The 407th Air Service Squadron of World War II: GROUP 27: W WONG

WILBUR H. WONG

Wilbur H. Wong was born on January 11, 1924 at Rochelle, Illinois according to his World War II draft card.

A passenger list said Wong traveled to China in 1929. Fourteen-year-old Wong was aboard the steam ship Empress of Russia when it departed Hong Kong on January 26, 1938. The passenger list said he had stayed with his grandmother-in-law, Yu Shee, at 148 Yee Kok Street in Hong Kong. Wong arrived at Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on February 12, 1938. He transferred to the ship Princess Marguerite which took him to Seattle, Washington on the same day. The Chinese passenger register included his Chinese name, Ick Wan Wilbur Wong. He was admitted upon arrival. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 7030/10726. (Chicago file number is 2005/2247.) Wong’s final destination was to his father, Chik Wong, at 1143 Greenleaf Avenue in Wilmette, Illinois.

On June 30, 1942 Wong signed his draft card. His address was 627 Green Bay Road in Wilmette. He was a student at New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois. Wong was described as five feet four inches, 130 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.

The date of his enlistment is not known.

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.

Wilbert H. Wong…..Wilmette, Illinois

In the book he appeared in the photograph on page 42 and squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.

The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 4, January 14, 1944, said

….our nomination for squadron chow hound goes to Pvt Wilbert [sic] Wong. Basis for nomination: four helping[s] during one meal!…Any other choice?…

Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said

....After only one weak beer at the PX Pfc Wilbur Wong stumbled up to the counter, threw down a dime, and asked for a package of “tomato chips”....meaning potato chips, of course....tsk, tsk...

After the war Wong returned to Illinois. In 1948 he graduated from New Trier High School.

Echoes yearbook

The 1950 census counted Wong in Chicago at 243 Devon Avenue. He was the proprietor of a “chop suey store”.

Wong passed away on June 13, 2020. A funeral notice is at the Tribute Archive.

Wilbur H. Wong, beloved father of Gary and Glen and the late Gail Wong, dear son of the late Yick and Moy Shee Wong. A graveside service will be held Thursday, June 18th at Rosehill Cemetery at 1:00pm. (Please omit flowers)

WILLIAM H.C. WONG

William Hing Chee Wong was born on January 22, 1924 at Boston, Massachusetts according to his World War II draft card. On his Social Security application Wong made a minor change to his name in February 1948: William Hingchee Wong.

The 1930 United States census counted Wong as the fourth of six siblings. Their parents were “Chew Pond Wong”, a grocery store clerk, and “Quan See Wong”. They resided in Boston at 28 Oxford Street.

In the 1940 census Wong’s mother was a widow and head of the household. The family’s Boston address was 10 Oxford Street.

Wong attended Mechanic Arts High School and Lincoln Preparatory.

On June 30, 1942 Wong signed his draft card. His address was the same. He was described as five feet eleven inches, 143 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.

Wong enlisted on May 10, 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.

William H.C. Wong…..Boston, Massachusetts

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

The squadron’s publication, 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....

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…

Wong was discharged on January 16, 1946 according to his veteran’s file. He returned to Boston and continued his education.

In 1950 Wong graduated from Northeastern University. He was member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

1950 Cauldron yearbook

The 1956 Boston city directory listed Wong at 21 Egmont in Brookline. His employer was Alonzo B. Reed, Inc.

Wong was listed in the 1960 Registered Professional Engineers and Registered Surveyors in Pennsylvania. His address was 16 Eliot Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

In the New England Architect and Builder, January–February 1974, Wong was the mechanical engineer on a student housing project for Bowdoin College.

The 1976 Year Book Florida State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors listed Wong and his address, 1330 Beacon Street in Brookline, Massachusetts.

Wong was listed as an electrical engineer on the Columbia Point Peninsula: A Proposal for the Revitalization of Columbia Point Peninsula. His work experience was detailed on three pages beginning here.

Sampan, October 18, 2018, said Wong was a master at the American Free Masons of Dalhousie Lodge.

Wong passed away on January 24, 1991 in Needham, Massachusetts according to the Massachusetts Death Index at Ancestry.com.

WING O. WONG

Wing Oak Wong aka Homer Wong was born on May 25, 1919 in Seattle, Washington according to his World War II draft card.

The 1920 United States census counted Wong as the second of three siblings. Their father was a merchant. The family resided in Seattle at 1100 Main Street.

In the 1930 census the family lived in Seattle at 156 11th Street. Wong’s father owned a grocery store.

According to the 1940 census, “Homer Wong” was the oldest of six siblings. Their Seattle address was 309 20th Street.

On October 16, 1940 Wong signed his draft card. His address was the same. He was a student at Broadway High School. (His obituary said he graduated from Garfield High School.) Wong’s description was five feet seven inches, 125 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.

At Tacoma, Washington Wong enlisted on August 7, 1942.

The Seattle Times, July 11, 1943, said “Pfc. Homer Wong, 309 20th Ave. S., has completed a course at the Ordnance School in Detroit.”

Wong was not listed in Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993 and In the Shadow of the Tiger. He was mentioned in the squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944.

….and Cpl Wing O. Wong sure got unpopular t’other day with several of the top-ranking non-coms….why?….

Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said

....During the physical fitness test t’other dawning Cpl Homer Wong did a Superman in reverse....in the shuttle run race he was so-o slow the officer timing him almost started to count by minutes instead of seconds.......

