CHAW K. CHING (CHARLIE LEE)
Chaw Koo Ching aka Charlie Lee was born on January 14, 1917, in Shreveport, Louisiana, according to his World War II draft card.
On July 9, 1926 Ching began his trip to China. He married Ngow Shee and lived at “Mow Kong, Hoiping, China”.
Twenty-four-year-old Ching was aboard the steam ship President Taft when it departed Hong Kong on May 22, 1941. He arrived at San Francisco, California on June 11, 1941. Ching’s final destination was to his father, Yee Ching, at 1033 Grant Avenue in San Francisco.
On June 11, 1941, Ching signed his World War II draft card. His address was 934 West 23rd Street in Los Angeles. His address was updated to 7405 Polk Avenue, Houston, Texas. His description was five feet five inches, 130 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Chaw Koo Ching aka Charlie Lee was born on January 14, 1917, in Shreveport, Louisiana, according to his World War II draft card.
On July 9, 1926 Ching began his trip to China. He married Ngow Shee and lived at “Mow Kong, Hoiping, China”.
Twenty-four-year-old Ching was aboard the steam ship President Taft when it departed Hong Kong on May 22, 1941. He arrived at San Francisco, California on June 11, 1941. Ching’s final destination was to his father, Yee Ching, at 1033 Grant Avenue in San Francisco.
On June 11, 1941, Ching signed his World War II draft card. His address was 934 West 23rd Street in Los Angeles. His address was updated to 7405 Polk Avenue, Houston, Texas. His description was five feet five inches, 130 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Ching enlisted at Houston, Texas on May 28, 1943. He was a sales clerk who attended a year of college.
Ching was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Ching and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Ching was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Ching and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Chaw K. Ching (Charlie Lee)…..Houston, TexasThe squadron publication, Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said
....Pvt Chaw K. Ching hurt his wrist, too, on a certain nite...but that his own fault, tho, for paying too much attention to the feminine skaters at the roller rink and forgetting his balance....Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said Private Ching was promoted to Private First Class.
Ching and his brothers were profiled in the Houston Chronicle, February 28, 1945.
Ching passed away on July 17, 1981 in Houston. The death certificate said his parents were Curtis Lee and Tang Gum Kui, and wife, Choi F. Gor. A funeral notice appeared in the Houston Post, July 20, 1981.
WAN H. CHING
Wan Hing/Hong Ching was born on December 17, 1915 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. Ching’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file, number 34102/008-17, said he was born January 21, 1916. 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 is Chinese Republic 4th Year which included most of 1915 and part of 1916. Column 12 and number 17 in black corresponds to January 21 in red. Passenger lists said Chin’s birthplace was Heungshan/Chungshan, China.
Charlie Lee, 28, the eldest, has had much service on the Burma Road. His outfit has had to yield to the Japs and then push the Japs back again. Charlie, a private first class, is doing American army work with native Chinese. He flew to China and Burma from India over the hump (Himalaya Mountains). Charlie was born in Shreveport, La., has attended college in China.After the war Ching returned to Houston.
Curtis, 26, was also born in Shreveport. Tommy, 22, was a native of Duncan, Mississippi. Also from Mississippi was Jack, 20, in Alligator. Their father operated the Daylight Market at 2405 Polk Avenue.
Ching passed away on July 17, 1981 in Houston. The death certificate said his parents were Curtis Lee and Tang Gum Kui, and wife, Choi F. Gor. A funeral notice appeared in the Houston Post, July 20, 1981.
Charle Lee, 64, of Houston, died Friday at his residence. He was a member of the Chinese Baptist Church, and the American Legion. Survivors: Wife, Mrs. Choi Fung Lee, Houston; son, Kirk Lee, Houston; sister, Mrs. Katie Lee, Los Angeles; brothers, Curtis Lee, Jr., Tommy Lee, Jack Lee, all of Los Angeles, and Richard Lee of Houston. Funeral services 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Chapel, the Reverend Lok-Tin Cheung officiating, interment Forest Park East Cemetery. Family requests in lieu of usual remembrances, donations be made to The Chinese Baptist Church Building Fund. Friends may call Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home 7 to 9 p.m. Monday. Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale, 928-5141.He was laid to rest at Forest Park East Cemetery.
WAN H. CHING
Wan Hing/Hong Ching was born on December 17, 1915 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. Ching’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file, number 34102/008-17, said he was born January 21, 1916. 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 is Chinese Republic 4th Year which included most of 1915 and part of 1916. Column 12 and number 17 in black corresponds to January 21 in red. Passenger lists said Chin’s birthplace was Heungshan/Chungshan, China.
Ten-year-old “Hing Wan Ching” was aboard the steam ship President Lincoln when it departed Hong Kong on August 15, 1926. The passenger list said he lived with his mother, Wong Shee, at “On Ting, Heungshan, China”. Ching arrived at San Francisco, California on September 8, 1926. He was admitted on October 27, 1926. Ching’s final destination was to his brother, Sau Keung Ching, at 767 Commercial Street in San Francisco.
