KIM M. WONG
Kim Ming Wong was born on January 7, 1925 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file had the birth date December 2, 1924. Wong’s naturalization petition said his birth was on October 29, 1923 at “Nam On Village, Bak Hong, Toishan, China”.
I believe Wong was “Gim Ming Wong” who lived with his mother, Lau Shee, at “Nam On, Toyshan, Kwangtung, China”. Wong was aboard the steam ship President Taft when it departed Hong Kong on June 16, 1939. Wong arrived at San Francisco, California on July 6, 1939 and admitted on November 15, 1939. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 39294/7-13. Wong’s final destination was to his father, Yuen Hay Wong, at 972 San Julian Street in Los Angeles, California.
The 1940 United States census counted “Gim Wong” and his father, “Hay Wong” in Los Angeles at 934 East 10th Street. He was unemployed.
On January 7, 1943 Wong signed his draft card. His address was 4912 1/2 Compton Avenue in Los Angeles. He worked at Eastern Produce. Wong’s description was five feet five inches, 132 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. His father, Hay, was named as a contact person.
Kim Ming Wong was born on January 7, 1925 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file had the birth date December 2, 1924. Wong’s naturalization petition said his birth was on October 29, 1923 at “Nam On Village, Bak Hong, Toishan, China”.
I believe Wong was “Gim Ming Wong” who lived with his mother, Lau Shee, at “Nam On, Toyshan, Kwangtung, China”. Wong was aboard the steam ship President Taft when it departed Hong Kong on June 16, 1939. Wong arrived at San Francisco, California on July 6, 1939 and admitted on November 15, 1939. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 39294/7-13. Wong’s final destination was to his father, Yuen Hay Wong, at 972 San Julian Street in Los Angeles, California.
The 1940 United States census counted “Gim Wong” and his father, “Hay Wong” in Los Angeles at 934 East 10th Street. He was unemployed.
On January 7, 1943 Wong signed his draft card. His address was 4912 1/2 Compton Avenue in Los Angeles. He worked at Eastern Produce. Wong’s description was five feet five inches, 132 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. His father, Hay, was named as a contact person.
Wong enlisted on May 6, 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 218.
Kim M. Wong (James K. Wong)…..Los Angeles, CaliforniaIn the book he appeared in the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55. He was mentioned on page viii.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Private Wong was promoted to Private First Class.
Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said Private First Class Wong was promoted to Corporal.
Gung Ho, No. 12, March 10, 1944, said
…..Add Idiosyncracies [sic]: Cpl Kim W. [sic] Wong always combs his hair before starting out to do anything..anything from going to town to hitting the hay….Wong’s naturalization petition said he was discharged on January 11, 1946. Wong was pictured in The Memoir 1947 (see Group 70) which was published by the Chick Char Club, San Francisco, California.
A photograph of Wong is on page 194 of Duty & Honor: A Tribute to Chinese American World War II Veterans of Southern California (1997) and here.
Wong married Helen Pon in Los Angeles on August 12, 1950.
Wong became a naturalized citizen on March 3, 1967. His address was 1531 Solar Drive in Monterey Park, California. His occupation was produce seller. He changed his name from Bing Fon Wong to James Kim Ming Wong.
Wong passed away on February 29, 2016. He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
LOUIS G. WONG
Louis Getsing Wong was born on November 11, 1919 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. A consular marriage certificate said he was born in “Chiu Shan, Toishan, Kwangtung, China”.
Sixteen-year-old “Get Sing Wong” was aboard the steam ship President Jackson when it departed Hong Kong on September 12, 1936. The passenger list said he had been with his mother, Mar Shee, at “Chuen Sum Li, Toyshan, Kwangtung, China”. Wong arrived at Seattle, Washington on September 30, 1936. He was seventeen years old when he was admitted on November 14, 1936. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 7030/9052. Wong’s final destination was to his father, Gin Gim Wong, at 701 King Street in Seattle.
Wong’s early life in the U.S. was told in the post, “Louis comes to the USA”, at the blog, Getsing.