Gung Ho, No. 8, February 11, 1944, said

....And we mustn’t forget Cpl Wing O. Wong, sometimes known as Homer...he was strutting his stuff t’other eve at a Dayton skating rink with the greatest of ease when...whang!...with floor came up and met him...he was hauled away to the hospital with a badly twisted ankle...he will be laid up for a while now.....

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

....Just for the records and to avert a possible case of mistaken identity, it should be pointed out here in this column that there is only one bonfide [sic] Murphy in this Squadron...the other Joe that signed himself as “Murphy” in the Ward Five column of the station hospital’s weekly paper, has been exposed......He’s a phony, fellas, fact is, he’s none other than Cpl Wing O. Wong....sometimes, he also answers to Homer....but for Cpl Wong we have a more appropriate pen name....we offer Ah Sick Wong...but serious tho’...it was a pretty nice little column he wrote for his Ward....and everyone is rooting for his speedy recovery..

After the war Wong returned to Seattle. He is on the U.S. Army Veterans Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project.

The 1950 census said Wong, his wife, Chung Mee, and one-year-old daughter, Joyce Ann, lived at 1522 Yesler Way in Seattle. He was a bartender at a hotel.

Wong passed away on March 1, 2011. His obituary appeared in the Seattle Times, March 4, 2011.

Homer W. Wong (aka Wong Oak Wing)
Homer was born May 25, 1919 and died peacefully in his sleep March 1, 2011 at the age of 91, surrounded by his children at the Veteran’s Community Living Center.

He was born in Seattle, WA to Jim Wong (Wong Fook) and Ong Shee Wong. He graduated from Garfield High School. Married Ma Chung Mee. They had three children, Joyce, Darrell and Keenan, Long time companion Michelle Lam, daughter Mimi Lam.

He served in the US Army for 5 years. He retired from the WA State Liquor Board. Homer was a member of Bing Kung Assoc., Wong’s Family Assoc., Cathay Post, and American Legion.

Homer is survived by son, Darrell Wong, daughter Joyce (Terence Mar), Mimi Lam and long time companion Michelle Lam. Brothers Walter (Lisa), Douglas (Frances), Sister Fannie (Winnie Lim), sister-in-laws Alice Wong, Holli You. Grandchildren Michael, Vanessa (Rene), Scott, Steven, Lindsay (Joshua DeYoe), Ryan, Alexander, Nicholas, KayLee, Great grandson Cameron De Yee. Many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. Preceded in death wife, Mee Wong, son, Keenan Wong, sister, Florence Chan, brothers, Herbert, Robert, and John.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VA Puget Sound, 1660 S. Columbian Way, Mail Stop S135, Seattle, Wa 98108. C/O Memo for CLC Seattle Campus, Jeff Honeycutt, director, Seattle, WA 98111, Kin On Nursing Home or your favorite charity.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 5, 2011 at Bonney-Watson, 1732 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122.

A two-part interview with Wong, conducted by the Wing Luke Museum in 1996, was posted at the Internet Archive here and here.

WING S. WONG

Wing Shin Wong was born on September 27, 1923 in “Canton, Hoy Ping, China” according to his World War II draft card. His grave marker has the year 1922.

Wong, age eleven or twelve, was aboard the steam ship President Jackson when it departed Hong Kong on March 1, 1935. The passenger list said he had been with his mother, Yee Shee, at “Chik Ham, Hoiping, Kwangtung, China”. Wong arrived at Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on March 19, 1935. He traveled by train to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia where he boarded the ship Yarmouth on March 29, 1935. The next day he arrived at Boston, Massachusetts. Wong’s father, De Gon Wong, had provided an affidavit for his entry. Wong’s final destination was to Yee Hing, a friend, at 34 Oxford Street in Boston.

Wong has not been found in the 1940 United States census.

On June 30, 1942 Wong signed his draft card. His address was 66 Morrison Avenue in Somerville, Massachusetts. He was a student. Wong’s description was five feet six inches, 125 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.

In June 1943 Wong graduated from Somerville High School.

Radiator yearbook
Wong Shin
66 Morrison Avenue
Scientific
Radiator Staff
Year Book Staff
Hobby: Photography
Future: Photography school

Wong enlisted on June 29, 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.

Wing S. Wong (William W. Shing [sic])…..Boston, Massachusetts

The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 4, January 14, 1944, said

Now for our Dept. of Romance & Similar Nonsenses: …she was eating chow mein and he was devouring steak…but both were only playing with their food because they were so-o interested in each other…we didn’t know who she was, but he happened to be Pvt Wing S. Wong…..

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

….Postal Packin’ Papa Cpl Mack Pong tells us the guy who receives the most mail seems to be Pvt Wing S. Wong…..

Gung Ho, No. 8, February 11, 1944, said

....Pvt Wing S. Wong is doing okay with a gal named Jinx....

Gung Ho, No. 12, March 10, 1944, said

….Glimpses: ….Pvt Wing S. Wong propped up on his bunk gazing at a charcoal pic of a pretty lass....

After the war Wong returned to Boston. Wong is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project. “Wing S. Wong (aka Wong Wing Shin)” 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 1956 List of Boston Residents said Wong was a photographer who lived at 56–58 Tyler Street. His address in the 1959 Boston city directory was 56 Tyler Street.

Beginning July 16, 1959, a legal notice appeared in the Boston newspaper the Daily Record. Wong changed his name to Wong Wing Shin.