On March 5, 1931 Ching began his journey to China. He married Yam Shee and lived at “On Ding, Chungshan, Kwangtung, China”. Ching was aboard the steam ship President Coolidge when it departed Hong Kong on May 19, 1934. He arrived at San Pedro, California on June 7, 1934. Ching rode a train to San Francisco and arrived on June 8, 1934. His final destination was Oakland, California.
On October 16, 1940 “Wan Hong Ching” signed his draft card. His address was 397 8th Street in Oakland.
Ching enlisted on April 22, 1943.
Ching was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Ching and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Wan H. Ching…..Oakland, CaliforniaThe squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Private First Class Ching was promoted to Corporal.
Gung Ho, No. 22, July 22, 1944, said
. . . .After all these months packages, newspapers and mags by the hundreds finally came to the APO…Wan H. Ching got his Easter eggs plenty smashed…Ching’s veteran’s file, at Ancestry.com said he was discharged on January 24, 1946. His draft card address was updated to 536 Alice Street in Oakland.
According to the 1950 census, Ching was a poultry clerk who lived in San Francisco at 630 Pacific Avenue in apartment 16.
Ching passed away on April 3, 1989, in Alameda, California. He was laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery.
GLENN CHINN
Glenn Chinn was born on October 15, 1924, in Seattle, Washington. His birth was noted in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, October 21, 1924.
Chin—October 15, to the wife of Kong Dewey Chin, 1238 King Street, a son.A similar notice was published in the Seattle Union Record, October 21, 1924.
son, Mrs. Kong Dewey Chin, 1238 King St.The Chinn family has not yet been found in the 1930 United States census.
The 1940 census counted Chinn as the second of four siblings. They lived with their parents in Seattle at 1309 Weller Street. Chinn’s father was the proprietor of a hand laundry.
Chinn attended Garfield High School and graduated in June 1943.
On December 22, 1942 Chinn signed his World War II draft card. His address was 1309 Weller Street. He was described as five feet six inches, 125 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Chinn enlisted on May 17, 1943.
Chinn was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Chinn and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Glen [sic] Chinn…..Seattle, WashingtonIn the book he appeared in photographs on pages 15 and 20.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, page 1, said Private Chinn was promoted to Private First Class.
Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said
....he should be smart like Pfc Glenn Chin [sic], who also fell down at the rink...but into the arms of not one but two femme skaters....such transparent strategy....Gung Ho, No. 8, February 11, 1944, said
…Musical notes: Pfc Glenn “Fuzz” Chin [sic] and his rendition of “Red River Valley” is driving the boys of the lower foyer of barracks 3 crazy….so, at times, does the warbling of Pfc Calvin Huie….for his is the simulated moaning of a dying moose…according to his best pals….Gung Ho, No. 9, February 18, 1944, page 5 said
....And the Red River Valley Trio, consisting of Harry [G. King], Calvin [Huie], and Pfc Glen Fuzz Chin struggled thru a few unidentified ditties....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….And on t’other hand, we have Cpl Homer Eng and Pfc Glenn Chin….both make use of tweezers to pluck that unsightly lonesome strand that mars their otherwise smooth unlandscaped chins.Gung Ho, No. 12, March 10, 1944, said
….Glimpses: ....and Pfc Glenn Chin [sic] studying his Armed Forces Institute lessons on bookkeeping....Gung Ho, No. 14, March 24, 1944, published Chinn’s caricatures of Pfc. Henry S.Y. Wong, Cpl. Fred Ko and Sgt. Hing Bun Lo.
After the war Chinn returned to Seattle. Chinn is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project.
In the 1950 census, Chinn lived with his parents and two brothers at 1808 Forest. He was a business administrator.
The 1953 and 1955 Seattle directories listed Chinn-Wong & Associates. Chinn, Arthur and Robert Wong worked in real estate at 419 7th Avenue.
On September 7, 1969 Chinn married twenty-nine-year-old Patricia A. Wong in San Francisco, California.
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, January 6, 1970, published Chinn’s letter.
The Seattle Daily Times, November 11, 1973, said Wing Luke Museum president Chinn was promoting the museum’s floating art auction.
Chinn was involved in a study about training Seattle’s Asian elderly. The results were published in March 1973.
Chinn passed away in March 22, 2002 in Seattle. An obituary appeared the Seattle Times, March 29, 2002.
STANLEY L. CHINN
Stanley Leon Chinn was born on December 26, 1924 in Oakland, California according to his World War II draft card. A birth record, at Ancestry.com, said his middle initial was S and mother’s maiden name was Gee.