Wong has not been found in the 1940 United States census.
On July 1, 1941 Wong signed his draft card. His address was the Post Cafe at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. He worked for his uncle, Mar Kim. Wong’s description was five feet six inches, 128 pound, with brown eyes and black hair.
LOUIS G. WONG
Louis Getsing Wong was born on November 11, 1919 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. A consular marriage certificate said he was born in “Chiu Shan, Toishan, Kwangtung, China”.
Sixteen-year-old “Get Sing Wong” was aboard the steam ship President Jackson when it departed Hong Kong on September 12, 1936. The passenger list said he had been with his mother, Mar Shee, at “Chuen Sum Li, Toyshan, Kwangtung, China”. Wong arrived at Seattle, Washington on September 30, 1936. He was seventeen years old when he was admitted on November 14, 1936. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 7030/9052. Wong’s final destination was to his father, Gin Gim Wong, at 701 King Street in Seattle.
Wong’s early life in the U.S. was told in the post, “Louis comes to the USA”, at the blog, Getsing.
Wong has not been found in the 1940 United States census.
On July 1, 1941 Wong signed his draft card. His address was the Post Cafe at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. He worked for his uncle, Mar Kim. Wong’s description was five feet six inches, 128 pound, with brown eyes and black hair.
The 1997 book, Duty & Honor: A Tribute to Chinese American World War II Veterans of Southern California, published a photograph, dated February 1943, of the Chinese Students’ Association at the Curtiss-Wright Technical Institute in Glendale, California. Wong was among the students.
At Cincinnati, Ohio Wong enlisted on April 5, 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 218.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said Private Wong was promoted to Private First Class.
The blog post, “Louis in the Air Force”, has a recollection by John Wong about Wong’s overseas travel to India.
Wong was discharged on January 7, 1946 according to his veteran’s file.
Later that year Wong traveled to China. He married San Yin Yee in Canton on February 28, 1947. The couple was aboard the steam ship General M.C. Meigs when it departed Hong Kong on August 7, 1947. They had stayed with Wong’s mother, Mar Shee, at “Chuen Sun Le, Toyshan, Kwangtung, China”. The ship arrived at San Francisco on August 25, 1947. Their destination was to Wong’s father at 777 Sacramento Street in San Francisco.
The 1950 United States census counted Wong, his wife, son, George, and twin daughters, Marilyn and Carolyn, in Sacramento, California at 1908 10th Street. Wong was a waiter.
The Sacramento Bee, July 19, 1996, profiled Wong and said he was awarded the Bronze Star. He worked at Frank Fat’s Restaurant then, in 1949, at Coral Reef Restaurant where he began as a waiter and rose to manager. Wong retired in the mid-1908s.
Wong passed away on July 16, 1996. A funeral notice appeared in the Sacramento Bee, July 19, 1996.
MOON Y. WONG
Moon Ying Wong was born on October 5, 1920 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. Wong’s naturalization petition said his birthplace was “Lung Hen Li, HSD [Hoisan District], China”.
Fifteen-year-old “Mon Ying Wong” and his father, Quoon Him Wong (a laundry worker), were aboard the steam ship President Coolidge when it departed Hong Kong on May 16, 1936. They had been with Wong’s mother, Huey Shee, at “Lung Tin, Toyshan, Kwangtung, China”. Father and son arrived at San Francisco, California on June 3, 1936. His father was admitted upon arrival. Wong joined him on July 13, 1936. Wong’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 36330/007-28. Their final destination was to Huey Put Chuen, a cousin, at 745 Grant Avenue in San Francisco.
Wong was a student at Belmont High School in Los Angeles, California. He was in the Chinese Club and R.O.T.C. Company “B”.
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 218.
Louis G. Wong…..Cochise, ArizonaIn 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 Wong was promoted to Private First Class.
The blog post, “Louis in the Air Force”, has a recollection by John Wong about Wong’s overseas travel to India.
Wong was discharged on January 7, 1946 according to his veteran’s file.
