ALBERT FONG (ALBERT J. FONG)
Albert J. Fong was born on January 13, 1925 in San Francisco, California according to his World War II draft card and birth certificate. His parents were Bing Shun Fong and Kin Haw Lee.
The 1930 United States census counted Fong’s parents and seven children of whom five were born in California and two in France. However, these seven children were not in the 1940 census. It’s not known who they really were. Fong’s father, an import-export business merchant, resided at 10 Brooklyn Place in San Francisco.
During the census enumeration, five-year-old Fong, his mother and three siblings were in China. On May 29, 1930, they were aboard the steam ship Chichibu Maru when it departed Hong Kong. They arrived in San Francisco on June 19, 1930. Fong’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 29281/011-05. Their final destination was to B.S. Fong, the children’s father, at 466 Bush Street in San Francisco.
The 1940 census said the Fong family of six continued to live at the same address.
Fong was a student at Galileo High School.
Albert J. Fong was born on January 13, 1925 in San Francisco, California according to his World War II draft card and birth certificate. His parents were Bing Shun Fong and Kin Haw Lee.
The 1930 United States census counted Fong’s parents and seven children of whom five were born in California and two in France. However, these seven children were not in the 1940 census. It’s not known who they really were. Fong’s father, an import-export business merchant, resided at 10 Brooklyn Place in San Francisco.
During the census enumeration, five-year-old Fong, his mother and three siblings were in China. On May 29, 1930, they were aboard the steam ship Chichibu Maru when it departed Hong Kong. They arrived in San Francisco on June 19, 1930. Fong’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 29281/011-05. Their final destination was to B.S. Fong, the children’s father, at 466 Bush Street in San Francisco.
The 1940 census said the Fong family of six continued to live at the same address.
Fong was a student at Galileo High School.
On January 13, 1943 Fong signed his draft card. His address was 10 Brooklyn Place, apartment 1. He was described as five feet seven inches, 138 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Fong enlisted on January 25, 1943.
Fong was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Fong and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Albert Fong (Albert J. Fong)…..San Francisco, CaliforniaIn the book Fong was mentioned or photographed on pages vi, vii, viii, 8, 10, 18, 19, 27, 31, 57, 63, 70 and 73.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 2, December 31, 1943, said
Basketball Game.Gung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said Fong substituted for Henry Leong in the game against Aviation Squadron “B”.
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.Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Private First Class Fong was promoted to Corporal.
The basketball team was mentioned in Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944.
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.
Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said
Basketball Team Plays Two More Games.
The 407th casaba contingent was kept busy on the eve and the first day of Chinese New Year. These athletic sessions did not prevent the players from celebrating the festival, but they did interrupt the celebration.
Playing on its 10th game in the current Patterson Field intra-squadron series against the Base Hospital team the 407th came thru with a victorious score of 47 to 22. The starting lineup were Murphy Quan, Albert Fong, John Leong, Peter K. Gee and Henry Leong.
Murphy, playing forward, was high scoring man, making no less than 28 points, which was more than the opposing team got in their entire game. Murphy now has 91 points to his credit in the series, and this puts him up among the first five high scoring men in the league.
The following evening, playing the ASTU (Army Specialized Training Unit) team at the U. of Dayton gym, the 407th was defeated by a score of 44 to 28. However, this trouncing did not affect the squadron team’s standing in the league series, as this was an extra-mural games, played at the ASTU’s invitation. The 407th starting lineup for this game was the same as the previous night’s game except for Ben Louie, who replaced John S. Leong.
The 407th team’s next intra-squadron game will be played Feb. 2 against the 9th Reporting Detachment. The chances for winning, according to our team, are fifty-fifty.
Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said
Casaba Quintet Plays 11th Game.
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. 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.
Gung Ho, No. 8, February 11, 1944, said
A Round Dozen.
The 407th casaba quintet this week chalked up another victory in the Paterson Field intra-squadron basketball series.
Playing its 12th game against the 1st Plant Maintenance Squadron, our team came through with a score of 36 to 24, thus eliminating another opponent.
Murphy Quan continued sinking the goals, logging 19 points for this game. This brings his league totals now to 124 points and puts him among the top three players in this series. Albert Fong chalked up 9 points and brought his total score up to 68 points.