The 1930 United States census counted Chinn as “Shing Leung Chin” who was the fourth of seven siblings. Their father was self-employed merchant. The family resided in Oakland at 1522 Eighth Street.
Chinn was counted twice in the 1940 census. On April 11 Chinn was counted in the household of his paternal grandfather, Chung Wah Chinn. Chinn was the oldest of five siblings whose parents were George and Louie Shee. They lived at 1522 8th Street in Oakland. The next day Chinn, a sister and brother were counted in the household of their uncle, Kwack Ning Chinn, and his family. They lived at 1533 8th Street.
Chinn graduated from Oakland Technical High School in June 1942.
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, January 6, 1970, published Chinn’s letter.
On behalf of the 20 neighborhood Human Relations Councils, I would like to thank your newspaper for its wide coverage of our Human Rights Day Banquet December 10.The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, August 1, 1971, identified Chinn as vice-president of the Wing Luke Museum.
Your fine coverage was an important factor in the success of our banquet. We hope that we can have your support in our forthcoming functions.
Thank you for helping us further the cause of human rights.
Glenn Chinn,
City of Seattle
Department of Human Rights.
The Seattle Daily Times, November 11, 1973, said Wing Luke Museum president Chinn was promoting the museum’s floating art auction.
Chinn was involved in a study about training Seattle’s Asian elderly. The results were published in March 1973.
Chinn passed away in March 22, 2002 in Seattle. An obituary appeared the Seattle Times, March 29, 2002.
Glenn “Rinky” ChinnChinn was laid to rest at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
Born October 15, 1924. Passed away March 22, 2002 at his Seattle home of over 40 years. Glenn is survived by his wife or 32 years Patricia, son Darryl (Debbie), and daughter Melissa. He is also survived by brother Dickson (Nell), brother Winger (Betty), and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by mother D. S. China and sister Nell Foy. Glenn was born in Seattle and was a life long resident. He was a graduate of Garfield High School’s Class of ’43 and the University of Washington’s School of Business Class of ’49. Immediately after high school he served his country in the U.S. Army/Air Corps as a member of the 407th Air Service Squadron in the Asiatic Pacific (China-Burma-India) theater of operations. He was an American Legion/Cathay Post #186 member for over 50 years. After WWII, Glenn spent his life working in real estate and insurance while raising a family. He enjoyed gardening, caring for his rhododendrons and camellias, watching sports, fishing, playing with the family cat Mew he nicknamed “Fool Cat,” cooking, and tinkering with different home improvement projects that came along. He also enjoyed using his computer to manage his finances, the daily operation of his apartment building and property, playing computer games, and reading news and weather reports on the Internet. Glenn the husband, father, brother, and uncle lived a happy life always doing exactly what he wanted. He will be truly missed by his family and friends. Visitation will be 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, March 29th. Services at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 30th, Bonney-Watson, Capitol Hill. Memorial contributions may be made to the Northwest Kidney Foundation, 700 Broadway, Seattle, 98122 or the Kin On Health Care Center, 4416 S. Brandon St., Seattle, 98118.
STANLEY L. CHINN
Stanley Leon Chinn was born on December 26, 1924 in Oakland, California according to his World War II draft card. A birth record, at Ancestry.com, said his middle initial was S and mother’s maiden name was Gee.
The 1930 United States census counted Chinn as “Shing Leung Chin” who was the fourth of seven siblings. Their father was self-employed merchant. The family resided in Oakland at 1522 Eighth Street.
Chinn was counted twice in the 1940 census. On April 11 Chinn was counted in the household of his paternal grandfather, Chung Wah Chinn. Chinn was the oldest of five siblings whose parents were George and Louie Shee. They lived at 1522 8th Street in Oakland. The next day Chinn, a sister and brother were counted in the household of their uncle, Kwack Ning Chinn, and his family. They lived at 1533 8th Street.
Chinn graduated from Oakland Technical High School in June 1942.
On December 28, 1942 Chinn signed his draft card. His address was 1522 8th Street in Oakland. At the same address was his father. Chinn’s description was five feet nine inches, 140 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Chinn enlisted on June 10, 1943.
Chinn was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Chinn and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Stanley L. Chinn…..Oakland, CaliforniaIn the book Chinn appeared in photographs on pages 20, 38, 45, 57, 67, 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 Chinn was promoted to Corporal.
Gung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944 said
…..On the other hand, Cpl Stanley Chinn seems a trifle confused by a WAC, or was it because he’s so bashful?…..Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said
….Very fond of a gal named Genevieve are the boys of the instrument section....especially attentive are Cpl Homer Eng and Cpl Stanley Chinn..is so?.....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. 10, February 25, 1944, said
MEN OF THE 407TH—MAKE MUSIC? CAN DO!Gung Ho, No. 13, March 17, 1944, said
Cpl Wilfred Eng, who played the sax. Once out of high school in Oakland, Calif. he organized and led his own orchestra of eight peices [sic]. His hometown neighbor, Cpl Stanley Chinn, also toots the same instrument.