Later that year Wong traveled to China. He married San Yin Yee in Canton on February 28, 1947. The couple was aboard the steam ship General M.C. Meigs when it departed Hong Kong on August 7, 1947. They had stayed with Wong’s mother, Mar Shee, at “Chuen Sun Le, Toyshan, Kwangtung, China”. The ship arrived at San Francisco on August 25, 1947. Their destination was to Wong’s father at 777 Sacramento Street in San Francisco.
The 1950 United States census counted Wong, his wife, son, George, and twin daughters, Marilyn and Carolyn, in Sacramento, California at 1908 10th Street. Wong was a waiter.
The Sacramento Bee, July 19, 1996, profiled Wong and said he was awarded the Bronze Star. He worked at Frank Fat’s Restaurant then, in 1949, at Coral Reef Restaurant where he began as a waiter and rose to manager. Wong retired in the mid-1908s.
Wong passed away on July 16, 1996. A funeral notice appeared in the Sacramento Bee, July 19, 1996.
Wong, Louis G. In Sacramento, July 16, 1996. Husband of Sandra Wong of Sacramento. Father of George, Marilyn, Zee, Evelyn, Lovelyn and. Jacquelyn. Grandfather of Byron Chen, Eric Lee, Melissa Lee and Alex Hendrie. Brother of Kenneth Wong and Sue Chin. Son of the late Gim Ming and Toy Wong. Leaves many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and his beloved Koi Fish. A native of Toishan, China, aged 76 years. Friends are welcome to attend a Wake Sunday at 4 P.M. and are respectfully invited to attend Funeral Services Monday at 1 P.M. in The Land Park Chapel of Harry A. Nauman & Son, 4041 Freeport Blvd. Entombment: East Lawn Mausoleum. Contributions are suggested to the Del Oro Caregiver Center, Marconi Ave, Carmichael, CA 95608 in his memory.Wong was laid to rest at East Lawn Memorial Park.
MOON Y. WONG
Moon Ying Wong was born on October 5, 1920 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. Wong’s naturalization petition said his birthplace was “Lung Hen Li, HSD [Hoisan District], China”.
Fifteen-year-old “Mon Ying Wong” and his father, Quoon Him Wong (a laundry worker), were aboard the steam ship President Coolidge when it departed Hong Kong on May 16, 1936. They had been with Wong’s mother, Huey Shee, at “Lung Tin, Toyshan, Kwangtung, China”. Father and son arrived at San Francisco, California on June 3, 1936. His father was admitted upon arrival. Wong joined him on July 13, 1936. Wong’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 36330/007-28. Their final destination was to Huey Put Chuen, a cousin, at 745 Grant Avenue in San Francisco.
Wong was a student at Belmont High School in Los Angeles, California. He was in the Chinese Club and R.O.T.C. Company “B”.
1939 Campanile yearbook
The 1940 United States census counted Wong as a houseboy to Abbott Boone, an Army officer, and his wife, Grace. They resided at Fort Mason, number 100, in Los Angeles.
On February 16, 1942 Wong signed his draft card. His old address was crossed out and replaced with 870 Clay Street, San Francisco on April 24, 1942. He was described as five feet eight inches, 142 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Wong enlisted on April 17, 1943.
Wong was not listed or mentioned in Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993 and In the Shadow of the Tiger. Information about Wong’s service with the 407th was on page 196 of Duty & Honor: A Tribute to Chinese American World War II Veterans of Southern California (1997). For a period of time he was with the 407th then transferred to the 555th Air Service Squadron.
After the war Wong returned to California. An Ancestry.com family tree said he married Jennie Wen Cheong Lau.
Wong became a naturalized citizen on December 6, 1968. His Los Angeles address was 1716 3/4 West 45th Street. The petition said he had three children.
Wong passed away on November 23, 2002. A simple death notice appeared in the Los Angeles Times, November 27, 2002.
PAUL T. WONG
Paul Toon Wong was born on June 19, 1917 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card.