This game was marked throughout with plenty of floorwork and rough and tumble playing. At one point Harry Q. Wong, jumping up to retrieve the ball from under the basket, was clipped on the head by an opponent, and sent sprawling to the floor, completely K. O’d.
With about three more games in the series to be played off, the 407th has an even chance of getting up to the top five. It is now in six[th] place. As for individual high scoring, Murphy Quan has more than an even chance to be the top scoring man in the entire series. The ex-star player of the former crack Nom Wah basketball team in San Francisco is doing all right.
A Round Dozen.
The 407th casaba quintet this week chalked up another victory in the Paterson Field intra-squadron basketball series.
Playing its 12th game against the 1st Plant Maintenance Squadron, our team came through with a score of 36 to 24, thus eliminating another opponent.
Murphy Quan continued sinking the goals, logging 19 points for this game. This brings his league totals now to 124 points and puts him among the top three players in this series. Albert Fong chalked up 9 points and brought his total score up to 68 points.
This game was marked throughout with plenty of floorwork and rough and tumble playing. At one point Harry Q. Wong, jumping up to retrieve the ball from under the basket, was clipped on the head by an opponent, and sent sprawling to the floor, completely K. O’d.
With about three more games in the series to be played off, the 407th has an even chance of getting up to the top five. It is now in six[th] place. As for individual high scoring, Murphy Quan has more than an even chance to be the top scoring man in the entire series. The ex-star player of the former crack Nom Wah basketball team in San Francisco is doing all right.
Gung Ho, No. 9, February 18, 1944, said
The Unlucky 13th.
The numerical symbol of universal bad luck hit the 407th’s basketball aggregation last week when it played its 13th game in the intra-squadron series against the Hqs ASC quintet. It was the 13th game, and it was played on a Friday. And there were 13 players in the team.
The starting line-up included Murphy Quan, Albert Fong, Ben Louie, Henry Leong, and Henry Wong (13). Our team led the game all the way until the end of the third quarter. Then, at the last quarter, the opposing team begin to break loose with a few goals. At the end of the game the score was tied—25 to 25.
A 3-minute overtime was played. The opposing made one foul goal—and won the game by that one single point.
For the 407th team, Albert Fong was high scorer, turning in 11 points. Murphy Quan followed with a total of 6 points. That half a dozen digits, though, placed Quan as the highest individual scorer in the league series. At the end of the game that night he had totaled 130 points.
As of last Friday, the 407th casaba team’s standing in the series was, 6 games won and 7 games lost, with about 2 more games to go.
Gung Ho, No. 10, February 25, 1944, said
Cpl Albert Fong is another saxophonist. He was a fife player, too, and belonged to the Chinese Drum, Fife, and Bungle [sic] Corps back home. Gung Ho, No. 11, March 3, 1944, said
Cpl Albert Fong was also in the roster of high individual scorers, getting in 8th place. He turned in 87 total points in twelve games. The team itself participated in fifteen games in all.
Gung Ho, No. 13, March 17, 1944, said
SQUADRON QUINTET WINS CONSOLATION TROPHY
By defeating the 478th Air Base Sqdn to the tune of 28–26 the 407th basketball team this week won the consolation trophy in the current Post league tournament.
There was double satisfaction in winning this game, for the 478th had beaten our team in the previous intra-squadron tournament.
The starting lineup for the 407th included Murphy Quan, Albert Fong, Ben Louie, Henry Wong (30), and Henry Leong.
Almost at the end of the game, with only 4 minutes to go, Henry Wong fell and sprained his ankle. David Fong substituted for him and helped to sustain our team’s speedy playing. Murphy Quan piled up 13 points to maintain his high scoring record.
The consolation trophy has been awarded to the team. The quintet has played its second and last tournament for the season but by no means has it played its last game. Meanwhile, Murphy Quan continues to play forward with the Patterson Field All-Stars. This group was honored last Saturday evening with a special banquet at the service club.
Gung Ho, No. 14, March 24, 1944, said
….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….
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.
...Short Shorties: Calvin Huie said it wasn’t Albert F.L. Fong who gave him the bloody nose in the little boxing tilt as reported last week, but plain Albert (NMI) Fong...