In the “Marriage Intentions” column, the Boston Herald, August 15, 1959, said

Wong W. Shin, 56 Tyler St., Boston, experimentalist; Mabel C. Hong, 288 Franklin St., Melrose, physicist.

Wong passed away on March 2, 2014. An obituary appeared in the Boston Globe, March 4, 2014.

Shin, Wong Wing of Reading, March 2, 2014.
Beloved husband of Mabel C. (Hong) Shin. Devoted father of Carolyn Shin, Norman Shin and his wife Eva all of Reading and the late S. Edwin Shin. Loving grandfather of Brian and Christopher Shin. A Funeral Service will be held Friday, March 7 at 11:00AM at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading. Funeral home visiting hours Thursday from 4-8PM. Burial in Forest Glen Cemetery, Reading. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Wings memory to the S. Edwin Shin Memorial c/o Reading Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 492, Reading, MA 01867. Wing was a veteran of WW II, Flying Tigers 14th Squadron Service Group, U.S. Army Air Force. For info, directions and on line guest book visit johnbdouglassfuneralhome.com

Wong was laid to rest at Forest Glen Cemetery.

WING Y. WONG (EDDIE C.T. NG)

Wing Yick Wong aka Eddie Cheung Tsun Ng was born on June 13, 1923 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. A different birth date, January 7, 1923, was found at the Minnesota and Social Security Death Indexes and his veteran’s file. Passenger lists and Minnesota death certificate had Toishan as the birthplace.

Fourteen-year-old Wong was aboard a Canadian Empress steam ship when it departed Hong Kong in early July 1938. He arrived at Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in mid-July. Wong traveled by train to Halifax, Nova Scotia where he boarded the ship Fort Townshend on July 27 1937. Two days later Wong was at the port of New York. He was held for investigation at Ellis Island and admitted on January 28, 1938. By then Wong was fifteen years old.

Wong has not been found in the 1940 United States census which was enumerated in April.

Wong, a laundryman, began his travel from San Francisco, California to China on April 12, 1940. He got married and resided at 99 Bonham Strand in Hong Kong. Wong was aboard the steam ship President Pierce when it departed Hong Kong on July 8, 1941. He arrived San Francisco on July 29, 1941 and admitted that day. Wong’s destination was to his father, Wo Chong Wing, on Mott Street in New York Chinatown.

On June 30, 1942 Wong signed his draft card. His address was 448 East Brambleton Avenue in Norfolk, Virginia. Wong’s description was five feet nine inches, 170 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.

Wong enlisted on March 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 218.

Wing Y. Wong (Eddie C.T. Ng)…..Patterson [sic], New Jersey

Wong might have been mentioned in the squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 4, January 14, 1944.

…Seen & heard at the last squadron shindig at the Loretto: …and did you notice that Sing [sic?] Y. Wong sat at a table with a hostess and gabbed for two solid hours without stop?…..

Wong was discharged on January 9, 1946 according to his veteran’s file. At some point he moved to Minnesota.

The date Wong changed his name to Eddie Cheung Tsun Ng is not known. Evidently he was a paper son.

Wong passed away on February 25, 2006. An obituary appeared in the Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota), March 2, 2006.

Ng, Eddie Cheung Tsun age 83, of Edina, died Feb. 25, 2006. Preceded in death by daughter, Eva Bergstrom. Survived by wife, Fay; https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/fay-ng-obituary?pid=117364398 children, Wai (Pam) Ng, Jack (Anne) Ng and Mae Ng; son-in-law, Don Bergstrom; grandchildren, John, Robert, Christina, Ashley, James and Linnea. Eddie owned & operated the Ho-Ho Café in St. Louis Park https://slphistory.org/knollwoodplaza/ for 23 years. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Interment will be Mon., March 6, 12:45 PM at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Assembly Area #5. Funeral service will be Mon., March 6, 11 AM, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Visitation will also be Sunday, March 5, 5–8 PM. The service and visitation will all be at: Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel W. 50th St. & Hwy 100 952-920-3996.

Wong was laid forest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. The birth year 1926, in the text at Find a Grave, is incorrect. On the headstone the middle name was Cheng instead of Cheung.

WYMAN C.H. WONG

Wyman Chun Hoo Wong was born on February 26, 1925 in Fresno, California according to his World War II draft card.

A passenger list said Wong began his travel from San Francisco to China in April 1928.

Wong was not counted in the 1930 United States census. His father, On Wong, lived at 448 F Street in Fresno. He immigrated in 1913 and was a restaurant waiter.

Fourteen-year-old Wong was aboard the steam ship President Taft when it departed Hong Kong on December 31, 1939. The passenger list said he had been with his mother, Fung Shee, at “Pan Mee Yuen, Chungshan, Kwangtung, China”. Wong arrived at San Francisco on January 19, 1939 and was admitted the following day. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 12017/33918. His final destination was the Shun Loy Co. at 932 Grant Avenue in San Francisco.

Wong has not been found in the 1940 census. His parents, older brother and five sisters were in Fresno at 448 F Street. Wong’s father was a fruit peddler.

On February 26, 1943 Wong signed his draft card in San Diego. His address was 467 5th Avenue. He was described as five feet five inches, 130 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.

Wong enlisted at Fresno on June 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 218.