In the 1940 United States census “Paul Tong Wong” was the head of the household which included three other men. Wong was a restaurant bartender who resided at 178 Eighth Street in Oakland, California.
On October 16, 1940 Wong signed his draft card. His address was 515 Madison Street in, probably, Oakland. His description was five feet four inches, 138 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
PAUL T. WONG
Paul Toon Wong was born on June 19, 1917 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card.
In the 1940 United States census “Paul Tong Wong” was the head of the household which included three other men. Wong was a restaurant bartender who resided at 178 Eighth Street in Oakland, California.
On October 16, 1940 Wong signed his draft card. His address was 515 Madison Street in, probably, Oakland. His description was five feet four inches, 138 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Wong enlisted on May 10, 1943. He was married.
The Illinois State Journal and Register (Springfield, Illinois), August 15, 1943, reported Wong’s drowning at Lake Springfield where about 150 Chinese soldiers, of the Army Air Force depot at the Springfield state fairgrounds, had a swimming party. Wong’s body was found at 4:30 in the afternoon
... by Pvts. Keung Lum and Herbert Wong, in 10 feet of water, just beyond the rope which separates the shallow water from the deeper section. Fellow soldiers said the victim had made no outcry, and none knew of his predicament. ...Herbert Wong was a member of the 407th. Wong’s death was mentioned in the Columbus Dispatch, August 15, 2014.
The transcribed death certificate, at Ancestry.com, said “Paul Tow Wong” died on August 14, 1943 in Rochester, Illinois. On the document two people were identified, his mother, Yee Shee and wife, Helen. Wong was laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery.
Wong was not listed or mentioned in Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993 and In the Shadow of the Tiger. It’s not clear if Wong was part of the 407th. Wong is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project.
PONG L. WONG
Pong Lung Wong aka Edwin Lee was born on November 29, 1923 in the District of Columbia according to his World War II draft card and Chinese Exclusion Act case file. His birth was noted in the Evening Star (Washington, DC), December 3, 1923: “Moy Get and Shee Wong, boy.”
The Chinese Exclusion Act case file numbers of his parents and siblings, at the Seattle branch of the National Archives, are as follows:
Wong Moy Get, father, 26533
Mak Shee, mother, 41265/1-10
Wong Bok Yuen, brother, 12760/20-3
Wong Ni Thick, brother, 10797/12-12
Wong Pong Kue aka Harry Wong, brother, 30/6722
Wong King Klen aka Rose Wong, sister, 30/6821
The 1930 United States census counted Wong as the oldest of three siblings. Their father, “Moy Wong”, owned a laundry. The family lived in Washington D.C. at 3314 Georgia Avenue NW.
Almost three months after the census enumeration, Wong began his travel to China on June 28, 1930. Almost eight years later fourteen-year-old “Pong Lung (Edwin Wong) Wong” was aboard the steam ship Empress of Canada when it departed Hong Kong on April 29, 1938. The passenger list said he had been with his mother, Mak Shee, at 173 Tai Nam Street in Hong Kong. Wong arrived at Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on May 18, 1938. He transferred to the ship Princess Victoria which took him to Seattle, Washington the same day. Wong was admitted upon arrival. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 7030/11000. Wong’s final destination was to Charlie Fong, a friend, at 107 East Chapel Hill in Durham, North Carolina.
Wong has not been found in the 1940 census.
On June 30, 1942 Wong signed his draft card. His address was 2708 Barker Avenue in the Bronx, New York which was crossed out and replaced with 34 Pell Street which was in Chinatown. He was employed at Newtown High School in Long Island, New York. Wong’s description was five feet four inches, 110 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Wong enlisted on May 15, 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 218.
Pong L. Wong (Edwin Lee)…..Bronx, New YorkIn the book he appeared in the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55. Wong was referred to as Edwin Lee on pages viii, 8, 47 and 62.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
Squadron Party Huge Success.After the war Wong returned to New York. Wong is on the U.S. Army Veterans 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.
