The 407th Air Service Squadron of World War II: GROUP 24: C WONG

CHONG A. WONG

Chong A. Wong was born on March 3, 1924 at Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. The Social Security Death Index and Wong’s obituary said he was born on April 6, 1924. The different dates can be explained by the Chinese-American Calendar for the 102 Chinese Years Commencing January 24, 1849, and Ending February 5, 1951. Below is the page for 1924. The Chinese birth date would have been Chinese Republic 13 (year), 3 (month), 3 (day). The figures in black correspond to April 6, 1924 which are in red.

According to the obituary Wong immigrated in 1935. His travel records have not yet been found.

The 1940 United States census counted Wong at 668 King Street in Seattle. He was an American citizen born abroad and completed one year of high school.

On June 30, 1942 Wong signed his draft card. His Seattle address was 668 1/2 King Street. He worked at the Kiang Nam Cafe. Wong was described as five feet six inches, 130 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.

The Seattle Times, June 9, 1943, said

Commencement exercises for students being graduated from Broadway High School will be held tomorrow evening at 8 o’clock in the Masonic Temple, Harvard Avenue and East Pine Street.

Diplomas will be awarded by Samuel E. Fleming, assistant superintendent of schools, to the following students, subject to last-minute changes:

... Chong A. Wong, ...

Three weeks later Wong enlisted on July 1, 1943.

Wong was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Wong and his hometown in 1945 on page 217.

Chong A. Wong.…..Seattle, Washington

In the book he appeared in the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.

The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said Private Chong was promoted to Private First Class.

Gung Ho, No. 14, March 24, 1944, said

….Almost half of the male customers at the Dayton Skateland t’other not-so-blue Monday were 407th EM...yassuh....’twas free nite for servicemen for one thing....and there were plenty of gals for another thing....Some fancy skaters we’ve got, tho....Pvt Guey S Yep, who could roll backward or forward or cut figure 8’s with the greatest of ease....or free-and-easy rollers like Sgt Mon K Fong and Pvt Kay W Chin....or a model of nonchalance like S/Sgt Hong S Wee, who does it with both hands in his pockets....Pfc Chong A Fong [sic] chose the backward steps....while just a mere tyro was Pvt William Wong, who stayed on the outer circle most of the time....it’s safer anyhow....

After the war Wong returned to Seattle.

Wong has not been found in the 1950 census. In the mid-1950s Wong married Lynn Flumerfelt. Their son, James, was born in 1957.

Wong’s wife, Lynn, passed away on December 18, 1979. At the time Wong lived at 4237 South Findlay in Seattle.

Wong was interviewed in the Seattle Times, September 15, 2005, which reported the reunion of the 14th Air Service Group and the 987th Signal Company.

Wong passed away on December 23, 2011. His obituary appeared in the Seattle Times, January 1, 2012.

Chong A. Wong
Chong “Jim” Wong, 87, passed away peacefully on the morning of December 23, 2011 in Seattle and was laid to rest next to his beloved wife Lynn. He was born in Nor-Fook, Canton Region in China, on April 6, 1924 and immigrated to Seattle in 1935. After graduating from Broadway High School in Seattle in 1943, he enlisted in the US Army and was assigned to the 407th Infantry [sic], an all American-Chinese unit.

After WWII, Jim returned to Seattle; worked at Boeing; owned restaurants, including Marco Polo, Ding How, Jade East and Yen Wor Village; and worked at other restaurants, including Trader Vic's and The Polynesian. While working at Jade Pagoda, he met his wife, Lynn, and together they had 3 children: James (Kip), Tana, and Ron.

Before retiring in 1989, Jim worked aboard Foss Launch and Tug boats as a chef. In retirement, he was active in his community, serving as past president of the Kay Ying Senior Citizen Club. In addition to his children, he is survived by his 4 grandchildren, Josh, Brie, Lila and Hazel. A celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2012, at Mt. Baker Park Presbyterian Church, 3201 Hunter Blvd S in Seattle.