Wyman C.H. Wong…..Fresno, California

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

The Fresno Bee, November 3, 1945, said

... The promotion of Wyman H. Wong, 20, of Fresno to the grade of corporal has been announced by the headquarters of the China Air Service. A son of Mr. and Mrs. Jing Wong of 1417 Tulare Street, Wong attended the Fresno High School before entering the service in June, 1943. He has been serving overseas as an airplane mechanic since November 1944.

After the war Wong returned to Fresno. He was pictured in The Memoir 1947 (see Group 18) which was published by the Chick Char Club, San Francisco, California.

According to the 1950 census Wong was proprietor of a restaurant. He and his wife, Wanda, were in his father’s household which included his mother, Ho Shee, two brothers, David and Harold, and five sisters, Gwendolyn, Amy, Jeanne, Theresa and Emily.

Wong passed away in 2019. He was laid to rest at the Chapel of the Light Columbarium and Cemetery. Wong is listed on the Wall of Honor Foil 47, Panel 4, at the National Air and Space Museum.

ZACH C. WONG

Zach Chew Wong aka Andy Chew Wong was born on October 18, 1915 in Sunning, Kwangtung China, according to his World War II draft card. His naturalization petition had the birth date October 10, 1915.

Five-year-old “Seek Chew Wong” and his mother, Yee Shee, were aboard the steam ship Nanking when it departed Hong Kong on October 31, 1920. The passenger list said they stayed with his grandfather, Ting Chin, at “Pinglok, Sunning, China”. They arrived at San Francisco, California on November 27, 1920 and admitted that day. Mother and child visited Tat Yun Wong, a friend, at Kung Wo Chong on Clay Street in San Francisco. Their final destination was Los Angeles.

In the 1930 United States census Wong was oldest of five siblings. Their father, Don S. Wong, was the proprietor of a wholesale fruit market. They were Los Angeles residents at 1217 East 23rd Street.

The Wongs were at the same address in the 1940 census. Wong’s father operated a grocery store.

On October 16, 1940 “Zeck Chew Wong” signed his draft card. His address was the same. He worked at his father’s grocery store. Wong’s description was five feet six inches, 135 pounds, with brown eyes and hair.

“Zach C. Wong” enlisted on November 11, 1942.

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.

Zach C. Wong…..Los Angeles, California

The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 10, February 25, 1944, said

3 New EM Join 407th.
This week three more new men joined the squadron. All of them transferred here from the 555th Service Squadron at Florida. They are:

The third man is Cpl Zach C. Wong, who hails from Los Angeles, Calif. He is an airplane mechanic and has been in the service sixteen months.

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

....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....

After the war Wong returned to Los Angeles. On August 23, 1946 Wong became a naturalized citizen. He changed his names, Wong Seek Chew and Wong Zach Chew, to Andy Chew Wong. His Los Angeles address was 1217 East 23rd Street.

According to the 1950 census Wong and his wife, Monica, lived with his parents, brother, sister and sister-in-law in Los Angeles at 1217 East 23rd Street. Wong was the proprietor of a grocery store.

At some point Wong moved his family to Las Vegas, Nevada. The Las Vegas Review-Journal, April 18, 1961, said

... As the [Gaming] commission opened its meeting it approved Los Angeles grocer Andy C. Wong’s application to buy out Z. Louie in the Louisiana Club of Las Vegas. Commissioner Bert Goldwater moved for an approval of the license on condition Louie’s license in the operation be terminated. ...

The Las Vegas Review-Journal, August 4, 1961, said

... In other gaming action the commissioners approved an application by Zee Louie to sell the Louisiana Club.

Louie transferred his gaming and liquor interest in the Louisiana Club, located at 1322 N. “F” St., to Z-L Enterprises Inc., composed of Andy Chew Wong, Bogdan Glinski and Ruth Glinski.

Wong passed away on January 1, 1966. An obituary appeared in the the Las Vegas Review-Journal, January 4, 1966.

Wong, Andy Chew, 50, of 208 Stanford St., died Saturday. Born Oct. 18, 1915, China, Veteran World War II. Survivors, widow, Monica, Las Vegas; father, Don Wong; brother, Wayne Wong; three sisters, Anna Lew and Ruth Soohoo, all of Los Angeles, Calif.; Hazel Louis, San Francisco, Calif. Services pending Los Angeles, Calif. David Malloy Mortuary, Palm Mortuary.

In the 2005 book, The Peoples of Las Vegas: One City, Many Faces, Thomas C. Wright interviewed Wong’s sister, Hazel. The Louisiana Club closed in 1970.

BILLY WOO

Billy G. Woo was born on July 3, 1919 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. His Chinese name was “Woo Kwok Sin” on his father’s naturalization petition. He was born in “Hoy Sun Dist., China”.

Three-year-old “Kwork Sun Woo” his mother, Gee Shee, and “brothers”, Hong You Wong (16), and Sang You Wong (13), were aboard the steam ship Tyndareus when it departed Hong Kong on July 11, 1922. The passenger list said they had stayed with her mother’s cousin, Woo Yin Yip, at 11 Connaught Road West in Hong Kong. The family arrived at Seattle, Washington on August 3, 1922. Woo and his oldest “brother” were admitted on August 11; his mother on August 19. The middle “brother” joined them on August 26. Woo’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 40243/2-2. Their final destination was to Gee Gum Woo, Woo’s father, at 612 Weller Street in Seattle. (When Woo’s father was naturalized, the list of children did not include You Hong Wong and You Sang Wong. Both boys were paper sons. Woo and his three real brothers all had the generation name Kwok.)

