GERVUS CUMMINS
Clarence Gervus Cummins was born on December 20, 1904 in Uvalde, Texas according to his veteran’s file at Ancestry.com.
In the 1910 United States census Cummins was the youngest of ten children born to Christopher and Louisa. The family lived in Uvalde.
The 1920 census counted Cummins, his parents and four siblings in Uvalde. Cummins has not been found in the 1930 and 1940 censuses.
Cummins’ veteran’s file said he enlisted in the Army Air Forces on May 15, 1942.
The Los Angeles Times, November 17, 1943, reported Cummins wedding.
Clarence Gervus Cummins was born on December 20, 1904 in Uvalde, Texas according to his veteran’s file at Ancestry.com.
In the 1910 United States census Cummins was the youngest of ten children born to Christopher and Louisa. The family lived in Uvalde.
The 1920 census counted Cummins, his parents and four siblings in Uvalde. Cummins has not been found in the 1930 and 1940 censuses.
Cummins’ veteran’s file said he enlisted in the Army Air Forces on May 15, 1942.
The Los Angeles Times, November 17, 1943, reported Cummins wedding.
Cummins-Fleming—Audrey Ione Fleming, daughter of Mrs. M. A. Taber, 1605 N. Kenmore Ave., Hollywood, and Gervus Cummins, chief warrant officer, Army, were married in First Methodist Church of Santa Barbara. The bridegroom is a native of Texas and is stationed at Santa Maria Army Airfield.Cummins’ marriage was also covered in Pacific Electric Magazine, December 1943.
Audrey Fleming, Secretary to Vice President Frank Karr, became the wife of Chief Warrant Officer Gervus Cummins of Santa Maria Air Field on Saturday, November 6, at a wedding ceremony performed in the Methodist Church at Santa Barbara.Cummins was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Cummins and his hometown in 1945 on page 213.
The bride has been for a number of years a member of the Los Angeles Legal Secretaries Association and of Legal Secretaries, Incorporated, of California. In both organizations she has been an officer.
The wedding party included Ruth Hughes, a Los Angeles friend of the bride; and Warrant Officer Harry Martin of Santa Maria Air Field, a friend of the groom.
To Mr. and Mrs. Gervus Cummins from the Pacific Electric Magazine go hearty congratulations and best wishes for a long and happy wedded Life.
CWO Gervus Cummins…..Los Angeles, CaliforniaThe Ogdensburg Advance-News (New York), November 24, 1946, reported the Air Defense Command’s plan to establish a strong air force reserve. One of the Air Reserve Training Detachments was at Rome Army Air Field in Rome, New York. The Rome Unit covered 25 counties. The officers of the unit were
Commanding Officer … is Major Albert R. Long. On the staff are 1st Lt. Von W. Bottonfield, Engineering Officer; Capt. Aaron E. Caplan, Operations Officer; 1st Lt. Charles K. Eison, Adjutant; and CWO Gervus Cummins, Supply Officer.At some point Cummins moved to California. The 1951 Long Beach, California city directory listed him at 1017d Locust Avenue.
Cummins was discharged on January 31, 1956.
Cummins passed away on August 11, 1992, in Kerrville, Texas. He was laid to rest at Riverside National Cemetery.
DONALD B. DAVIDSON
Donald Byrl Davidson was born on July 21, 1916 in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin according to his World War II draft card.
The 1920 United States census counted Davidson and his parents, Elmer and Lucille, in Clarks Fork, Harding County, South Dakota. The 1930 census and 1935 South Dakota state census said they were Harding County residents.
According to the 1940 census, Davidson lived in Long Beach, California at 1436 Cedar Avenue. He was a chemical engineer.
On October 16, 1940 Davidson signed his draft card. He was employed by the United States Department of Commerce Census Bureau. His description was five feet ten inches, 165 pounds, with brown eyes and hair.
At Sacramento, California Davidson enlisted in the Army Air Corps on February 19, 1942.
In Dona Ana, New Mexico, Davidson married Mary Lou Tiffany on August 28, 1943.
Davidson was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Davidson and his hometown in 1945 on page 213.
Captain Donald B. Davidson…..El Paso, TexasDavidson’s veteran’s file said he served in the Air Force during World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War. He was discharged on July 20, 1976.
Davidson passed away on September 22, 2006 in San Antonio, Texas. He was laid to rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
PAOLING DENG (BERT L. DENG)
Paoling Deng aka Bert L. Deng was born on February 14, 1905 in Shanghai, China. The birth date is from the Social Security Death Index. A passenger list had his birthplace.