GENE WONG

Gene D. Wong was born Gin Do Wong on November 10, 1922, in New Castle, California, according to his birth certificate (transcribed at Ancestry.com) and World War II draft card.

“Gin Do Wong” traveled from San Francisco, California, on November 25, 1927, to China. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 12017/32695 which was opened on October 31, 1927.

Twelve-year-old Wong was aboard the steam ship President Hoover when it departed Hong Kong on September 7, 1935. The passenger list said he had been with his mother, Lee Shee, at “Wing Wah, Toyshan, Kwangtung, China”. Wong arrived at San Francisco on September 25, 1935 and admitted the same day. His final destination was to Kwong Sing Lung at 102 Grant Avenue in San Francisco.

Wong has not been found in the 1940 United States census. He attended Sacramento Senior High School.

1940 Review yearbook

The 1941 Sacramento city directory listed Wong, a clerk, at 1412 7th Street.

On June 30, 1942 Wong signed his draft card. His Sacramento address was 900 E Street. He was described as five feet seven inches, 132 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.

Wong was married when he enlisted on April 26, 1943.

Wong was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Wong and his hometown in 1945 on page 217.

Gene Wong.…..Penryn, California

In the book he appeared in a photograph on page 53. The caption had his name as Jean instead of Gene.

The Illinois State Journal and Register, (Springfield, Illinois), June 6, 1943, said

Acquaintance Fete Is Held by U.S.O.
U.S.O. gave an acquaintance party last night at the clubrooms in the Elks building. More than 100 of the men from the fairgrounds attended. A picnic supper, served cabaret style, was a feature. The centerpiece was a large bowl of cracked ice with coke bottles protruding. The tables were illuminated by candles in bottle necks. Norman Bullard furnished piano music and led community singing. Raymond Fong, a Chinese soldier from Stockton, Calif., sang baritone ballads. The long distance telephone call was won by Gene Wong, who will talk with his parents in Sacramento this afternoon. ...

The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said

...And S/Sgt Gene Wong of supply certainly walks as if he’s got the world on his shoulders…he is a busy man, tho, for t’other morn he si [sic] signed up for sick call, and five minutes later returned and said he couldn’t go ’cause he had too many things to do…

Gung Ho, No. 10, February 25, 1944, said

….It seems in the past few weeks a trend to mustaches has cropped out in our midst…the champion of the moment being Sgt Jerry Chew…but on him it looks bad….in fact it looks like an untrimmed hedge on his upper lip….which probably is the main reason Sgt Eugene Yee has shaved his off….one look at Sgt Chew convinced him….S/Sgt Gene Wong’s attempt at it is a little more successful….says all he needs is a few more days…..we’ll give him a few more weeks before passing judgement….

Gung Ho, No. 13, March 17, 1944, said

.....Of all the GI’s who are trying to sprout mustaches S/Sgt Gene Wong seems to be doing the best job so far....It’s really growing....but look allee same Fu Manchu....

….We began this Chop Suey column [with] S/Sgt Gene Wong….now we end it with him. The lug has shaved off his mustache!

After the war Wong returned to California. Wong 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 115 of the Project’s Digital Program Booklet Volume Two. Wong is also at the Chinese American Council of Sacramento, VFW Chung Mei Post 8358.

According to the 1950 census Wong, his wife, Fannie, and daughters, Ginger and Valerie, lived in Sacramento at 1605 28th Street. He was the proprietor of a grocery store.

Wong’s address in the 1957 Sacramento city directory was 1271 Ridgeway Drive. From 1961 to 1981 his address was 1269 Ridgeway Drive. In the 1961 directory he was the President of Capitol Furniture Inc.; vice-president of Tyler Sacramento Refrigeration Co.; and secretary of Bel-Air Markets. The 1971 and 1981 directories said he was secretary of Bel-Air Markets.

Wong passed away on February 28, 2017. His obituary appeared in the Sacramento Bee, March 15, 2017.