The 1930 United States census said Woo was the oldest of six siblings. Their father, Gee Gun Woo, was a merchant. The family resided in Seattle at 653 Weller Street.

In June 1937 Woo graduated from Queen Anne High School in Seattle.

Kuay Grizzly yearbook
Debate Team; Spanish Club.

Apparently Woo was counted twice in the 1940 census. The Woo family’s Seattle address was 2213 Queen Anne Avenue. Woo’s father was a rice salesman at a wholesale mill. Woo was a waiter. On the second time Woo may have been counted, he resided at 668 King Street. Again, he was a waiter.

On October 16, 1940 Woo signed his draft card. His address was 2213 Queen Anne Avenue. He was described as five feet eight inches, 150 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.

In the Seattle Daily Times, April 14, 1942, Notices of Intention to Wed department, it said

Billy G. Woo, 22, 416 1/2 Seventh Ave. S.
Eunice Lum, 22, 1814 Lane St.

Woo enlisted on June 28, 1943 according to his veteran’s file.

Woo was naturalized in Ohio on December 6, 1943. His address was 1522 Yesler Way in Seattle, Washington.

Woo was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Woo and his hometown in 1945 on page 218.

Billy Woo…..Seattle, Washington

In the book he may have appeared in at photograph on page 53.

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

….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….

Woo was discharged on December 31, 1945. He returned to Seattle.

According to the 1950 census, Woo and his wife lived at 1814 Lane Street in Seattle. He was a taxi driver.

The Port Angeles Evening News (Washington), August 3, 1956, reported the picnic of Local 533 of Port Angeles National Federation of Post Office Clerks. Wong was in charge.

Woo passed away on February 6, 1996, in Port Angeles, Washington, according to the Washington Death Record. His veteran’s file had the same date. The Social Security Death Index had the date February 15, 1996.

FUNG Y. WOO

Fung Yuen Woo was a paper son. His World War II draft card said he was born on July 30, 1912 in China. On his naturalization petition, Woo said his real name was Jimmy Fung Yuen Dere born on February 15, 1909 at “Hoiping, Kwangtung, China”.

Eighteen-year-old Woo was aboard the steam ship President Lincoln when it departed Hong Kong on March 3, 1927. The passenger list said he had been with his mother, Quan Shee, at “Hoiping, China”. Woo arrived at Seattle, Washington on March 28, 1927 and admitted on May 11, 1927. Before going to his final destination, Cleveland, Ohio, Woo stayed with his father, Shuck Sheung, of the W.J. London Co. at 664 King Street in Seattle.

In February 1929 Woo sailed from San Francisco, California to China.

On May 11, 1930 Woo was aboard the steam ship Taiyo Maru when it departed Hong Kong. He had married Quan Shee in Hoiping, China. Woo arrived in San Francisco on June 4, 1930. His final destination was to Cheng Yan On, a friend, at Ching Wo Co., 919 Grant Street in San Francisco.

The 1935 California Voter Registration listed Woo at 919 Grant Avenue in San Francisco. He was a waiter and a Democrat.

Woo has not been found in the 1940 United States census.

On October 16, 1940 Woo signed his draft card. His San Francisco address was 50 Spofford Alley. He worked at the Green Gate Cafe,. Woo’s description was five feet two inches, 126 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.

Woo enlisted on December 31, 1942.

Woo was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Woo and his hometown in 1945 on page 218.

Fung Y. Woo…..San Rafael, California

According to the World War II Hospital Admission Card File, at Ancestry.com, Woo was treated in March 1945 for non-combat wounds in a truck accident and in July for prostatitis.

Woo was discharged on December 4, 1945 according to his naturalization petition. He returned to San Francisco. Woo appeared in The Memoir 1947 (see Group 48) which was published by the Chick Char Club, San Francisco, California.

On April 14, 1947 Woo began his trip to China. On May 5, 1947, in Hong Kong, Woo married Jack Foon Tse. The couple stayed with her father, Tse Nee Fun, at 514 Canton Road in Hong Kong. Woo and his wife were aboard the ship General M.C. Meigs when it departed Hong Kong on June 13, 1947. They arrived at San Francisco on July 3, 1947. Woo’s address was 839 Washington Street in San Francisco.

The San Francisco Chronicle, March 6, 1948, listed recent births including Woo.

Woo—To wife of Fung Yuen Woo, 839 Washington st., Feb. 26, a daughter.

The 1950 census counted Woo, his wife and two-year-old daughter, Doreen, in San Francisco at 615 Broadway. Woo was a restaurant cook.

Woo’s wife was naturalized on March 12, 1957. Their San Francisco address was 30A Wayne Place.

Woo became naturalized citizen, Jimmy Fung Yuen Dere, on April 20, 1965. At the time he was at the Belmont Hill Sanitarium on Lawton Street in Belmont, California. His family was in San Francisco at 315 4th Avenue.

At Ancestry.com there is a veteran’s file for “Fung Y Woo” who was born on June 18, 1910 and passed away on August 14, 1981. He served from January 7, 1943 to December 4, 1945 which were the same service dates on Woo’s naturalization petition. The Social Security Death Index had a June 17, 1911 birth date. The California Death Index had the birth date June 18, 1911 and death place, San Mateo County, which was the county location of the Belmont Hill Sanitarium where Woo convalesced. However none of the birth dates matched the date on his draft card, July 30, 1912. Woo may not have updated his veteran’s file with his real name, Jimmy Fung Yuen Dere, and naturalization petition birth date February 15, 1909.