….Cpl Stanley Chinn returned to his barracks late one nite….and got scared silly to discover in his bunk—a dog!…He turned on all the barracks lights, upstairs and down, and had a wild dog chase….No he’s looking for the responsible prankster(s)….Do we hear somebody say doggone?….Gung Ho, No. 22, July 22, 1944, said
…’N surprise visitor of the week was Paul Feng, correspondent of China’s big Central News Agency...cane [sic] straight out of the clouds from somewhere in Burma’s fighting front...Paul was a stranger to all except ye GH editor, who last saw him way back when in San Francisco when Paul was preparing to return to China to begin his journalistic career..The newsman spent the nite in the tepee occupied by Homer Eng, Al Fong, Albert F.L. Fong & Stanley Chinn...who were thrilled no end to talk with a real war correspondent, & plied him with food and questions.Gung Ho, No. 23, August 5, 1944, said
…Stan Chinn (sax) Henry Leong (sax) & Wm Hing (clarinet) are keeping their instruments from getting rusty by occasional practice sessions.. their jive rhythm is being slowed up by this Indian summer...The Oakland Tribune, January 15, 1946, listed men, including Chinn, who were honorably discharged at Camp Beale, California.
Chinn and Mary Quen married on October 11, 1947 in Oakland. The wedding was reported in the Oakland Tribune, October 13, 1947.
700 Attend Wedding of Chinese CoupleTwo days after the wedding Chinn’s paternal grandfather passed away. His passing was reported in the Oakland Tribune, October 14, 1947.
Couple Now honeymooning in Southern California and Mexico, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley L. Chinn (Mary Quen) were married at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in one of the largest Chinese weddings held in Oakland this year.
The ceremony, performed by the Rev. Calvin Barkow, and a reception and dinner dance at the Hotel Leamington were attended by more than 700 American and Chinese guests Saturday night.
The bride is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Charles H. Quen, 850 MacArthur Boulevard. Chinn is the son Mr. and Mrs. George H. Chinn, 1530 Eighth Street. He attended the University of California.
The couple will return to Oakland in about a week.
The U.S. Naval Air Station, Alameda, California, 1954 publication included a photograph of Chinn.
The 1955 Oakland city directory listed Chinn at 353 10th.
The Oakland Tribune, March 13, 1970, published Chinn’s father’s obituary.
Chinn, George H., in Oakland, March 10, 1970, beloved husband of Pauline Chinn; loving father of Stanley, Calvin, Larry and Chuck Chinn and Roderic Gue, Mrs. Connie Chesthang, Mrs. Esther Young and Mrs. Patty Fong, all of Oakland, Mrs. Roberta Yook of Los Angeles, Mrs. Teresa Yorn of San Francisco and Linda Karen Chinn of Oakland; brother of Raymond Chinn of Bakersfield and Mrs. Wong Chinn Yuet Sim of Singapore; brother-in-law of Chew Shee and Doris Chinn; also survived by 21 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A native of China; aged 69 years. A member of the Chinese Community Methodist Church of Oakland, C.A.C.A.Additional information about Chinn has not been found.
Friends are invited to attend services, Tuesday, March 17, at 1 p.m. at Truman’s Chapel, Telegraph Ave. at 30th St. Oakland, Dr. Edwar Lee officiating, Interment Mountain View Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
YOW R. CHINN (RICHARD Y. CHINN)
Yow Richard Chinn was born March 3, 1911 in China according to his World War II draft card. His Social Security application said he born on March 3, 1912 in Canton, China. His father’s name was “Lang D. Chinn” and mother “Gene [Shee]”. Chinn’s veteran’s file also had the birth year 1912.
Gung Ho, No. 1, December 25, 1943, said Chinn arrived in the United States in 1923. At Ancestry.com, there is a passenger list with a “thirteen-year-old” “Quong Yow Chin” who lived with his mother, Jin Shee, in Sunning, China. He was aboard the steam ship President McKinley when it departed Hong Kong on March 22, 1923. Chinn arrived at Seattle, Washington on April 4, 1923. He was admitted on May 14, 1923. Chinn’s final destination was Duluth, Minnesota, where his father was at 109 West Superior Street.
Chinn has not been found in the 1930 United States censuses.
On December 13, 1930 Chinn began his trip from Duluth to China. He married Moy Shee and lived at “Hung Lo Tsui Village, Sunning Kwangtung, China”. Chinn was aboard the steam ship President Cleveland when it departed Hong Kong on June 11, 1932. He arrived at Seattle on June 28, 1932 and was admitted the same day. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 7030/1134. Chinn’s final destination was to his brother, Tung Quong Chin, at 4822 Broadway in Chicago, Illinois.