After the war Fong returned to San Francisco. Fong is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project. The Library of Congress has the Albert J. Fong Collection.
Fong’s father passed away on October 10, 1947.
The 1950 census recorded Fong’s mother as head of the household which included Fong, his brother, Wilmer, and sister, Florinda plus her husband and son. They all lived in San Francisco at 1429 Jackson Street.
Fong married Marigold S. Fong on July 30, 1950 in San Francisco.
At Stanford University Fong received his degree in medicine in 1956.
Fong’s first wife, Marigold, passed away on January 7, 1972. He remarried several years later. His mother passed away on May 21, 1988.
Fong was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle, October 2, 2009, article “WWII Flying Tigers’ fighting spirit”. The caption of the scrapbook photograph said
Fong’s father passed away on October 10, 1947.
The 1950 census recorded Fong’s mother as head of the household which included Fong, his brother, Wilmer, and sister, Florinda plus her husband and son. They all lived in San Francisco at 1429 Jackson Street.
Fong married Marigold S. Fong on July 30, 1950 in San Francisco.
At Stanford University Fong received his degree in medicine in 1956.
Fong’s first wife, Marigold, passed away on January 7, 1972. He remarried several years later. His mother passed away on May 21, 1988.
Fong was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle, October 2, 2009, article “WWII Flying Tigers’ fighting spirit”. The caption of the scrapbook photograph said
Albert Fong kept a collection of photos of the Chinese American who served in the Flying Tigers.
The SF Gate online version, “WWII all-Chinese American unit reminisces”, said
Dr. Albert Fong’s collection of photos of The “Flying Tigers,” the Chinese American pilots who flew in the 14th Air Force in World War II. This year’s anniversary in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, September 9, 2009, brought together pilots now in their 80s and 90s, to share stories of what life in the Bay Area was like before the war, what it felt like being drafted, and how it felt to be a part of the crew that flew the china Burma India theater of operations.
Fong passed away on March 30, 2020 in Novato, California. An obituary appeared in the Marin Independent Journal, April 19, 2020 and at Legacy.com.
ALBERT F. L. FONG
Albert Fook Lay Fong was born on December 9, 1923 in Oakland, California according to his World War II draft card.
Fong was not been found the 1930 United States census.
On August 11, 1933 twelve-year-old “Fook Lay Fong” and his father, Share Young Fong, began their trip to China. Fong and his father were aboard the steam ship President Hoover when it departed Hong Kong on June 13, 1936. They had been in Hong Kong where Fong’s mother, Mark Shee, lived. Father and son arrived in San Francisco on July 1, 1936 and admitted that day. Their final destination was to Lee Wing, a friend, at 182 Grant Avenue in San Francisco.
Fong was not been found the 1940 census.
On June 30, 1942 Fong signed his draft card. His address was 734 40th Street in Oakland. His description was five feet three inches, 132 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He was a student.
Albert J. Fong, M.D. 1925–2020
Albert was born in San Francisco, CA in 1925 and passed peacefully in his home in Novato, CA after a long illness on March 30, 2020. He was predeceased by his parents, Bing Shun Fong and Emily Lee Fong; his first wife, Marigold Fong; and his sister, Florinda Huang. Albert is survived by his wife of 45 years, JoAnne K. Fong; his sons, Jonathon Fong (Barbara) and Joel David Fong; his step-children, Michael E. Curr (Susan) and Susan Anello (Anthony); his grand-children, Jade Weymouth, Michael E. Curr, Jr. (Michala), Anthony Anello, Jr. and Anne Alisa Fong; and a great-grandson, Michael D. Curr; his brothers, Matthew Fong (Ma Ling) and Wilmer Fong; and many nieces and nephews.
After growing up in San Francisco and graduating from Galileo High School, Albert joined the US Army. He served during WWII as an Aircraft Instrument Specialist in China, Burma and India. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, Albert applied at UC Berkeley and Stanford University. Accepted at both, he chose Stanford University. He earned his undergraduate studies and graduated from Stanford University with a degree in medicine in 1956. Albert did a two year residency in Santa Rosa, specializing in Anesthesia and Family Medicine.