At the age of 94, surrounded by family, Gene Wong passed away peacefully at his home in Rancho Murieta, CA on February 28, 2017. Gene Wong was born on November 10, 1922 in Newcastle, CA to Chinese immigrants Gim and Lee Shee Wong. He was the second eldest of ten children. As a child, Gene was sent to China to care for his aging grandparents in accordance with Chinese customs. He spent his youth in Wing Wah Village near Taishan and returned to the family farm in Penryn at the age of 13.

When he was 20, Gene’s education at UC Berkeley was interrupted by WWII. He was drafted by the US Army Air Corps and proudly served with the 407 Air Service Squadron as a member of the Flying Tigers. Hard-working and ambitious,

Gene’s career was varied and successful. He was an insurance man, restaurant owner, and real estate developer. In 1955, Gene and his siblings opened the first Bel Air Market on Fruitridge Rd. When the Wong family retired from the market business in 1992, Bel Air Markets had grown into a successful chain of 19 stores known for their customer service, family spirit, and innovation.

Gene cherished his time with family and friends. Every year, he took his children, children's spouses, and grandchildren on trips that spanned the world, including a trip to China where he showed his grandchildren their ancestral home. Friends will remember the many meals together and the golf trips to places like Russia, China, and Scotland. He loved his time spent in Pebble Beach and Palm Springs with his dog, Kormush, in tow. Gene’s bright smile will be remembered by all.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Raney Wong, Bill Wong, and George Wong; his sister Betty Seto; his son Darrel Wong; and his partner in life Jan Novak. He is survived by his siblings Lillie Fong, Albert Wong, Evelyn Foon, Paul Wong, and Nellie Go; his wife Fannie Wong; his children Ginger Jue, Valerie Wong, Gary Wong and Gayle Lee; and by his seven grandchildren. A private interment service will be held at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to the Sacramento Asian Sports Foundation at 9040 High Tech Court, Elk Grove, CA 95758.

Wong was laid to rest at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery. Another view of his headstone is here.

GEORGE WONG

George Wong was born on July 1, 1921 in Yreka, California according to his World War II draft card.

The 1930 United States census counted Wong as the oldest of six children born to Chong Wong, a restaurant cook, and Jessie Cook. They resided in Petaluma, California at 118 Second Street.

At some point the Wongs moved to Alameda, California. Wong graduated from Alameda High School.

The Acorn 1939 yearbook

In the 1940 census Wong was the oldest of nine siblings. They family lived in Alameda at 2316 Lincoln Avenue.

On February 15, 1942 Wong signed his draft card. His Alameda address was 2322 Lincoln Avenue. He worked at the Naval Supply Depot. Wong’s description was five feet eight inches, 135 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.

Wong enlisted on September 3, 1942 according to his veteran’s file.

Wong was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Wong and his hometown in 1945 on page 217.

George Wong.…..Alameda, California

In the book he appeared in a photograph on page 53.

The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 1, December 25, 1944, said

4 GI’s Get Tied in a Knot
Among the GI’s who went on furloughs recently 4 of them came back and reported they have stopped wearing pants. That is, figuratively speaking. What we mean is that these 4 got themselves married—allee samee catchem wife—in various parts of the country.

Pvt Ed Chew married a little miss from Oakland, Calif., while across the bay in San Francisco Pfc Gim Jeong also marched bravely to the alter.

Elsewhere S/Sgt George Wong married Kay Lee of San Antonio, Texas. And S/Sgt James Yee persuaded popular Larraine Lee of Los Angeles to be his Mrs. We always said Jimmy had a persuasive tongue.

We understand both Mrs. Wong and Mrs. Yee will join their husbands here for Christmas.

EM’s Return from Detached Service
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. 4, January 14, 1944, said

Confirmation

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.

Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said Sergeant Wong was promoted to Technical Sergeant.

Wong was discharged on January 8, 1946. Wong is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project.