On July 13, 1929 twenty-four-year-old “Bao Ling Deng”, a Section 6 student, was aboard the steam ship Shinyo Maru when it departed Shanghai. Before leaving he stayed with Mr. H.W. Barrows, a friend, at 25 Ningkuo Road in Shanghai. The ship arrived at San Francisco, California on August 2, 1929. Deng was admitted on August 15, 1929. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 28217/010-01. Deng’s final destination was the Pacific Union College in Angwin, California.
The 1930 United States census counted “Baoling Deng” at Pacific Union College. He was married. Deng has not yet been found in the 1940 census.
Deng’s World War II draft card and enlistment record are absent at Ancestry.com.
Deng was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Deng and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Paoling Deng (Burt [sic] L. Deng)…..Chicago, IllinoisIn the book he was mentioned on pages 15 and 76.
Deng was a contributor to the squadron’s publication, Gung Ho. The first issue, December 25, 1943, said
Pfc PAOLING DENG, who was responsible for writing most of the Chinese section, was born in China and came to the U. S. 15 years ago. For 4 years to 1942 he studied both fine arts and chemistry at the University of Chicago. As a fine arts man he was worked as commercial illustrator, while as chemist he has been employed as laboratory assistant. During his China days he once served as principal of a school in Shanghai. Right now chemist Deng is assigned to the medical section of our organization, but part of his duties includes lecturing to the medics of other units, giving them the benefit of his chemical knowledge.Gung Ho, No. 4, January 14, 1944, said
…The lone promotion of the week went to Pfc Paoling Deng, who is now T/5 Deng, sir…Gung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
4 EM Become American Citizens.
Until last week Sgt Hing B. Lo, Cpl Paoling Deng, Pfc’s Mee Lun Lee and Henry G. Wong (13) were citizens of the Republic of China, though all of them have been in the U. S. Army for many months, one as long as 1 and a half years.
But last Friday the picture changed for this quartet of young Cantonese. In the courtroom of Federal District Judge Robert R. Nevin, in Dayton, these EM’s took their oaths of naturalization and became full-fledged U. S. Citizens. Looking at these new citizens, snappy in their uniforms of the U. S. Army, Judge Nevin decided it was not necessary to give these men his usual talk on the obligations of Citizenship on such an occasion. For these men were already assuming the obligation of citizenship of their newly adopted country.
Of the 4 men, Cpl Deng was the only one who also took this opportunity to change his Chinese name from Paoling into that of Bert. Cpl Deng hails from the Sun Hing district of Kwongtung province, and has been in the service since June, 1943. …
Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said
….You’d think Cpl Bert Deng doesn’t like the army chow the way he rushed over to the PX for a snack right after KP duty t’other eve…
Gung Ho, No. 9, February 18, 1944, said
…For the record, the oldest EM in the 407th seem to be Cpls Henry Luke and Bert L. Deng…closely followed by Sgts William P. Hsia and Henry B. Lew….and the youngest is Pvt Johnny Quong….their respective ages?….that’s a telling!……
Yank, February 11, 1944, identified the Gung Ho staff.
Anglo-Chinese Paper
Patterson field, Ohio—Newest GI paper on this post is Gung Ho, a six-page mimeographed sheet printed in English and Chinese by members of the 407th Service Squadron.
Staff of this unique publication includes William J. Hoy as editor; Pfc. Paoling Deng, editor of the Chinese section, and Cpl. Yow R. Chinn, Cpl. James G. Jay, Cpl. Richard E. Gee, Pvt. Young Q. Ark, and Pvt. Woo K. Leung, editorial assistants.
After the war Deng returned to Chicago. A family tree at Ancestry.com said he married Helen Kenney Kolthoff (1918–1988). In 1947 their son, Kenney Deng Lin, was born in Chicago. He graduated from Point Loma High School in San Diego, California.
Deng has not yet been found in the 1950 census.
Deng claimed his Social Security benefits on May 13, 1970.
Deng passed away on August 13, 1993. The Social Security Death Index said his last residence was Homestead, Florida.
CHEE O. DER
Chee Ock Der was born on March 20, 1915 in China according to his World War II draft card. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file, number 20355/003-11, had the same date. A passenger list said his birthplace was “Tambin, Hoiping, Kwangtung, China”. The birth year 1913 was on Der’s enlistment records and death certificate.
Seven-year-old Der was aboard the steam ship Colombia when it departed Hong Kong on June 11, 1921. The passenger list said he lived with his mother, Quan Shee, in “Tambin, Hoiping, Kwangtung, China”. Der arrived at San Francisco, California on July 9, 1921. His final destination was to his father, Der Chew Hing, at Mow Lung, 712 Grant Avenue in San Francisco.
Der has not been found in the 1930 and 1940 United States censuses.
On October 16, 1940 Der signed his draft card. His address was 1115 Stockton Street in San Francisco. Der’s description was five feet six inches, 135 pounds, with black eyes and hair.