Wong traveled to China where he married Sun Tai Lam. The couple was aboard the steam ship President Cleveland when it departed Hong Kong on September 18, 1948. They arrived at San Francisco on October 6, 1948. Wong’s address was 85A Bayard Street in New York Chinatown.
The 1950 census said Wong and his wife were Brooklyn residents at 9126 4th Avenue. He owned a laundry.
The Fort Hamilton Presbyterian Church, in Brooklyn, 1965 register had a baptism entry for Wong’s two daughters.
An official document with Wong’s name changed to Edwin Lee has not been found. Wong’s father may have been a paper son whose family name was Lee. Additional information about Wong has not been found.
RALPH WONG
Ralph 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 218.
Ralph Wong…..Bakersfield, CaliforniaIn the book Wong was mentioned on page viii and appeared in a photograph on page 16.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 12, March 10, 1944, said
.....Some Dee-troitism:... At least 3 EM’s almost froze in last weekend’s blizzard there....[on] account they didn’t don their GI overcoats....for Pvts Ralph Wong and Ng Y Wing and Pfc Henry Hsiang it was their initial reconnaissance to the Wolverine state’s big town... For hours they dodged the icy wind and swirling snow looking the place over....Gung Ho, No. 13, March 17, 1944, said
....Since this (Friday) is St. Patrick’s day, Pvt Ralph Wong has blossomed out with something green....Only it sho’ isn’t a Shamrock. It’s a bright green cigarette holder!...You’ll have to see Wong smoking with it to appreciate the hilarious spectacle he presents....The following person might be Ralph Wong of the 407th based on the above description.
....More on diminutive Pvt Ralph Wong....He’s taking bowling lessons from Pvt Ng Y Wing un [sic] the hope of improving on his initial score of—34?....An interested spectator was Cpl Zach Wong....who used to play with the Angelus Bowling team in Los Angeles, Calif....Cpl Wong bowls a mere 279....
Wong was born on January 7, 1925 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. A passenger list said his birthplace was “Toyshan, China”.
Fourteen-year-old “Nguey Ock Wong” was aboard the steam ship President Coolidge when it departed Hong Kong on September 23, 1939. The passenger list said he had been with his mother, Hom Shee, at “Wing Lung, Toyshan, China”. He arrived at San Francisco, California on October 12, 1939 and admitted on October 31, 1939. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 39600/11-29. Wong’s final destination was to his father, Bing Seow Wong, at Stockton, California.
Wong signed his draft card on January 11, 1943. His address was 418 East Sonora Street in Stockton, California. He was a student. Wong’s description was five feet two inches, 117 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Wong enlisted on May 25, 1943.
After the war Wong returned to California. There is a Ralph Wong on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List and another on the U.S. Army Veterans Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project.
Wong’s naturalization petition said he married Chan Chau Yuet on November 26, 1947 at Hong Kong. “Yew Ock Wong” and his wife were aboard the ship General M. C. Meigs when it departed Hong Kong on July 3, 1948. They arrived at San Francisco on July 22, 1948. Wong’s San Francisco address was 614 Jackson Street.
According to the 1950 census Wong, his wife and daughter, Genevieve, lived in Stockton at 418 Sonora. He did odd jobs.
Wong became a naturalized citizen on April 29, 1959. His real name was Doo Wah Lui who was born on December 11, 1925 in “Hoyshan District, China”. He changed his name to Ralph Lui Wong.
Wong passed away on December 26, 2012. He was laid to rest at Sierra Hills Memorial Park.
RICHARD Y. WONG
Richard Yee Wong was born on January 2, 1923 in “Hoisun, China” according to his World War II draft card. A profile at the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation website said his birth name was “Wong Bing-Kuan”. Wong’s naturalization petition said he was born born on July 20, 1922 at “Wing Sing Village, Toi Shan, Kwangtung, China”. Wong’s wife’s petition said his first entry occurred on “January 27, 1939” at San Francisco, California.