Woo’s wife passed away on November 14, 2009.

LOUIE WOON

Louie James Woon was born on January 5, 1924 in Atherton, California according to his World War II draft card. His Social Security application, dated June 1941, had the middle name James.

1930 United States census counted Woon, his parents Kin Woon and Yee Shee, and brother, Henry, in Oakland, California at 306 Sixth Street. His father was a grocery merchant.

In the 1940 census the Woon family was in Oakland at 711 Jackson Street. Woon’s father was a cook for a private family.

On June 30, 1942 Woon signed his draft card. His Oakland address was 309 18th Street. He worked at Moore Naval Construction. Woon’s description was five feet four inches, 135 pounds, with brown eyes and hair.

Woon was in San Francisco when he enlisted on May 26, 1943.

Woon was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Woon and his hometown in 1945 on page 218.

Louie Woon…..Oakland, California

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, published the following.

Pvt. Louie Woon Writes a Story—
About Sidney.

(Note: Several months ago the 407th bivouacked for a week near the town of Sidney, Ohio. There the men went on the firing range. There descended on the town and made merry during their free time. This week Pvt Woon of the engineering section (surface and structural assembly) returned to Sidney for a Xmas visit, and the following thoughts occurred to him.)

What sweet memories are brought to your mind when the town of Sidney is mentioned? Is it the memory of the bivouac area where we won medals for our good marksmanship? Is it the bivouac grounds where we perspired by day and froze by night? Or the bridge we constructed to span the babbling stream?

Or does Sidney remind you of the many fair and sweet young things who made such an instantaneous hit with us; the streets through which we and they strolled, hand in hand; the favorite drinking fountain where we wove dreams and sip cokes at the same time; the amusement spots where we frequented?

Or does Sidney perhaps recall to us the wholesome and delicious dinners we were invited to eat in the homes of many kind and generous citizens? I am sure everyone of us had his fun, and each in his own particular way.

A buddy and I returned to Sidney for another visit last Sunday—the day after Christmas. We had been guests of a certain hospitable family before, and now we were invited there again. We were met at the station and driven to the lovely house, a home pervaded by the Christmas spirit. There was a glowing Christmas tree, a tableau if the Birth in the Manger, and a mistletoe dangled overhead. A son was away serving his country, and a girl was ill, but this did not dampen the holiday spirit.

We had an exceptionally fine chicken dinner, one that reminded me of the ones my mother used to cook at home. In fact, to us the visit was like a day spent at home, and precious because they are now so rare. We lingered over our allotted time, then was driven down to the station, where our host invited us to come again.

And this is what we thought as we left: that here was a home that was typical of the homes of America. These are the homes that we in the armed forces are fighting to preserve, and these are the kind of homes where one day we hope to return when the United Nations come through to ultimate victory. …..

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

8 EM on Detached Service.
This week another out-of-town assignment was given the 407th. This time it was to assist in the repairing of a P-39 at Columbus, Ohio.

So to Columbus last Monday went S/Sgt Donald Louie, Cpls Henry Mar, Din Lew, John R. Ung, Kenneth Mah, Pfc’s John Chuck, Gim Jeong, and Pvt Louie Woon. The officer in Charge was W.O.T.A. Egnoski.

Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said

EM Return from DS.
Returned to the squadron this week was the eight EM who went to Columbus days ago to assist in the repair of a wrecked P-39. The job was completed on schedule.

While in Columbus the EM enjoyed themselves thoroughly after hours, being quartered in a hotel and eating plenty of a rice in a local Chinese restaurant. Pvt Louie Woon, in particular, almost waxed poetic over the arrangement. Wrote Woon: “The rooms we slept in were always warm, unlike cold barracks when the orderly has neglected to feed coal to the furnace. We enjoyed the refreshing tub baths....The bed sheets were smooth and white...the mattresses soft...

“But the most pleasant times were when we dined at a Chinese restaurant, where the congenial manager took pains to serve us! For hours we would feast, occasionally loosening our belts. Boy, if we can work as much as we can eat!”

“After three days we mechanics[,] electricians, hydraulic and sheet metal men saw the fruits of our labor come to life when Lt Thomas took the P-39 up safely and flew away.

“We do keep ’em flying.”

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

Gung Ho, No. 8, February 11, 1944, said

Pfc Louie Woon Reports on Mechanics’ Party.
When enlisted men in the Army are advanced in non-commissioned grades, it is because the Commanding Officer has recognized their proficiency in their jobs, excellence in military discipline, and exhibition of leadership qualities. When these non-coms are on active duty, they naturally desire the fullest measure of cooperation from the soldiers they work with and supervise.

The non-coms of the mechanics’ unit of the engineering section have happily found that the mechanics have rendered them cheerful obedience, true loyalty, and efficient cooperation at all time. For being “on the ball” and as a token of appreciation, the mechanics were treated to a sumptuous dinner in a Springfield restaurant last Monday by the recent promoted non-coms of their section.

There were 23 EM present, and everyone ate, drank and made merry, from the lowly private to the master sergeant.

The chickens, spare ribs, shrimps, Chinese vegetable, Chinese sausages, etc. were enjoyed by all. Cigarettes and wine were distributed and poured liberally. Toasts were rendered frequently for the welfare of the 407th[,] the success of the war effort, members at the table, and also those whose presence were missed. The few who imbibed not wisely but too well were safely convoyed back to the field by their more sober comrades.