Seven-year-old Der was aboard the steam ship Colombia when it departed Hong Kong on June 11, 1921. The passenger list said he lived with his mother, Quan Shee, in “Tambin, Hoiping, Kwangtung, China”. Der arrived at San Francisco, California on July 9, 1921. His final destination was to his father, Der Chew Hing, at Mow Lung, 712 Grant Avenue in San Francisco.
Der has not been found in the 1930 and 1940 United States censuses.
On October 16, 1940 Der signed his draft card. His address was 1115 Stockton Street in San Francisco. Der’s description was five feet six inches, 135 pounds, with black eyes and hair.
Der enlisted on April 24, 1943. He may have been naturalized on November 23, 1943 at Cincinnati. The date and city were written on the 1921 passenger list.
Der was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Der and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Chee O. Der…..San Francisco, CaliforniaThe squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 2, December 31, 1943, said
...C.O.D. (Chee O. Der) wants to have his PX gal friend Sylvia mentioned in this column...so here it is, buddy, Now do we get a free beer?Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said
...Talk about details, here’s one that was thrown on the willing shoulders of 12 GI’s on New Years Day...Having used the Loreto Club for our New Year Eve spree the place had to be policed up...so on New Year’s morn Pvts Nem Young [sic], Pong Ng, Wilbert Chung, Pfc’s Goy Chin, Harry King, Cpls Park Chin, John Ung, Ray Fong, Chee O. Der, Stephen Ng, Tonley Ju & S/Sgt. York Kao wore duly selected for this detail...the place was thoroly [sic] GI’d under the direction of 4 members of the club, feminine gender..then the detail was tendered a dinner with the fund remaining from the party...as guests they had the foregoing four ladies.......how nice!Der reenlisted in the Army Air Corps on October 10, 1945. He was discharged on November 17, 1948.
Der has not yet been found in the 1950 census.
Der passed away on January 25, 1979. Corporal Der was laid to rest at the Chinese Christian Cemetery. The headstone application was filed by his wife, “Yuk Y. Der” but the signature looks like “Yuk Hui Der”. It’s not known when and where they married. Her address was 730 Washington Street #403 in San Francisco.
THAEDEUS A. EGNOSKI
Thaedeus Anthony Egnoski was born on October 11, 1920 in Whitewater, Wisconsin according to his Social Security application. His parents were Joseph J. Egnoski and Louise Cygan.
The 1930 United States census counted Egnoski as the fourth of seven siblings. They lived with their parents in Whitewater.
Egnoski has not yet been found in the 1940 census.
In Wisconsin, Egnoski, a farmer, enlisted in the Army Air Corps on September 9, 1940. His veteran’s file said he reenlisted on January 26, 1943.
Egnoski was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Egnoski and his hometown in 1945 on page 213.
WOJG [Warrant Officer Junior Grade] Thaedeus A Egnoski…..Whitewater, WisconsinIn the book Egnoski was mentioned on pages 17, 18, 40, 48, 55, 56, 58, 63, 64 and 223. He was in a photograph on page 57 and the squadron foldout photograph.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 2, December 31, 1943, said
Echoes of the Xmas Party.Gung Ho, No. 4, January 14, 1944, said
‘Twas the night before Christmas—and two hundred GI’s marched noisily into Dayton’s Chungking restaurant, where, in an atmosphere of warmth and good cheer, the squadron made Yuletide fun and frolic. The restaurant was closed to accomodate [sic] this party.
Two hundred fried chicken dinners—and all paid for by the squadron fund—met the hungry gaze of the GI’s, and the bones were quickly picked clean. H. Jim Wing, Chungking’s proprietor, beamed with pride at the thought that his chef’s cuisine delighted his brethren’s palate.
There was a sprinkling of feminine guests at the party—wives and friends. Officers of the 407th who were able to attend included Capt and Mrs. Wilhite, Capt Brown, Lt Byrne and Mr. Egnoski. Also Capt Yuen of the Chinese Air Force, currently at Wright Field.
…Seen & heard at the last squadron shindig at the Loretto: …altho they were 50 miles away on temporary duty in Indiana, WO Egnoski and Sgt Wm Toy dashed across the stateline and came to the party just to be sure they weren’t missing any fun…Gung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
8 EM on Detached Service.Gung Ho, No. 11, March 3, 1944, said
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.
....You day-room generals will be interested in the orientation maps Mr. Egnoski has installed in the Engineering Offices....They are equipped with pins and gadgets to enable accurate postings of all the world battlefields in this war....After the war Egnoski married Betty Conway on November 27, 1946 in Highland Park, Michigan.
Egnoski was discharged on April 13, 1951. The next day he reenlisted in the Air Force and served during the Korean War. He was discharged as a captain on April 30, 1961.