Teenager Wong, a paper son, immigrated under the name Thet Yee Wong. He was aboard the steam ship President Coolidge when it departed Hong Kong on December 16, 1938. The passenger list said he had been with his mother, Lee Shee, at “Wing Lung, Toyshan Kwangtung, China”. The ship arrived at San Francisco on January 5, 1939. Detained at Angel Island, Wong was admitted on January 24, 1939. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 38813/11-4. Wong’s paper father, Bing Hay Wong, was at 771 Clay Street in San Francisco. Wong traveled by train to Minneapolis, Minnesota where his father, Him Bak Wong, and older brother, Benson, lived.
Wong has not yet been found in the 1940 United States census.
On June 30, 1942 Wong signed his draft card. His Minneapolis address was 2920 15th Avenue South. He was described as five feet five inches, 27 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
RICHARD Y. WONG
Richard Yee Wong was born on January 2, 1923 in “Hoisun, China” according to his World War II draft card. A profile at the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation website said his birth name was “Wong Bing-Kuan”. Wong’s naturalization petition said he was born born on July 20, 1922 at “Wing Sing Village, Toi Shan, Kwangtung, China”. Wong’s wife’s petition said his first entry occurred on “January 27, 1939” at San Francisco, California.
Teenager Wong, a paper son, immigrated under the name Thet Yee Wong. He was aboard the steam ship President Coolidge when it departed Hong Kong on December 16, 1938. The passenger list said he had been with his mother, Lee Shee, at “Wing Lung, Toyshan Kwangtung, China”. The ship arrived at San Francisco on January 5, 1939. Detained at Angel Island, Wong was admitted on January 24, 1939. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 38813/11-4. Wong’s paper father, Bing Hay Wong, was at 771 Clay Street in San Francisco. Wong traveled by train to Minneapolis, Minnesota where his father, Him Bak Wong, and older brother, Benson, lived.
Wong has not yet been found in the 1940 United States census.
On June 30, 1942 Wong signed his draft card. His Minneapolis address was 2920 15th Avenue South. He was described as five feet five inches, 27 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
At Sacramento, California Wong enlisted on April 24, 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 218.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Private First Class Wong was promoted to Corporal.
Gung Ho, No. 10, February 25, 1944, said
On August 1, 1947 “Thet Yee Wong” sailed to Hong Kong where he married Cheng Chee Mak on February 26, 1948. They stayed at 191 Tai Nam Street. The couple was aboard the steam ship President Wilson when it departed Hong Kong on May 29, 1948. They arrived at San Francisco on June 14, 1948. Wong’s address 771 Clay Street.
The 1950 census counted Wong, his wife and one-year-old daughter, Bernice, in Alameda, California at 821 Stalker Way. He was a metal smith at the U.S. Naval Air Station.
Wong’s wife was naturalized on September 3, 1958. He was naturalized on November 25, 1959. At the time their address was 9646 C Street in Oakland. They had three children, Bernice, Eugene and Randall.
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 218.
Richard Y. Wong…..San Francisco, CaliforniaIn the book Wong was mentioned on pages viii, 22 and 52. He appeared in the photograph on page 53 and the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Private First Class Wong was promoted to Corporal.
Gung Ho, No. 10, February 25, 1944, said
….Our two buglers do a pretty neat job on harmonizing Reveille these cold mornings…now if they would just swing it just a little bit….we could fall out so-o much faster!….just in case you want the info….our two buglers are Cpl Richard Y. Wong and Pvt John S. Leong….but let’s not do anything too drastic….yet….Gung Ho, No. 11, March 3, 1944, said
....“In the Spring a young man’s fancy turns to....” etc.,etc...which probably explains the many dazed and vacuous expressions a few EM are wearing.....then there’s the cute little eyeful Cpl Richard Y Wong was chit-chatting with at a Dayton skating rink....but it was at the Chungking eatery that he felt Cupid’s darts....there were four in the party, Cpls Richard Y Wong and Kenneth Mah and gal frans....the food and ev’rything was so-o good....Cpl Wong walked out into the cold, cold nite forgetting his gloves....didn’t even miss ’em...Wong was discharged on January 8, 1946 and returned to California. Wong is listed at the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project. Additional information is at the Chinese Historical Society of California, “Chinese American WWII Vets Remember Flying Tigers Days”. He was interviewed for the Chinese Historical & Cultural Project’s “Chinese American World War II Veterans Project”.