Chinn has not been found in the 1940 census.
On October 16, 1940 Chinn signed his draft card. His address was 118 1/2 East Superior Street in Duluth. He was employed by his cousin, Yu Sheung Chinn. Chinn’s description was five feet eight inches, 159 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Chinn was in Brooklyn, New York when he enlisted on April 1, 1943.
Chinn was not listed on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Chinn and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Yow R. Chinn (Richard Y. Chinn)…..Brooklyn, New YorkIn the book Chinn was mentioned on pages 8, 15, 71 and 76. He was also in the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 1, December 25, 1943, profiled its staff.
Cpl YOW RICHARD CHINN, our artist, was trained in drawing and painting, both in China and in this country. Coming to the U. S. in 1923, he attended American grade schools and later studied for two years at the famed Chicago Art Institute. He has worked as a cartoonist and does commercial drawings, while his oils and watercolors have been exhibited.Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said
….New Year’s day found the smiling faces of Cpl Richard Chinn and Pvt Thew Moy adorning the front page of the Dayton Daily Herald….with a big writeup about how they were celebrating the occasion….fame for a day……..
Yank, February 11, 1944, page 18 mentioned Gung Ho and identified the staff.
Shanghai Evening Post and Mercury (New York, New York), February 25, 1944, said
According to the 1950 census, Chinn lived in Manhattan, New York City at 87 Clinton Street, apartment 14. He was a cartoonist. In the Shadow of the Tiger said Chinn “became a highly acclaimed artist known for his paintings of Chinese peasant children.”
Chinn passed away on May 30, 1996. The Social Security Death Index said his last residence at Flushing, New York.
GEORGE CHOW
George Chow was the new name of Fung Jun Chung according to his 1943 naturalization petition. He was born on October 16, 1921 in Canton, China.
Six-year-old Chow, as “Fong Jan Cheung”, and his mother, Chan Shee, were residents of “Nar Cheong, Sunning, China” which was also his birthplace according to the passenger list. Mother and son were aboard the steam ship President Madison when it departed Hong Kong on June 2, 1928. They arrived at Seattle, Washington on July 2, 1928. Chow was admitted on August 1, 1928 and his mother on August 7, 1928. Their final destination was to his father, “Cheong Kong Ming”, at 2245 Wentworth Avenue in Chicago, Illinois.
In 1939 Chow graduated from Lane Technical High School in Chicago.
Shanghai Evening Post and Mercury (New York, New York), February 25, 1944, said
Ohio Airmen Edit Gung Ho, Chinese-English News SheetGung Ho, No. 11, March 3, 1944, said
Gung Ho, mimeographed news sheet in English and Chinese, brings information of the men in the 407th Service Squadron, AC Patterson Field, Ohio. Attractively illustrated, the longest single feature is the Chop Suey which is made up of short personal sketches.
The staff includes Cpl. William J. Hoy, editor; Pvt. Young Q. Ark, Chinese section contributing editor; Cpl. Yow R. China [sic], staff artist; Cpl. James G. Jay, Cpl. Eugene F. Szeto, Pfc. Elwin W. Ong and Pvt. Woo K. Leung, editorial assistants.
Old China Hands may find a kindred spirit in the soldier about whom the following chop suey item appears: “Cpl. Eugene Szeto is taking up Chinese in a big way ... trying to learn both the spoken and written lingo ... Like any guy from Brooklyn, he’s finding the going tough ... when you find a half dozen words with the same sound but meaning six totally different things, that’s too much for a boy from Brooklyn ... Thus far Szeto us averaging two characters a day ... By the end of the duration he should know quite a handful of those ideographs ...”
….And Cpl Yow R Chinn was similarly amazed to read in the American Edition of the Shanghai Evening Post and Mercury that “Gung Ho’s” staff artist was Cpl Yow R China!….This typographical error occurred in that paper’s write-up of our Squadron weekly in its Feb 25th issue…..Gung Ho, No. 23, August 5, 1944, said
....A mystery is solved!...To those inquisitive GI’s who wanted to know what happened to the pen and ink drawings Cpl Yow R Chinn had been working on for the past few weeks, we can report that a very pretty nurse at the station hospital now owns them....
.....The time has come to sing a word of praise for Henry SY Wong’s super shower..plenty of homemade showers are in evidence now, but Henry’s was one of the first & about the most slick...the way it’s constructed on a tree trunk, with a pulley system ’n real faucet—well, it’s so good we’ve been using it daily thass all...for another kind of shower without any fixain’s you just wait till it rains, then jump out of your clothes out under the dark clouds...just the way pill-roller Yow R Chinn did during that monsoon special t’other morn...Chinn’s veteran file said he discharged on January 9, 1946.