Egnoski passed away on December 23, 1997, in Brevard, Florida. An obituary was published in Florida Today (Cocoa, Florida), December 25, 1997.
Thaedeus EgnoskiEgnoski was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
Melbourne Village—Thaedeus Anthony Egnoski, 77, a retired Air Force captain, died Tuesday, Dec. 23, at home.
Mr. Egnoski was born in Whitewater, Wis. He came to Brevard County in 1957 from England.
He served in the Air Force for more than 21 years and was a veteran of World War II. He also retired as a purchasing agent in civil service at Eastern Test Range.
Mr. Egnoski was past president of Toastmasters International, Retarded Children’s Association and the Meadowlane PTA. He also served the town of Melbourne Village in many capacities including chairman of the Planning Commission.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Betty Egnoski of Melbourne Village; daughters, Susan Egnoski of Zolfo Springs, Diane Egnoski-Kroell of Hinesville, Carolyn Egnoski-Watson of Washington, D.C., Christine Jonas of Tallahassee, and Tina Egnoski of Providence, R.I.; mother, Ruby Conway of Battle Creek, brothers, Leonard Egnoski Robert Egnoski, both of Whitewater; and five grandchildren.
No calling hours are scheduled. Services will be later. Davis Funeral Home in Melbourne is in charge of arrangements.
Donations may be made Alzheimers Association, 1250 S. Harbor City Melbourne, FL 32901.
FONG K. ENG
Fong Kai Eng was born on July 22, 1922 at a village near Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. A passenger list said his birthplace was “Sunning, Kwangtung, China”. Eng’s Social Security application said his parents were Su K. Eng and Wong Shee.
Eleven-year-old “Kai Fong Ng” was aboard the steam ship President Grant when it departed Hong Kong on January 6, 1934. The passenger list said he lived with his mother, Wong Shee, at “Nam On, Sunning, Kwangtung China”. Eng arrived at Seattle, Washington on January 24, 1934 and admitted on January 29, 1934. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 7030/6301. Eng’s final destination was to his cousin, Ng Man Shak, at 416 8th Avenue in Seattle.
Eng has not yet been found in the 1940 United States census. The 1940 and 1941 Seattle city directories listed him at 2215 East Aloha.
Eng was pictured in the Arrow yearbook of Garfield High School. The 1941 Arrow said he transferred from Franklin High School.
The Seattle Times, June 7, 1942, said Eng graduated from Roosevelt High School.
On June 30 1942 Eng signed his draft card. His address was 339 Callow Avenue in Bremerton, Washington. He worked in a machine shop at P.S.N.Y. [Puget Sound Naval Yard] in Bremerton. His description was five feet seven inches, 154 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Eng enlisted in the Army Air Corps on October 21, 1942.
Eng was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Eng and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Fong K. Eng…..Seattle, WashingtonIn the book he was mentioned on pages viii, 10, 12, 18, 24, 31 and 71. Eng appeared in photographs on pages 15, 20, 53 and the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 2, December 31, 1943, said
…Five more EM’s returned from their happy furloughs this week: Pfc’s Fong K Eng, Elwin Ong, John S. Leong, Gin Long [?], and Pvt Robert Jung….Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said
The Tale of a Pig’s Stomach & Other Celestial VictualsGung Ho, No. 12, March 10, 1944, said
There were six celebrants to begin with: Sgt Henry Lew, Cpl Hung-sheung Lee, Pfc’s Gwon J. Lee, Fong K. Eng, Fot Y. Moy, and Pvt Thomas W. Chan. I was the seventh and extra participant.
It was the eve of Chinese New Year and an occasion not to be lightly passed. What if we were four thousand lis from home, strangers in a strange land, and without the proper locale and ingredients for a celebration? The advent of the Year of the Monkey still had to be observed. So thought, Sgt Lew, late of San Francisco Chinatown, and so the others concurred. One must have wine to toast the new dawn, and at least a facsimile of a celestial banquet. Women and songs may be passed over, but viands for the inner man were truly essential.
The esteemable Mr Quan, chef at the Nanking chop suey nookery, was consulted[.] Immobile of feature and calm of demeanor, he viewed the culinary problem amidst a profusion of pots and pans and Chinese frying skillets. The Nanking catered to an American clientele, and only such foods as chop suey and chow mein were served—abominable vittles which the epicures properly hold in disdain. But how could one obtain the ingredients of a feast which would delight the palate of these brethren from afar? Some strategy was required, Mr. Quan observed. He knitted his brow in concentration. Sgt Lew was apprehensive.
The chef’s mettle was challenged, for he must fashion some tasty victuals from very simple ingredients, since the traditional foods were unavailable. Birds’ nest and shark’s fins were but a nostalgic memory here, and there were no condiments and herbs for the preparation of steamed ducks and chickens. And there was likewise no mellow rice wine. It was a culinary situation which called for cleverness and skill adaptation. The artist in Mr. Quan rose to the occasion, for was not every cook worthy of his calling an artist at heart?