On August 1, 1947 “Thet Yee Wong” sailed to Hong Kong where he married Cheng Chee Mak on February 26, 1948. They stayed at 191 Tai Nam Street. The couple was aboard the steam ship President Wilson when it departed Hong Kong on May 29, 1948. They arrived at San Francisco on June 14, 1948. Wong’s address 771 Clay Street.
The 1950 census counted Wong, his wife and one-year-old daughter, Bernice, in Alameda, California at 821 Stalker Way. He was a metal smith at the U.S. Naval Air Station.
Wong’s wife was naturalized on September 3, 1958. He was naturalized on November 25, 1959. At the time their address was 9646 C Street in Oakland. They had three children, Bernice, Eugene and Randall.
Amerasia Journal, Volume 24, Number 1, 1998, said Wong was a Founding Charter Member of the East Bay Chinatown VFW #3956.
There is additional information in a video interview, part 2, at Chinese American Stories.
Wong’s current status is not known.
SING F. WONG
Sing Fook Wong was born on January 8, 1913 at “Hoy Ping, Kwangtung, China” according to his World War II draft card.
The date of Wong’s first visit to the United States was around 1923. A passenger list said Wong had been a resident for ten years when he began his travel from Helena, Montana to China on June 10, 1933. (His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number, at Seattle, Washington, was 7030/5509.) Evidently Wong’s father, Dow Wong, brought his wife, Jew Shee, and sons, Sing Fook Wong and Sun You Wong, to Helena.
The 1930 United States census counted Wong’s parents, “Dow Eddie Wong” and “Ju Shee”, and brother at 136 South Main Street in Helena. The whereabouts of Wong is not known. Wong’s father operated a grocery store.
Twenty-six-year-old Wong was aboard the steam ship President Coolidge when it departed Hong Kong on September 23, 1939. The passenger list said he lived with his wife, Jew Shee, at “Wah Hing Lee, Hoi Ping, Kwangtung, China”. Wong arrived at San Francisco, California on October 12, 1939. After an investigation he was admitted on April 6, 1940. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 39600/9-2. His final destination was to his father, Dow Wong, at 136 South Main Street in Helena, Montana.
Wong has not been found in the 1940 United States census.
On October 16, 1940 Wong signed his draft card. His address was 645 Spring Street in Los Angeles, California. He was described as five feet nine inches, 136 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
There is additional information in a video interview, part 2, at Chinese American Stories.
Wong’s current status is not known.
SING F. WONG
Sing Fook Wong was born on January 8, 1913 at “Hoy Ping, Kwangtung, China” according to his World War II draft card.
The date of Wong’s first visit to the United States was around 1923. A passenger list said Wong had been a resident for ten years when he began his travel from Helena, Montana to China on June 10, 1933. (His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number, at Seattle, Washington, was 7030/5509.) Evidently Wong’s father, Dow Wong, brought his wife, Jew Shee, and sons, Sing Fook Wong and Sun You Wong, to Helena.
The 1930 United States census counted Wong’s parents, “Dow Eddie Wong” and “Ju Shee”, and brother at 136 South Main Street in Helena. The whereabouts of Wong is not known. Wong’s father operated a grocery store.
Twenty-six-year-old Wong was aboard the steam ship President Coolidge when it departed Hong Kong on September 23, 1939. The passenger list said he lived with his wife, Jew Shee, at “Wah Hing Lee, Hoi Ping, Kwangtung, China”. Wong arrived at San Francisco, California on October 12, 1939. After an investigation he was admitted on April 6, 1940. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 39600/9-2. His final destination was to his father, Dow Wong, at 136 South Main Street in Helena, Montana.