After the war Wong returned to Alameda. The Wong Family Archives are at Ohio University. There is paragraph about Wong and two brothers who were veterans.

... George Wong served during WWII with the 407th service squadron and spent part of his time in Ohio at the Patterson Field in Fairfield, Ohio. ...

According to the 1950 census Wong, his wife, May, and brother-in-law, Wa, lived in Alameda at 1520 Walnut Street. Wong was the storekeeper at the Naval Supply Depot.

Wong passed away on February 2, 1993 in Los Angeles. He was laid to rest at the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

GEORGE W. WONG

George Washington Wong was born on February 22, 1914 in San Francisco, California according to the California Birth Index at Ancestry.com. The same birth information was on his 1917 passport application and World War II draft card.

Wong’s passport application was filed by his father, Hoo Chun Wong, on November 15, 1916. They planned to leave San Francisco aboard the ship China on December 14, 1916.

Nine-year-old “G. Washington Wong” was aboard the steam ship President Cleveland when it departed Hong Kong on October 24, 1923. The passenger list said he had been with his mother, Ng Shee, at “Yuitin, Tsangshing, Kwangtung, China”. Wong arrived at San Francisco on November 14, 1923 and admitted two days later. His final destination was to Chiu Wong, an uncle, at Fook Wo Tong, 940 Grant Avenue in San Francisco.

The 1930 United States census counted Wong in Augusta, Georgia at 1301 Twiggs Street. He lived with Larry, a proprietor of a grocery store, and Lee Wong.

On June 22, 1936 Wong sailed from San Francisco bound for China. He used his Chinese name, Sum Quong Wong.

Twenty-four-year old “Sum Quong (George Washington) Wong” was aboard the steam ship President Taft when it departed Hong Kong on February 27, 1938. The passenger list said he had been with his wife, Ng Shee, at “Yiu Tin, Tsang Sing, Kwangtung, China”. They had two children. Wong arrived at San Francisco on March 1, 1938 and admitted the same day. His final destination was to Harry Wong at 940 Grant Avenue in San Francisco.

Wong has not been found in the 1940 census.

On October 16, 1940 Wong signed his world War II draft card. His San Francisco address was 652 Sacramento Street which was crossed out and updated with 529 Pacific Avenue. He had returned to Fook Wo Tong & Company which was recorded on the 1923 passenger list. Wong’s description was five feet nine inches, 145 pounds, with brownies and black hair.

Wong enlisted on June 4, 1943.

Wong was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Wong and his hometown in 1945 on page 217.

George W. Wong.…..Oakland, California

The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 9, February 18, 1944, said

….Of course we all know whose birthday occurs on Feb. 22....but d’you know our Pvt George Washington Wong was also born on the same day?..Is true... He hopes to do a little cherry tree chopping too...in Tokyo.

After the war Wong returned to San Francisco.

Wong’s wife, Wan Yow Ng, was aboard the steam ship Marine Adder when it departed Hong Kong on September 4, 1947. She arrived at San Francisco on September 24, 1947. Wong’s address was 952 Boundry [sic, probably Broadway] in San Francisco.

According to the 1950 census, Wong, his wife and son, Kenneth, resided in Oakland, California at 3410 Grove Street. Wong was a butcher.

Sometime later Wong moved to Los Angeles where he had a grocery-liquor store.

Wong passed away on April 14, 2001 in Garden Grove, California. He was laid to rest at Rose Hills Memorial Park.

George was taken to China at the age of two. He returned to the U.S. after his mother passed away in 1924 and lived in Georgia with an uncle who owned a grocery store in Augusta. He married in China but left his pregnant wife there when he returned to establish a home for her. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was finally able to bring his wife to the U.S. in 1947. They established a home for their family and a grocery-liquor store in the Los Angeles area. His wife passed away within two weeks of his death.

Two weeks later his wife passed away.

Born in China, Ng Yow Wan became the wife of American-born, George W. Wong in 1936. She had two children in China who were left with her parents when Yow Wan came to the U.S. in 1947.