So a passable dinner for six hungry celestial GI’s was promised. Sgt Lew departed to rally his five other celebrants together. The chef made this proviso—the dinner was not to be eaten till the Hour of the Serpent, at 9 PM., after the Nanking had closed its doors for the day. This was necessary to allow the chef time to do the cooking, and permit the diners to sample the dishes at their leisure and in a semblance of privacy.
At five, out of curiosity, I made a reconnaissance of the kitchen. All I saw were three pots, tightly covered, with food being steamed from Chinese iron-cast cooking pans. Dried bean curd was being steamed in one pot and dired [sic] oysters in anohter [sic], and both were later to be concocted into a soup. From the third pot came a faintly familiar and pleasant aroma.
“That,” the chef explained, “is a pig’s stomach. I was fortunate in getting a good one today, fresh and full of gastric juice.”
Pig’s stomach! (chu tu) A food as common as salt, yet, properly prepared, an epicure’s delight. Properly steamed en casserole with soup and condiments, the resultant meat fulfilled the Chiness [sic] gourmand’s three tests of a food’s virtue: taste, tenderness and crispiness.
The honorable Quan was speaking again: “I shall blend the pig’s stomach later with the bean curd and oysters. Then will be added water-chestnuts, slices of abalone, and fresh pork for additional taste. A dash of dried peppers will give the soup a special tang. It’s all a matter of blending the ingredients.”
At 8 o’clock the celebrants had arrived, adequately equipped with alcoholic liquid to do the occasion justice. With commendable patience they sat and waited. A bottle was uncorked. Talk of old times and other Chinese New Years filled the little restaurant.
And at the Hour of the Serpent the viands were brought forth, all steaming hot. All except the plate of boiled chicken, which must be cold and must be flavored with freshly prepared mustard and soy sauce. The skin of the chicken had the proper degree of yellow hue, signifying it was cooked just right, and the meat was snow-white.
There was a dish of fried prawns, large shrimps cooked in catsup in their shells until they took on the color of ripe tomatoes. Each prawn reposed on the plate in the shape of a red crescent moon.
There was barbecued spareribs—chopped into cubes and fried in deep fat and then poured over with gravy compounded of many condiments. Shredded green onions over the top gave the dish a touch of vivid color.
Then there were small shrimps finely diced and fried with several varieties of vegetables. It was a dish notable for its crunching crispiness and its colors of pink and green and brown.
There was a plate of crispy siu choy, the vegetable-that-looks-like-dragon-teeth. It wasn’t fried, as was the usual custom, but broiled to a crisp brown, them lightly fried with a portion of the pig’s stomach that was not used for soup. Siu Choy and chu tu—an unbeatable combination for crispiness and taste!
All these and wine too. Pvt Chan rose and toasted the gathering. The viands gradually vanished, though the soup bowls were replenished more then [sic] once. Pfc Moy, his moon-face now rosy, likewise proposed a toast. The wine bottle emptied.
When the Hour of the Rat was in its half-way mark, which is midnight, the good was all consumed. It was then that chef Quan came out form his kitchen nook. His eyes swept the empty dishes on the table, and his head nodded in satisfaction. Respectfully, the celebrants rose as one man and prevailed upon him to sip a toast to the coming year.
The Year of the Monkey was thus ushered in. The celebrants, though far from home, we're happy for the moment. The party was over.
....W. H.
…..For a case of flicker jitters take “The Uninvited” pic which was viewed in the area picturehoude [sic] the other eve….what with its eerie ectoplasm and shrieks in the nite it was calculated to chill the spines of the most courageous….Pfc Fong K. Eng, at least, succumbed to the ghostly spell and many a stifled scream emanated from his lips as the picture progressed….Gung Ho, No. 14, March 24, 1944, said
Glimpses: ....Pfc Fong K Eng getting serious and reading Carey McWilliams’ “Brothers Under the Skin”....After the war Eng returned to Seattle. Eng is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project.
On July 17, 1949 Eng married Marion Yee. The 1950 census counted them in Seattle at 105 14th Avenue, apartment 38. He was an aircraft mechanic at an airplane factory. The same address was in the 1951 city directory which had Boeing Aircraft Company as Eng’s employer. Directories from 1953 to 1959 had his address as 229 31st Avenue N and the same employer.
Eng passed away on March 18, 2003. The same obituary appeared March 23, 2003 in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and Seattle Times.