Albert moved to Novato in 1959 and started a private practice in Family Medicine. Upon completion of the brand new Novato General Hospital, Albert was a member of the Novato surgical team as their anesthesiologist. He was dedicated and worked long hours serving his community before retiring from medicine in 1997. He was a well respected physician in the medical community among both colleagues and patients. Albert was one of a handful of local physicians instrumental in the start of Novato General Hospital and part of a small group of doctors that built Indian Valley Medical Center. He will be dearly missed by his family and remain in our hearts and thoughts forever. Memorial Services are not planned because of the COVID-19 restrictions.
ALBERT F. L. FONG
Albert Fook Lay Fong was born on December 9, 1923 in Oakland, California according to his World War II draft card.
Fong was not been found the 1930 United States census.
On August 11, 1933 twelve-year-old “Fook Lay Fong” and his father, Share Young Fong, began their trip to China. Fong and his father were aboard the steam ship President Hoover when it departed Hong Kong on June 13, 1936. They had been in Hong Kong where Fong’s mother, Mark Shee, lived. Father and son arrived in San Francisco on July 1, 1936 and admitted that day. Their final destination was to Lee Wing, a friend, at 182 Grant Avenue in San Francisco.
Fong was not been found the 1940 census.
On June 30, 1942 Fong signed his draft card. His address was 734 40th Street in Oakland. His description was five feet three inches, 132 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He was a student.
The Oakland Tribune, February 11, 2003, reported the reunion of Chinese American World War II veterans. The reporter talked to Fong who said he was an Oakland High School senior when he was drafted. His father operated a laundry.
Fong enlisted on June 22, 1943. (His surname was misspelled Feng.)
Fong was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Fong and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Albert F.L. Fong…..Oakland, CaliforniaIn the book Fong was mentioned or photographed on pages 15, 20, 39 and 56. He was also in the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Private Fong was promoted Private First Class.
Gung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
…..Shades of One Wing Low! A rash of ocarina and tonette amateur players has broken out in the squadron…..to date at least seven feverish GI’s, suddenly stricken with this musical disease…and have filled the barracks with weird and unearthly sounds…mostly during the dark of night. Nightly they congregate in small groups and proceed to do what they termed practicing, bringing out their “directions for playing” charts….Their ears deaf to the entreaty of bunk buddies, they wailed and blowed on their miniature instruments.Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944 said
…..As for the names of these torturers they consist thus far of Cpl John Ung, Sgt Andrew Kan, Cpl Eugene Szeto, Pvt Henry S.Y. Wong, Pfc Harry G King, Cpl Albert F. L. Fong, and Pvt Harry Lim…..
….while in another corner Sgts George Shue and Andy Kan, Cpls Elwood Lew and Fred Ko, Pfc’s Harry King and Albert FL Fong, Pvts York Q. Luke and Yee T. Yook scribbled autographs in Chinese and American to a group of lassies…
…on t’other hand Pfc Albert S. [sic] L. Fong’s dimples so flustered one gal she dropped an iron rod smack on his wrist…next thing he knew he was swathed in bandages…cause the rod was red hot….Gung Ho, No. 12, March 10, 1944, said
…..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….On the other hand, Pfc Albert F. L. Fong waved the whole pic aside as something to scare the children only….Yeah, until he went outside and a cat scurried across his path….and he jumped almost out of his GI boots….Gung Ho, No. 13, March 17, 1944, said
….A practical demonstration on how to fashion a pair of slippers was given t’other noontime by Pfc Albert FL Fong….It’s a transformation act actually….You merely take a sharp knife and a pair of worn civvies and proceed to whittle down the top parts off of ’em…and you get a pair of sturdy slippers in no time, brethren….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 Fong returned to Oakland. He is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition Project. Fong is on page 30 of the Digital Program Booklet Volume Two.
...Short Shorties: Calvin Huie said it wasn’t Albert F.L. Fong who gave him the bloody nose in the little boxing tilt as reported last week, but plain Albert (NMI) Fong...
Fong has not been found in the 1950 census. Oakland directories, from 1951 to 1955, listed him at 734 40th Street.
Fong passed away on May 16, 2021 and was laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery.
DAVID FONG
David Fong was born on November 9, 1924, in Oakland, California, according to his World War II draft card and Social Security application. His parents were Lun Ming Fong and Tom Shee.