According to the 1950 census, Chinn lived in Manhattan, New York City at 87 Clinton Street, apartment 14. He was a cartoonist. In the Shadow of the Tiger said Chinn “became a highly acclaimed artist known for his paintings of Chinese peasant children.”
Chinn passed away on May 30, 1996. The Social Security Death Index said his last residence at Flushing, New York.
GEORGE CHOW
George Chow was the new name of Fung Jun Chung according to his 1943 naturalization petition. He was born on October 16, 1921 in Canton, China.
Six-year-old Chow, as “Fong Jan Cheung”, and his mother, Chan Shee, were residents of “Nar Cheong, Sunning, China” which was also his birthplace according to the passenger list. Mother and son were aboard the steam ship President Madison when it departed Hong Kong on June 2, 1928. They arrived at Seattle, Washington on July 2, 1928. Chow was admitted on August 1, 1928 and his mother on August 7, 1928. Their final destination was to his father, “Cheong Kong Ming”, at 2245 Wentworth Avenue in Chicago, Illinois.
In 1939 Chow graduated from Lane Technical High School in Chicago.
In the 1940 United States census Chow was a Chicago resident at 2214 Wentworth Avenue in Chinatown. He was one of four partners in an unnamed trade.
Chow, as Fung Jun Chung, signed his World War II draft card on February 16, 1942. His address was the same. Chow’s description was five feet six inches, 130 pounds, with black eyes and hair.
Chow’s naturalization petition said he entered the Army on March 2, 1943. His serial number was 36737591. Chow was naturalized on May 1, 1943 at Tampa, Florida.
Chow was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Chow and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Private First Class Chow was promoted to the rank of Corporal.
Chow has not been found in the 1950 census. At some point he moved to California.
Chow passed away on September 25, 2013. His veteran’s file said he was an Air Force Master Sergeant who served during World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War. He was laid to rest at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.
JIMMIE G. CHOY
Jimmie Gee Choy was born on September 20, 1924 in San Francisco, California according to his World War II draft card. Choy’s Social Security application had his middle name, Gee, and parents’ names, Sam Choy and Ho Shee.
Choy has not yet been found in the 1930 and 1940 United States censuses.
On December 22, 1942 Choy signed his draft card. His address was 1124 Clay Street in San Francisco. Choy’s description was five feet six inches, 120 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He named his father as next of kin.
George Chow…..Chicago, IllinoisIn the book he was in a group photograph on page 61.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Private First Class Chow was promoted to the rank of Corporal.
10 EM’s Indiana-BoundGung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said
Days ago, near Liberty, Ind. a B-25 was forced down in the middle of a corn field. To get it out it was deemed necessary to dismantle the plane part by part.
This week that job of dismantling was given to the 407th. Ten EM’s were picked for the task, and left for Indiana Tuesday, accompanied by WO T.A. Egnoski. This temporary duty is to last approximately 5 days, at the end of which some additional practical experience should have been gained by the men.
The 10 EM’s who went there: M/Sgt. Floyd Sam, S/Sgt Donald Louie, Sgt Hing Lo, Sgt Wm Toy, Cpl Koonwah Lim, Cpl Geo. Chow, Sgt Donald Poy, Sgt Fulton Yee, Cpl Andrew Goon, Pfc Woo H. Niy….
….The men of the Flight Test section are haunting their T. O. room these days, ’specially Addy Goon and George Chow..but not to study the T. O.’s tho…the attraction is a sun-tanned little miss who works thar….In the Shadow of the Tiger said Chow reenlisted and became a career military man.
Chow has not been found in the 1950 census. At some point he moved to California.
Chow passed away on September 25, 2013. His veteran’s file said he was an Air Force Master Sergeant who served during World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War. He was laid to rest at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.
JIMMIE G. CHOY
Jimmie Gee Choy was born on September 20, 1924 in San Francisco, California according to his World War II draft card. Choy’s Social Security application had his middle name, Gee, and parents’ names, Sam Choy and Ho Shee.
Choy has not yet been found in the 1930 and 1940 United States censuses.
On December 22, 1942 Choy signed his draft card. His address was 1124 Clay Street in San Francisco. Choy’s description was five feet six inches, 120 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He named his father as next of kin.
Choy enlisted on May 12, 1943.
Choy was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Choy and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Jimmie G. Choy…..San Francisco, CaliforniaIn the book he appeared in a photograph on page 53.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 20, July 15, 1944, said
...Meanwhile, Jimmy [sic] G Choy, Jan Wong, Kwong Lee ’n company have been brewing congee almost nicely...& one nite they even got hold of fresh meat bone to throw into the pot...They sho’ know how to forage, is all we can say...After the war Choy returned to San Francisco. Choy is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project.
According to the 1950 census Choy, his wife, Lily, and one-year-old son, Alan, resided in San Francisco at 1475 Washington Street. Choy was a retail salesman at a department store.