Fong Kai Eng
Age 80, passed away to be with the Lord on March 18, 2003 in Seattle. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Marion; three daughters, Tina Eng, Sharon Eng and Debbie (Gordon) Chan, and two sisters in Singapore and Malaysia. He also enjoyed his last years with his granddaughter Celia Chan and the family dog, Rosie. He is preceded in death by his eldest daughter Patricia, and now happily joins her in Heaven. Visitation will begin Sunday (today) at 10 a.m. at Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Home and will continue until service time. Funeral Services will be Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at 10 a.m. and will be conducted at Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Chapel, 11111 Aurora Ave. N, Seattle. Remembrances may be made to Seattle Keiro, 1601 E. Yesler Way, Seattle, 98122 or Seattle Chinese Alliance Church, 2803 S. Orcas, Seattle, 98108. Please sign the online memorial book at www.evergreen-washelli.com
HOMER K. H. ENG
Homer Kai-Horn Eng was born on December 8, 1924 in Seattle, Washington according to his World War II draft card. His death certificate said his parents were Mai Hong Eng (father) and Kai Wah Eng (mother).
In the 1930 United States census Eng was the fifth of seven siblings. They lived with their parents in Seattle at 1835 King Street. His father was a wholesale merchant.
The 1940 census counted eight members in the Eng household which lived at the same address.
In 1941 Eng crossed the border into Canada. On his return he arrived at Blaine, Washington on October 5, 1941. The manifest recorded the names “Eng Homer Homer Eng (Ng Kai Houn Homer)”. He was a student and newsboy.
In 1942 Eng graduated from Garfield High School.
Homer Kai-Horn Eng was born on December 8, 1924 in Seattle, Washington according to his World War II draft card. His death certificate said his parents were Mai Hong Eng (father) and Kai Wah Eng (mother).
In the 1930 United States census Eng was the fifth of seven siblings. They lived with their parents in Seattle at 1835 King Street. His father was a wholesale merchant.
The 1940 census counted eight members in the Eng household which lived at the same address.
In 1941 Eng crossed the border into Canada. On his return he arrived at Blaine, Washington on October 5, 1941. The manifest recorded the names “Eng Homer Homer Eng (Ng Kai Houn Homer)”. He was a student and newsboy.
In 1942 Eng graduated from Garfield High School.
On December 26, 1942 Eng signed his draft card. His address was 1835 King Street. He was a student at the University of Washington. Eng was described as five feet nine inches, 138 pounds, with brown eyes and hair.
The date of his enlistment is not known.
Eng was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Eng and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Homer K.H. Eng…..Seattle, WashingtonIn the book Eng appeared in photographs on pages 16, 20, 51, 53, 56 and the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 1, December 25, 1943, said
...Talk about happy smiling faces, you should see the countenances of those lucky boys who returned this week from furlough...How about that, Sgts Andrew Lee, Wm Quan, Cpls Fong Lee, Wilfred Eng, Tonley Ju, Mon F. Fong, Benson Lee, Pfc’s Din Lew, Homer Eng, Roland Gee, Howe Jay, Chin Ying, Pvts John J. Lee and Henry Wong (30)?.....Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Private First Class Eng was promoted to Corporal.
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. 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. 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. 13, March 17, 1944, said
.....Pfc Bot L. Wong is giving a few pointers on dancing to Pvt Seam H. Wong....with Cpl Homer KH Fong [sic] as a velly interested spectator....Gung Ho, No. 14, March 24, 1944, said
….Cpl Homer KH Eng long distanced on his own hook…buzzing his way to Dee-troit, where, they say, a gal named May hello-ed back.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.After the war Eng returned to Seattle.
According to the 1950 census, Eng lived with his parents and siblings in Seattle at 1835 King Street. He was the proprietor of a grocery store.
The 1951 Seattle city directory listed Eng’s home address as 2122 14th Avenue S. He worked at the H & K Grocery & Market.
The Northwest Times (Seattle, Washington), October 15, 1952, said Eng was in a bowling league.
Blue Monday league officially opens Monday, Oct. 20, in Main Bowl, it was announced.A month later Eng passed away on November 16, 1952, in Seattle.
Last Monday night, the following bowlers showed up for practice: ... Kai H. Eng, ...
HONG D. ENG
Hong Doon Eng was born on September 12, 1911 in China according to World War II draft card. His veteran’s file and Social Security Death Index had the birth year 1910. A passenger list said his birthplace was “Har Pin, Sun Ning, China”.
Nine-year-old “Hong Doon Ng” and his father, Ng Ham Yat, were abroad the steam ship Empress of Japan when it departed Hong Kong on June 25, 1919. They had stayed in “Sun Ning, China” with Eng’s mother, Li Shee. They arrived at Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on July 15, 1919. The ship Princess Adelaide took them to Seattle, Washington on the same day. Eng’s father was admitted on July 16, 1919, and Eng a week later. Their final destination was 416 8th Avenue in Seattle.
