterson Field, Ohio. Attractively illustrated, the longest single feature is the Chop Suey which is made up of short personal sketches.
The staff includes Cpl. William J. Hoy, editor; Pvt. Young Q. Ark, Chinese section contributing editor; Cpl. Yow R. China [sic], staff artist; Cpl. James G. Jay, Cpl. Eugene F. Szeto, Pfc. Elwin W. Ong and Pvt. Woo K. Leung, editorial assistants.
Old China Hands may find a kindred spirit in the soldier about whom the following chop suey item appears: “Cpl. Eugene Szeto is taking up Chinese in a big way ... trying to learn both the spoken and written lingo ... Like any guy from Brooklyn, he’s finding the going tough ... when you find a half dozen words with the same sound but meaning six totally different things, that’s too much for a boy from Brooklyn ... Thus far Szeto is averaging two characters a day ... By the end of the duration he should know quite a handful of those ideographs ...”
New “Gung Ho” Staff Members.Gung Ho, No. 22, July 22, 1944, said
Lastly, there is Cpl Eugene F. Szeto, whose name may sound European but who’s really a China Boy from Brooklyn. He was a linotypist for the Chinese-American Press in NY before going into the army, and it was there that he learned to be a printer’s devil. His Brooklynese shows through his write-ups, but a generous application of the editorial blue pencil usually remedies the situation. But withal he is a good reporter.
...Chinamen’s Charge in reverse, that’s what...’N for lovers of low-brow humor we give you Eugene Szeto...the lower the humor the better he likes it...A typical NY Bronx character...After the war Szeto returned to New York.
Szeto traveled to Brazil on May 4, 1950. He was aboard the steam ship Argentina. His address was 783 Beck Street in the Bronx, New York. On the same ship Szeto returned to New York on April 2, 1951.
Szeto departed on October 15, 1952 aboard the steam ship Brazil. His address was 160-08 75th Street in Flushing, New York.
“Francisco Eugene Szeto” flew from Congonhas, Sao Paulo, Brazil to New York. He arrived on July 3, 1960. His address was 418 48th Place in Chicago, Illinois.
Evidently Szeto settled in Brazil. A search of “Eugene Francis Szeto” finds several links to legal cases there. At Justica Online an inheritance case said Szeto passed away on June 24, 1994.
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