San Francisco city directories, at Ancestry.com, from 1948 to 1970 listed Choy at 1475 Washington Street. He was a surveyor from 1951 to 1957 then an engineer at various companies.
Choy passed away on August 28, 2003. The Social Security Death Index said his last residence was at San Francisco.
EDWIN CHU
Edwin Chu was born on June 16, 1923 in New York, New York according to a birth record at Ancestry.com and his World War II draft card. His Social Security application said his father was Chu Can and mother Chu Nai.
In the 1930 United States census he was “On Chu” who lived with his parents, Yung Chu and Eng Shee, at 32 Mott Street in Manhattan’s Chinatown.
The 1940 census counted “On Edwin Chu” and his parents, Yung Chu and Lee Dai Chu, at the same address.
On June 16, 1942 Chu signed his draft card. His address was unchanged. Chu worked at the Seward Park High School which was near Chinatown. His description was five feet six inches, 124 pounds, with black eyes and hair.
Chu enlisted on March 1, 1943.
Chu was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Chu and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Edwin Chu…..New York, New YorkIn the book Chu was mentioned in the acknowledgements, and identified in three photographs on pages 10, 19 and 61.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 2, December 31, 1943, said
Basketball Game.Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said
Playing their 5th game this season, the 407th casaba team met the 912th Engrs Squadron Thursday in the field gymnasium. Considered the number one basketball tossers in Patterson Fld, the 912th defeated the 407th aggregation by a score of 40-21.
So far, in all the games played, the 407th team, managed by Sgt Woody Chan, has met up with keen and stiff competition, and this last game was no exception. In the 5th game just played the starting line-up consisted of Sgt William “Murphy” Quan (captain), Pfc Albert Fong, Pvt Ben Louie, Pvt Henry Wong (13), and Pvt Edward Chew. Other players include Cpl Wing H. Fong, Pfc John S. Leong, Pfc Howard Quan, Pvt Peter Gee, Pvt Edwin Chu, Sgt Woodrow Chan, Cpl Thomas Lee, Cpl Samuel Yee, Sgt Charles Lum, and Pfc Howard Loo.
Casaba Quintet Plays 11th Game.Gung Ho, No. 9, February 18, 1944, said
This week the squadron basketball team played the 11th game of the current Patterson Field intra-squadron series against the 9th Reporting Detachment. With both sides evenly matched, the 407th quintet came through with another victory. The score ended 36 to 22.
Murphy Quan again was the high scoring player, turning in 14 points, This hikes his total in the series to 105 points.
Starting lineup for this game included Henry Leong, Henry Wong (13), Albert Fong, Peter Gee, and Murphy Quan [William K. Quan]. At the beginning of the second half the starting lineup was totally replaced by John S. Leong, Howard C. Loo, Edwin Chu, Edward Chew, and David Fong. Throughout the game Wong and Leong exhibited good floor work.
Pvt Edwin Chu [played] for the Chinese Church League in New York.Gung Ho, No. 10, February 25, 1944, said
….Pvt Edwin Chu was practically aboard the train when he changed his mind....and dashed back out to the ticket office for a refund....it seems he decided he couldn’t afford it...Chu’s veteran’s file said he was discharged on January 24, 1945.
According to the 1950 census, Chu, his parents, “Goony Chu” and Ng Shee, and eight-year-old sister, Valentine, lived in New York Chinatown at 32 Mott Street. His occupation was not recorded.
He might be the same Edwin Chu mentioned in the Brooklyn Eagle (New York), May 8, 1950. Lee’s of Chinatown was the name of a restaurant and softball team in the Japanese Nisei A. C. Softball League. Chu played third base.
In 1952 Chu married Yorklin Ho, a restaurant bookkeeper, in Manhattan.
At various times Chu lived in Annapolis, Maryland and Woodhollow Connecticut.
Chu passed away on September 4, 2001. The Social Security Death Index said his last residence was New Port Richey, Florida. He was laid to rest at Calverton National Cemetery.
JOHN B. CHUCK
John Bo Chuck was born on January 13, 1924 in Los Angeles, California according to his World War II draft card which had his full name. His Social Security application said his parents were Chuck D. Yee and Sir Shee.
The 1930 United States census counted Chuck as the oldest of three siblings. The family of five were Los Angeles residents at 4355 West Adams. His father was the proprietor of a restaurant.
On March 30, 1937 Chuck and three siblings, Man Sing Chuck, Bak Ping Chuck and Man Gong Chuck, began their trip from Los Angeles to China. They stayed with their grandmother, Au Young Shee, at “Kon Tong, Chungshan, Kwangtung, China”. The quartet were aboard the steam ship President Coolidge when it departed Hong Kong on May 5, 1938. They arrived in Los Angeles on May 27, 1938. Their final destination was to their father, “Chuck Dai Yee”, at 714 North Spring Street in Los Angeles. Chuck’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file numbers were 14036/766 (box 288, Los Angeles District Office), and 14036/384 (box 48, Los Angeles Local Office).