The Seattle Daily Times, December 27, 1920, published an article about the Chinese and Japanese students of the Main Street School and said
... “Our children are very responsive,” said Miss Benson, “and quick to learn. Hong Doon Eng, 10 years old, although but one year in America, has already made three promotions. The parents of our students support us loyally, and the community at large is solidly back of our work, which, we believe, has a great part of play in the future of our city.”In 1928 Eng returned to China. “Hong Doon Ng” was abroad the steam ship President Grant when it departed Hong Kong on April 15, 1930. He was married to Lee Shee and they lived at “Har Ping Chuen, Sunning, Kwangtung, China”. Eng arrived at Seattle on May 3, 1930. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 7030/6098. His final destination was the Wah Young Co. at 416 8th Avenue in Seattle.
On November 25, 1933 Eng began his travel to China. He stayed with his wife at “Har Ping, Toyshan, Kwangtung, China”. Eng was aboard the steam ship President Jefferson when it departed Hong Kong on July 7, 1936. He arrived at Seattle, Washington on July 24, 1936. His final destination was Wah Young at 416 8th Avenue in Seattle.
Eng has not been found in the 1940 United States census.
On October 16, 1940 Eng signed his draft card. His address was 29–31 Bayard Street in New York Chinatown. He was described as five feet six inches, 135 pounds, with black eyes and hair. Eng worked at the New Canton Restaurant, 109 West 49th Street in Manhattan.
Eng enlisted on May 3, 1943.
Eng was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Eng and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Hong D. Eng…..New York, New YorkEng was discharged on December 12, 1945.
In 1948 “Hong Doon Ng” traveled to China. He was aboard the steam ship President Wilson when it departed Hong Kong on January 15, 1949. The ship arrived at San Francisco on February 3, 1949. His address was 31 Bayard Street, Apt. #1, in New York Chinatown.
Eng passed away on August 26, 1982. A funeral notice appeared in the Seattle Times, September 1, 1982.
See Din Eng aka Hong D. Ng
Survived by wife, Mrs. Shun Bow Eng; daughters, Mrs. Wing Sim Toy, Mrs. Wing Ching Chin, all of Seattle; son, Jin Foy Ng, Arlington, Va.; nine grandchildren. Member of Hip Sing Tong; Lt. B.R. Kimlau Post, American Legion, New York. Serves Saturday, 1 p.m.
Butterworth-Manning-Ashmore
300 East Pine
Burial, Resthaven
WAI N. ENG
Wai Num Eng was born on May 28, 1923 at Auburndale, New York according to his World War II draft card. His Social Security application and Chinese Exclusion Act case file said his birthplace was Albany. Eng’s parents were Do Y. Eng and Low Moy.
Four-year-old Eng and his family began their trip to China on October 11, 1927. They were not counted in the 1930 and 1940 United States censuses.
Eighteen-year-old Eng was aboard the steam ship President Coolidge when it departed Shanghai, China on June 19, 1941. He had lived with his mother, “Eng Kwai Sheu”, at “Sai Ying, Ahnwei, China”. Eng arrived in San Francisco on July 3, 1941. His final destination was Rochester, New York where his sister, Lois Eng, was at 98 James Street. (At the New York branch of the National Archives, Eng’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 68, 36.10, in box 312. Eng’s sister returned in April 1940 and married Yuen Lew in New Jersey. They lived in Rochester, New York. In 1946 she was the typist demonstrating IBM’s Electric Chinese Typewriter.)
On June 30, 1942 Eng signed his draft card. His address was 41-51 Main Street in Flushing, Queens, New York. At the same address was Will Moy who was the brother of Eng’s mother. Eng was described as five feet three inches, 122 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Eng’s veteran’s file said he enlisted on December 25, 1942.
Eng was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Eng and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Wai N. Eng…..Flushing, New YorkEng was discharged on January 9, 1946.
Eng sailed on the ship Marine Lynx which departed New York City on September 12, 1947. He arrived at Los Angeles, California on September 26, 1947. The purpose of the trip is not known.
The 1957 Rochester city directory listed Eng, a laundry worker, at 477 Alexander Street.
Eng passed away on December 27, 1998. The Social Security Death Index said his last residence was Rochester. Eng was laid to rest at White Haven Memorial Park in Pittsford, New York. (In the search box enter Wai Num Eng.)
WILFRED R. ENG
Wilfred R. Eng was born on August 27, 1924 in San Francisco, California according to his World War II draft card. The California Birth Index, at Ancestry.com, spelled his surname Ng.
In the 1930 United States census Eng was the fifth of six siblings. Their parents were Ming, a restaurant waiter, and Lew Shee. They were Oakland residents at 1804 11th Avenue. They had the same address in 1940.