Woon was discharged on January 11, 1946. In the Shadow of the Tiger said “Woon returned to Kunming in 1946 to marry Betty, a girl he had met at the Red Cross Town Club.” A passenger list of their travel to the United States has not been found.

Woon enrolled at the University of California at Berkeley. In 1947 he was a member of the Chinese Students Club. Woon earned his Bachelor of Science at the College of Pharmacy in 1950.

The marriage license records in the Oakland Post Enquirer, August 31, 1948, said

Woon-Yu—Louie Woon, 24, and Betty Yu, 23, both Oakland. License to 167 Eighth street, Oakland.

Woon appeared in a photograph in the Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association, July 1950.

According to the 1950 census Woon and his wife had a two-month-old son, Theodore. Their Oakland address was 167 8th Street.

According to the California State Court Naturalization Record, at Ancestry.com, Woon’s wife was naturalized on November 25, 1957.

The 1965 and 1970 Santa Rosa, California city directories listed Woon at 530 El Dorado Court. He was a pharmacist at Cotati Drug.

Woon passed away on July 7, 1977. An obituary appeared in the Press Democrat (Santa Rosa, California), July 10, 1977.

Woon—In Santa Rosa, July 7, 1977, Louie Woon, loving husband of Betty Woon of Santa Rosa, adored father of Theodore “Ted” Woon of San Francisco, Thomas L. Woon of San Francisco and Emily Martha Woon of Santa Rosa, brother of Henry Woon of Oakland, also survived by numerous relatives in the Bay Area. A native of Atherton, Calif., age 53. A dedicated member and elected Secretary for a number of years of the Redwood Empire Pharmaceutical Association, active member of the Cotati Lion’s Club and a member of the First Baptist Church of Santa Rosa. A 1948 graduate of the University of California, Pharmaceutical Degree. Co-owner of Cotati Rexall Drug and College Pharmacy of Ronnert Park. Friends are invited to attend services Monday evening July 11, 1977 at 7:30 p.m. at the Eggen & Lance Mortuary. Private interment Mountain View Cemetery Oakland. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the American Heart Assoc. P.O. Box 844 Santa Rosa, 94502.

Woon was laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery.

GEORGE G. WOONG

George Gordon Woong was born on October 24, 1924 in Isleton, California according to his World War II draft card.

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

Woong was a student at Rio Vista Joint Union High School. The 1941–1942 yearbook, The Netherlands, said he was on the basketball B Team.

On December 18, 1942 Woong signed his draft card. His address was 28 Main Street in Isleton. He was a student. Woong’s description was five feet nine inches, 160 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.

Woong enlisted on June 5, 1943.

Woong was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Woon and his hometown in 1945 on page 218.

George G. Woong…..Oakland, California

In the book he appeared in the photograph on page 53 and the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55. He was mentioned on pages viii and 72.

The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said

…Pfc Wilbert Chung goes over to the PX to buy chewing gum but he doesn’t chew the stuff…reason is the babe who sells the gums…ditto for Cpl Stanley Chinn and Sgt George Woong..only they don’t buy any gums atall..they just sit at a convenient table and just gaze at the girls behind the PX counters….

Gung Ho, No. 8, February 11, 1944, said

….The exodus to Detroit and Chicago last week-end was something to see…Having heard so many tales about the attractions in Detroit from such story tellers as Sgt Andy Kan and Cpl Harry King, dyed in wool natives…and also from Cpl Eugene MonGoy, other EM wanted to see for themselves……Sgt George Woong and Cpl Homer Eng certainly did….

Gung Ho, No. 9, February 18, 1944, said

....And Dee-troit is still the mecca for the 407th wolfpack on weekend...one Sgt who’s initials are George Woong has been dubbed “Baby TNT”...Hmm...but don’t ask Cpl Eugene MonGoy....he’s still recuperating from the trip....seems he contracted a bit of Rose fever, and is still in a daze...he and Woong both have it bad....

Gung Ho, No. 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….But Sgt George Woong is having trouble getting his to grow in the right places….after 12 patient weeks of coaxing and nursing he has exactly 12 strands of manhood….at that rate he ought to have quite a handlebar about 5 years from now….we suggest a change of fertilizer……

….It isn’t news any more when veteran howlers like Sgt Baby TNT Woong and Cpl Stanley Chinn go awolfin’….

Gung Ho, No. 12, March 10, 1944, said

….A “Snafu” casaba team has been organized, migosh....with Cpl Eugene MonGoy and Pfc James Wong as co-managers, and captained by Cpl Kenneth Mah, with Sgt George Woong as alternate captain....Red shirts and black trunks are the colors of its uniform....But, oboyoboy, the Sanfu’s lost its debut game with the squadron official team by the tune of 40 to 4!!..

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

Glimpses: ....Sgt George Woong trying out his Chinese calligraphy....by writing his own moniker....

After the war Woong returned to California.

According to the 1950 census Woong lived with his parents, Bing He Woong and Ng Shee, and sister, Anna, in Pasadena, California at 106 West Mary. The Woongs operated a restaurant: Woong’s father was the manager; Woong and his mother were cooks; and his sister was a waitress.

Woong married Ethel Chan in San Francisco on October 8, 1950.

The 1959 San Francisco city directory listed Woong at 1254 Jackson Street. He was an insurance agent.

East/West, March 27, 1968, said Woong was on the Isleton Reunion Committee.