In the 1940 census Chuck was the second of seven siblings. They lived with their parents at 714 North Spring Street in Los Angeles.
Chuck attended Abraham Lincoln High School.
On June 30, 1942 Chuck signed his draft card. His address was 415 Cottage Home Street. He was employed at the Douglas Aircraft Company. Chuck’s description was five feet six inches, 150 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Chuck enlisted on April 23, 1943.
The Illinois State Journal (Springfield, Illinois), May 26, 1943, reported the twelve servicemen who made long distance telephone calls at the U.S.O. ball Saturday night at Hotel Abraham Lincoln.
... Pvt. John B. Chuck, a Chinese from Los Angeles, talked with his girl friend in San Francisco and was overjoyed. ...Chuck was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Chuck and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
John B. Chuck…..Los Angeles, CaliforniaThe squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
8 EM on Detached Service.Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said Private First Class Chuck was promoted to Corporal.
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.
After the war Chuck returned to Los Angeles. Chuck is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project.
In 1946 Chuck was a registered Republican who lived at 415 Cottage Home Street.
On June 24, 1947, Chuck married Dorene L. H. Johe in California.
The 1950 census counted the couple and their son, Gary, in the household of Chuck’s father. The address was the same. Chuck’s occupation was field engineering aid for public utilities.
Chuck was the coordinator of the 1975 407th Air Service Squadron reunion in Los Angeles.
Chuck passed away on October 30, 2006 in Los Angeles.
WILBERT S.L. CHUNG (WILBERT CHUNG)
Wilbert Sik Len Chung was born on August 2, 1924 in Hoiping, China. His Chinese name and birthplace were recorded on 1939 and 1948 passenger lists. Chung’s World War II draft card had Canton, China as his birthplace. Chung is on page 23 of the Digital Program Booklet Volume Two. The profile said his real name was Chan Wai Hung who was born in “Sahgow, ShunTuk District, Guangdong Province, China.”
Fourteen-year-old Chung was aboard the steam ship Empress of Russia when it departed Hong Kong on April 24, 1939. He had been with his mother, Tam Shee, in Hoiping, China. Chung arrived at Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on May 19, 1939. He traveled by train to Halifax, Nova Scotia where he boarded the ship Fort Amherst on May 30, 1939. Chung arrived at New York on June 1, 1939. He was going to join his brother, Chung Sik Poy.
Chung has not yet been found in the 1940 United States census.
On December 11, 1942 Ching signed his draft card. His address was 47 Mott Street in New York Chinatown. His description was five feet four inches, 108 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Chung enlisted on May 1, 1943.
Chung was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Chung and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Wilbert S.L. Chung (Wilbert Chung)…..New York, New YorkIn the book he was in the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.
Page three of the Dayton Daily News (Ohio), November 21, 1943 was reproduced in the book. The caption of a photograph read
The hydraulic system of the B-24 offers no mystery to these members of the 407th. Shown, left to right, are: Pvt. Wilbert Chung of New York city; Pvt. Koon Woh Lin of Santa Maria, Cal, and Pfc. Raymond C. Fong of New York city.The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said Private Chung was promoted to Private First Class.
…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…“Squadron 407 (Chinatown’s Pride)” was a syndicate-produced full-page that appeared in many newspapers including the East Liverpool Review (Ohio), February 22, 1944.
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Gung Ho, No. 12, March 10, 1944, said
407th In The News.After the war Chung returned to New York. Chung is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project.
This past week or so has seen men of the squadron making some front page news in at least two papers.
First, the Illinois State Journal (Springfield, Ill.) gave an entire page in its issue of February 28th to pictures of 407th EM at work. There were 8 photographs in the full-page spread and showed such EM as Koonwah Lim, Sing Y. Yee, Wilbert Chung, Woo Niy, Bot Wong, and Wong Yuey at work and training.
In August 1947 Chung returned to China where married Chee Kin Jung in Hong Kong. The couple were aboard the steam ship President Wilson when it departed Hong Kong on May 29, 1948. They arrived in San Francisco, California on June 14, 1948.
The 1950 census counted Chung, his wife and daughter, Edna, in New York City at 174 Hester Street. In the printing trade, he was a self-employed typesetter.
The 1957 Manhattan city directory listed Chung at 174 Hester Street.
Chung’s wife was naturalized on February 24, 1964. Their address was 203 Grand Street in New York City.
A Public Records Index, at Ancestry.com, said Chung’s 1976 address was 203 Grand Street, apartment 25, in Chinatown.
In 2003 Chung and his wife moved to Oakland, California to be near their daughters.
According to the profile Chung passed away in 2018.
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According to the profile Chung passed away in 2018.
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