She gave birth to three more children in San Francisco before the family moved to Los Angeles. She was in a coma and died two weeks after her husband, George.

GIN WONG

Gin Wong was born on April 5, 1919 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. The date, May 5, 1919, was on his death certificate and headstone. The different dates can be explained in the Chinese-American Calendar for the 102 Chinese Years Commencing January 24, 1849, and Ending February 5, 1951. The chart below for 1919 is Chinese Republic 8th Year. Column 4 and number 5 in black correspond to May 4 in red; the date is off by a day. The lunar calendar numbers 4 and 5 were misinterpreted as April 5.

It’s not clear when and where Wong immigrated to the United States. There was a Gin Wong born around 1919 in “Toyshan, Kwangtung, China”. He was aboard the steam ship President Coolidge when it departed Hong Kong on December 18, 1938. The passenger list said he had been with his father, Wong Ying, at “Wing Yip, Toyshan, Kwangtung, China”. Wong arrived at Los Angeles, California on January 8, 1939. He was admitted on February 13, 1939. His final destination was to Wong Fay, his brother, at 512 North Los Angeles Street in Los Angeles.

The 1940 United States census counted “Gene Wong” at 329 South Main Street in Butte, Montana. He was a waiter who had one year of college.

On October 16, 1940 Wong signed his draft card. His Butte address was 117 South Main Street. Wong’s description was five feet six inches, 125 pounds, with black eyes and hair.

Wong enlisted on May 3, 1943.

Wong was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Wong and his hometown in 1945 on page 217.

Gin Wong.…..Butte, Montana

In the book he appeared in the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.

The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 2, December 31, 1943, said

…Five more EM’s returned from their happy furloughs this week: Pfc’s Fong K Eng, Elwin Ong, John S. Leong, Gin Long [?], and Pvt Robert Jung….so did our own Sgt “York”—York M. Kai [sic], who came back quite a few days ago. So did our medical officer, Lt. K.C.K. Lau, “Doc” Lau to us all….he had a swell leave in New York.

Gung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said

Squadron Party Huge Success.
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.

After the war Wong married Anita Lew.

According to the 1950 census, Wong, his wife and daughter, Diana, were Boston, Massachusetts residents at 41 Harrison Avenue in Chinatown. He was a waiter.

In 1964 Wong’s Boston address was 125 Saint Botolph Street. He had the same address in 1970 and worked at Chin’s Village Restaurant in Wellesley.

Wong passed away on December 26, 2000. His obituary appeared in the Boston Globe, December 29, 2000.

Gin Wong of Boston, December 26, 2000. Mr. Gin Wong, age 84 yrs. Beloved husband of Anita (Lew) Wong. Devoted father of Diana T. Wong of Boston and George T. Wong and wife Agnes of Chelmsford; Loving grandfather of Brian Wong. Also survived by several cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. A Chinese Rite will be held at The Celestial Chapel at J. S. Waterman & Sons, 495 Commonwealth Ave., at Kenmore Square, Boston on Wednesday, January 3, 2001, commencing at 10 AM, and the funeral procession will leave for Forest Hills Cemetery at 11 AM. Relatives and friends respectfully invited, visitation Tuesday evening. Parking attendants on duty. Late U. S. Army Air Corps Veteran, Cpl. 407th Air Service Squadron, 14th Air Force, Flying Tigers. Life member Harris American Legion Post Boston. Member of the Chinese Historical Society of New England, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Chinese Historical Society of New England, 2 Boylston St., China Trade Building, Boston. MA 02111.

Wong was laid to rest at Forest Hills Cemetery.

GOCK K. WONG

Gock Kong Wong was born on January 15, 1910 in “Chung San, China” according to his World War II draft card. I believe he was the son of Ping Wong whose naturalization petition listed his children including “Kock Wong” who was born on January 15, 1911.

In 1922 Wong’s father sailed from San Francisco, California to China.