Woong was awarded the National Sales Achievement Award for 1968 by Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company.

East/West, April 2, 1980
Member of the President’s Club

Woong passed away on October 31, 2010. An obituary appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, November 4, 2010 and the Cypress Lawn website.

George G. Woong passed away in his home on October 31, 2010 with his loving family by his side. He courageously endured his battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). He was the devoted husband of Ethel Chan Woong, loving father of Carrie (Harvey) Louie, Cynthia Woong (Frank) Lindquist and Denise (Larry) Yee, and cherished grandfather of seven grandchildren, Rebecca Louie, Micah (Julie) Woong, Rachel Louie, Lauren Yee, Joey Yee, Christopher Yee, and Grace Woong Lindquist.

George was a proud veteran of WWII. He worked three jobs to provide for his young family and eventually became a successful insurance salesman throughout the San Francisco Chinatown community. After he retired, George most enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and ballroom dancing with his wife.

George is survived by immediate and extended family and many friends. He will be greatly missed by all.

Woong was laid to rest at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park.

JESSE S. WRIGHT JR.

Jesse Samuel Wright Jr. was born on November 2, 1922 in Clarksburg, West Virginia according to his World War II draft card.

The 1930 United States census counted Wright as the youngest of two children born to Jesse, a salesman, and Janie. They lived in Salem, West Virginia at 65 Pennsylvania Avenue.

In the 1940 census Wright and his parent were residents of Coal, West Virginia on Simpson Street.

On June 30, 1942 Wright signed his draft card. His address was 314 McDaniel Street in Dayton, Ohio. He was employed by the U.S. Army Air Corp at Wright Field. Wright’s description was five feet eleven inches, 175 pounds, with blue eyes and blonde hair.

Wright enlisted on January 5, 1943.

Wright was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Woon and his hometown in 1945 on page 213.

Warrant Officer Junior Grade Jesse S. Wright Jr.…..Clarksburg, West Virginia

In the book he was mentioned on page 17.

The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said

WO and NCO Goes on DS.
This week another officer and another non-com left the squadron for a period of detached service. This trip will take them somewhere in the 9th Service Command area.

The officer was WO J. S. Wright, and the NCO, S/Sgt James Yee.

Wright was discharged on December 24, 1946. He returned to West Virginia and enrolled at West Virginia University.

The 1949 Morgantown, West Virginia city directory listed Wright, a student, and his wife, Garnet, at 208 Dewey.

According to the 1950 census, Wright and his wife were Morgantown residents at 19 Kingwood Street. He was a student.

In the 1951 directory their address was 405 Elysian Avenue.

In 1955 Wright married Phyllis Mae Simmons at Wood, West Virginia.

The 1957 Parkersburg, West Virginia city directory listed the couple at 2709 Norwood Avenue. He was an adjustor at the State Mutual Auto Insurance company.

Wright passed away on January 6, 1997 in West Virginia. He was laid to rest at Denton Township Cemetery.

MILTON K. WU

Milton Kai Wu was born on April 3, 1923 in Oakland, California according to his World War II draft card. The California Birth Index, at Ancestry.com, registered his name as “Kai M. Wu”.

The 1930 United States census counted Wu as the third of seven siblings. Their parents were Pak Wu, a dry goods merchant, and Wong Shee. Their Oakland address 728 Peralta Street.

The Oakland Tribune, December 24, 1933, listed Wu as a new member of Aunt Elsie’s Club in the children’s magazine. The Oakland Tribune, January 14, 1934, published Wu’s joke.

In the 1940 census the Wu family was at the same address.

Wu graduated from Oakland Technical High School in 1941.

Senior Memories,

January 1941 yearbook

Wu enlisted in the Army Air Corps on October 18, 1942.

On September 6, 1943 Wu signed his draft card. His Oakland address was 728 Peralta Street. He was employed at the Mare Island Navy Yard. Wu’s description was five feet three inches, 129 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.

Wu was on page 74 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Wu and his hometown in 1945 on page 218.

Milton K. Wu…..Oakland, California

In the book he appeared, as “Milton Woo”, in photographs on pages 35, 53 and the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.

In July 1944 Wu was treated for appendicitis.

After the war Wu returned to Oakland.

The Oakland Tribune, June 26, 1947, said a marriage license was issued to

Wu-Lum—Milton Wu and Joyce Lum, both Oakland.

According to the 1950 census Wu and his wife were Oakland residents at Piedmont 4127. He was an insurance underwriter.

The plans for Wu’s home appeared in the Oakland Tribune, December 16, 1951.

The San Francisco Examiner, December 27, 1952, said a marriage license was issued to

Wu–McCarty
Milton Kai Wu, 29, Oakland, and Marian Jane McCarty, 26, Berkeley. Mailing address, 1828 89th Oakland.

Evidently Wu left the insurance field and became a U.S. Treasury Department Special Agent. His 1956 testimony is here.

The magazine, Police, July–August 1960, said Wu completed the lie detection course.

As president of the United States Treasury Agents Association, Wu wrote an invitation letter, dated August 16, 1968, to Richard M. Nixon in care of Martin Pollner. Wu’s address was 538 Gilbert Drive, Wood Dale, Illinois.

On August 23, 1974 Wu married Barbara D. Flick in Fremont, Indiana. They divorced on January 30, 1981 in Cameron, Texas.

Wu was listed in the Treasury Telephone Directory 1976.