The Oakland Tribune, February 11, 2003, reported the reunion of Chinese American World War II veterans. The reporter talked to Eng who said he was an Oakland High School senior when he was drafted.
On December 15, 1942 Eng signed his draft card. His address was unchanged. Eng was a civil service employee at the Alameda Naval Air Station. His description was five feet five inches, 120 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Eng enlisted on June 11, 1943.
Eng was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Eng and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Wilfred R. Eng…..Oakland, CaliforniaIn the book he was mentioned on page 18 and appeared in photographs on pages 56 and 63.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 1, December 25, 1943, said
...Talk about happy smiling faces, you should see the countenances of those lucky boys who returned this week from furlough...How about that, Sgts Andrew Lee, Wm Quan, Cpls Fong Lee, Wilfred Eng, Tonley Ju, Mon K. Fong, Benson Lee, Pfc’s Din Lew, Homer Eng, Roland Gee, Howe Jay, Cinh Ying, Pmts John J. Lee and Henry Wong (30)?.........Gung Ho, No. 2, December 31, 1943, said
Echoes of the Xmas Party.Gung Ho, No. 10, February 25, 1944, said
‘Twas the night before Christmas—and two hundred GI’s marched noisily into Dayton’s Chungking restaurant, where, in an atmosphere of warmth and good cheer, the squadron made Yuletide fun and frolic. The restaurant was closed to accomodate [sic] this party.
Two hundred fried chicken dinners—and all paid for by the squadron fund—met the hungry gaze of the GI’s, and the bones were quickly picked clean. H. Jim Wing, Chungking’s proprietor, beamed with pride at the thought that his chef’s cuisine delighted his brethren’s palate.
But before the food was served there was a round of entertainment, beginning with the singing of Christmas carols, led by Cpls Raymond K. Fong and Wilfred R. Eng. Then come some shorts acts and dancing and singing, provided through the efforts of the post special service officer. The acts by “Miss Joyce,” especially, drew hearty applause.
There was a sprinkling of feminine guests at the party—wives and friends. Officers of the 407th who were able to attend included Capt and Mrs. Wilhite, Capt Brown, Lt Byrne and Mr. Egnoski. Also Capt Yuen of the Chinese Air Force, currently at Wright Field.
MEN OF THE 407TH—MAKE MUSIC? CAN DO!Gung Ho, No. 14, March 24, 1944, said
The 407th EM may never make history, but, by the beard of Confucius, they are determined to make music.
For several months now certain jive-loving squadron EM have been tooting their saxophones and strumming their string instruments individually in the peace and quiet (!) of their respective barracks after the sun goes down. Most of these music-loving souls hailed from San Francisco’s Chinatown, where the strident rhapsodies of old Canton vied with the jazzing of Duke Ellington to make life a wee bit trying to the older generation.
When some of these boys marched off to war and joined the 407th some months ago, their instruments came along with their GI duds. Three members who had played together on the same band in SF Chinatown found themselves side by side again. They yearned mightily to be in the groove once more, but the opportunities were lacking, and certain needed instruments were scarcer that the eggs of an ancient turtle.
But this week the glimmer of a 407th orchestra began to take shape. Ten EM—8 of them Californians—decided that a certain amount of jiving was possible with the material at hand. After some efforts, a set of drums materialized. And already available were saxophones, clarinet, and violins. Plus a ready-made voxcalist [sic] Raymond K. Fong, of Stockton, Calif., who has had radio and stage singing experience. Other members of this aggregation of celestial cacophonist include:
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. …
….Music in the nite: The squadron orch is really putting in some super practice sessions these days—we mean nites….with Cpl William Hing at the clarinet, pic Elwin Ong at the drums, and with three sax’s in hands of Cpls Al Fong and Wilfred Eng and Pfc Henry Leong, they’re getting in the groove….even tho the violinists and pianist weren’t there….they had several spectators t’other nite, tho they didn’t know it,….the latter were some EM from another nearby sqdn..peeking in thru the windows….After the war Eng returned to California. The Oakland Tribune said he was an airplane mechanic for two years and seven months. Eng is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List and the U.S. Army Veterans Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project.
The 1948 Palo Alto, California city directory listed Eng and his wife, Lillie, at 2148 Cooley Avenue. Eng was a postal carrier.
The 1950 census counted Eng, his wife and sister-in-law at the same address. He was a post office clerk. Later in the 1950s, Eng moved to Oakland at 2135 East 28th.
Eng was one of the subjects in the November 11, 2003 Oakland Tribune article about how they faced discrimination and served in the war. He was one of the veterans in the October 2, 2009 SFGate article, “WWII all-Chinese American unit reminisces”.
On September 29, 2011 Eng left a comment at Jaybird’s Jottings, Flying Tigers Reunite in the Big Apple.
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