Twelve-year-old “Gock King Wong”, his parents, Ping Wong and Chung Shee, brother, Num Hing Wong, and sister, Oui Yee Wong, were aboard the steam ship President Taft when it departed Hong Kong on October 10, 1923. They had been at “Pakshan, Heungshan, Kwangtung, China” which was the birthplace of Wong family members. The Wongs arrived at San Francisco on November 1, 1923. His father was admitted on November 2; his mother and sister, November 23, 1923. Wong and his brother joined them on February 23, 1924.

Wong has not been found in the 1930 and 1940 United States censuses.

On October 16, 1940 Wong signed his draft card. His address was 1124 South Fedora Street in Los Angeles, California. Wong’s description was five feet six inches, 133 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. His father lived at different address in Los Angeles. Wong was employed at a National Dollar Store.

In early 1944 the National Dollar Stores ran advertisements in several newspapers including the San Bernardino Sun, January 30, 1944; Salinas Californian, February 1, 1944; Calexico Chronicle, February 3, 1944; and Seattle Times, February 6, 1944.. Photographs of their employees, including Wong, were featured.

Wong was not listed or mentioned in Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993 and In the Shadow of the Tiger.

The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 9, February 18, 1944, said

....Now we find Sgt Tommy Yee beating a strategic retreat from the theatre of operation[.] Seems he thinks the town’s too crowded with the 407th….so he makes his way to Pittsburgh...Maybe that’s why Sgt Gock K. Wong and Cpl John J. Lee went to Canada...they do say the people there are very very, hospitable....and the Chinese food is of the best...priced reasonably, too.

After the war Wong returned to California. Wong has not been found in the 1950 census.

Wong’s father, a Los Angeles restaurant owner, was naturalized on February 21, 1952. The petition listed his children with their birth information and general location. Wong was born “January 15, 1911” and resided at Fresno, California.

What became of Wong is not known.

GORDON WONG

Gordon Wong was born on May 22, 1923 in Los Angeles, California according to the California Birth Index at Ancestry.com. His mother’s maiden name was Woo. According to Wong’s father’s naturalization petition his parents married on April 23, 1921 in Canton, China. They arrived in San Francisco on September 2, 1921. His father first entered the United States on September 20, 1915.

The 1930 United States census counted Wong as the second of five siblings. Their father was a wholesaler of fruit. The family were Los Angeles residents at 1215 East 22nd Street.

In the 1940 the family, which added two more children, was at the same address. Wong’s father was a grocery store clerk.

On June 30, 1942 Wong signed his World War II draft card. His address was unchanged. He was described as five feet six inches, 150 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.

Wong enlisted on Jume 7, 1943.

Wong was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Wong and his hometown in 1945 on page 217.

Gordon Wong.…..Los Angeles, California

In the book he was mentioned on pages viii, 7, 8, 47 and 70.

The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Private Wong was promoted to Private First Class.

Gung Ho, No. 4, January 14, 1944, said

EM’s Visit Sheffield Plant.
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.

Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said Private First Class Wong was promoted to Corporal.

After the war Wong returned to Los Angeles. He was pictured in The Memoir 1947 (see Group 36, top of column 4; Gordon Q. Wong at bottom of column 2) which was published by the Chick Char Club, San Francisco, California. A photograph of Wong is on page 192 of Duty & Honor: A Tribute to Chinese American World War II Veterans of Southern California (1997) and here. (Gordon Q. Wong is next to him.) Wong 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 124 of the Project’s Digital Program Booklet Volume Two.

According to the 1950 census unemployed Wong lived with his parents and siblings in Los Angeles at 131 West 40th Place. His father operated a grocery store.

In the Shadow of the Tiger said Wong graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering.

Wong married May Gitt Louie on April 25, 1953 in Los Angeles.

Wong passed away on February 19, 2010. The Social Security Death Index said his last residence was Rancho Palos Verdes, California. He was laid to rest at Rose Hills Memorial Park.

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