Wong has not been found in the 1940 United States census.
On October 16, 1940 Wong signed his draft card. His address was 645 Spring Street in Los Angeles, California. He was described as five feet nine inches, 136 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Wong was in Salt Lake City, Utah when he enlisted on May 18, 1943.
Wong was not mentioned or listed in either Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993 or In the Shadow of the Tiger. According to Wong’s veteran’s file, he was discharged on February 14, 1944. Eight days later, the East Liverpool Review (Ohio), February 22, 1944, published the pictorial article, “Squadron 407 (Chinatown’s Pride)”. One of photographs showed Wong, working on an airplane, with the caption “He came to Los Angeles, got a job as a cook, then joined the Army Air Forces and soon became a skilled plane technician.”
%20p10.jpg)
In the 1950 census Wong was a patient at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Los Angeles. There were other patients who were born in China.
The 1954 Gardena Valley, California city directory listed Wong at 3913 Doty Haw. He was retired.
Wong was married to Gim Ho Look. They had two sons, Jin Sing Wong and Jin Ngain Wong.
Wong passed away on February 17, 1985 in Los Angeles. He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
SOO J. WONG
Soo Jeow Wong aka Peter Jeow Wong was born on March 10, 1921 in “Toy Son, Canton, China” according to his World War II draft card. His naturalization petition said his birthplace was “Lung Hing Village, Toyshan, Kwangtung, China”.
Seventeen-year-old Wong was aboard the steam ship President Coolidge when it departed Hong Kong on August 25, 1938. The passenger list said he had been with his mother, Yee Shee, at “Lung Tin Li, Toyshan, Kwangtung, China”. Wong arrived at San Francisco, California on September 12, 1938. He was admitted on November 15, 1938. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 38510/10-28. Wong’s final destination was to his father, Ton Leung Wong, at 33 Waverly Place in San Francisco.
Wong signed his draft card on February 16, 1942. His address was the same. He was described as five feet five inches, 128 pounds, with brownies and black hair.
Wong enlisted on October 31, 1942.
Wong corresponded with Wah Lee who also served in the Army Air Corps. The untranslated letters can be viewed at the following links: Letter, June 5, 1943; Letter, June 16, 1943; Postcard, July 5, 1943; Letter, August 29, 1943; Letter, September 14, 1943; Letter, October 11, 1943; Letter, November 19, 1943; and Letter, November 30, 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 218.
Soo J. Wong…..San Francisco, CaliforniaIn the book he appeared in the photograph on page 53.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Private First Class Wong was promoted to Corporal.
Gung Ho, No. 8, February 11, 1944, said Corporal Wong was presented the Good Conduct Ribbon by Captain E.F. Brown.
Gung Ho, No. 23, August 5, 1944, said
…..Short Shorties: Mon K Fong, Wm P [sic] Wong, Hong W Lowe, Suey W Jue, Soo J Wong, et al, are all emulating Capt “Doc” Lau’s style of smoking now—with ivory holders…Sergeant Wong was discharged on January 8, 1946 and returned to San Francisco. Wong’s service was part of the exhibit, “Chinese Americans in CBI” at the Chinese Historical Society of America. (Click the arrows or, on the timeline below, go to 1921.) Wong is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project. His family is a Supporting Member.
Wong traveled to China where he married Wai Goon Tom at Canton on January 20, 1948 according to the consular marriage certificate.
The couple was aboard the ship General M.C. Meigs when it departed Hong Kong on August 22, 1948. They arrived at San Francisco on September 9, 1948. Wong’s San Francisco address was 33 Waverly Place.
The 1950 census said “Peter J. Wong”, his wife, Gloria and son, Norman, were San Francisco residents at 1419 Washington Street. Wong was grocery store owner and manager. Also living with him was his brother-in-law and his family.
Wong became a naturalized citizen on April 3, 1962. His address was 1417 Washington Street in San Francisco. He was a laundromat operator.
No comments:
Post a Comment