The 1930 United States census counted Fong as the fifth of six siblings. Their father was a cashier at a grocery store. The family of eight resided in San Francisco at 621 Clay Street. The census had Chinese names for all the children. Fong’s first name was Sun.
In the 1940 census Fong, his parents and siblings lived at 645 Pacific Avenue in San Francisco.
On December 29, 1942 Fong signed his draft card. His address was 1238 Stockton Street. He was a student. Fong’s description was five feet five inches, 120 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Fong enlisted on June 19, 1943.
Fong was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Fong and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
David Fong…..San Francisco, CaliforniaIn the book he appeared in a photograph on page 10.
The squadron publication, Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said
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.Gung Ho, No. 9, February 18, 1944, said
MEN OF THE 407THGung Ho, No. 13, March 17, 1944, said
CASABA TOSSING CELESTIALS
There is one outstandingly interesting thing about the 407th basketball team. And that’s in the fact that out of 13 players 11 are from San Francisco. Of the remaining two, one is from Oakland, Calif., and the other from New York City. This makes a total of 12 Californians out of a team of 13 players.
We might mention in passing that Sgt Woodrow Chan, the team’s manager, is from Long Island, N. Y. while property manager Pfc Elvin Ong is also from Frisco. But we might add that Woody is a native-born Californian.
What does all these statistics prove? Nothing very much perhaps, except that wherever you find a bunch of San Francisco Chinatown boys together you are bound to find some good basketball players among them. The largest Chinatown in the U. S. is the home of the best casaba tossing celestials to be found in the country. They are familiar with all the favorite sports of the American people, but for some reason they excel in basketball. Give the average SF Chinatown boy a gym or a backyard with a couple of baskets and a ball, and he will feel at home. The casaba tossers of the 407th were weaned in the basketball countts [sic] of St. Mary’s School, the Chinese YMCA, the French School, the Chinese Playground, the Commodore Stockton School—all inside the purlieu of S F Chinatown.
Take Sgt Murphy Quan for instance. A San Franciscan by birth and domicile, he has been tossing the casaba around since he could run. When he graduated from Mission High, where he was a basketball player on the varsity quintet, he started playing with the various Chinatown A. C’s—the small little clubs that used to come and go. Murphy didn’t care which club he played under, so long as he could toss that ball around.
He finally teamed up with the Nom Wah, Chinatown’s crack basketball outfit. The Nom Wah developed slowly, but at the height of its splendor it had practically all the best casaba players to be found in the community. The skill and prowess of its players was something to see & admire. Murphy played under the Nom Wah banner for years and became one of its outstanding players. His team played not only in SF, but also in Sacramento, Stockton, Los Angeles etc. It entered as many leagues and tournaments as it could handle. Winning 3 leagues in one season was one of Nam Wah’s crowning achievements, and Murphy was in there pit Ching for all he was worth.
Six players who have played in the Chinese Playground league are Cpl Albert Fong, Pfc Henry Wong-13, Pvt Peter K. Gee, Pfc Ben Louie, Pfc Howard Quan and Cpl Harry Q. Wong. In addition, Fong has also played with the Chinese “Y” and the Mohicans All-Stars; Wong has played with the Cherokee Club; Gee also with the Dragoneers and the Chung Wah Trojans; Harry Wong was with the Chinese Y as well as the Dragoneers; and Louie and Quan were with the Chinese YMCA.
As for the others, Pfc Henry Leong played in the Galileo H. S. Team; Pvt David Fong was with the Chung Wah Trojans; Pvt Edward Chew was with the Oakland Chinese Presbyterian Youths team; Pfc Howard Loo played for the Dragoneers; Pvt John S. Leong for the Sacred Heart H. S. and Pvt Edwin Chu for the Chinese Church League in New York.
—W. H.
SQUADRON QUINTET WINS CONSOLATION TROPHYFong’s veteran’s file said he was discharged on January 11, 1946.
By defeating the 478th Air Base Sqdn to the tune of 28–26 the 407th basketball team this week won the consolation trophy in the current Post league tournament.
There was double satisfaction in winning this game, for the 478th had beaten our team in the previous intra-squadron tournament.
The starting lineup for the 407th included Murphy Quan, Albert Fong, Ben Louie, Henry Wong (30), and Henry Leong.
Almost at the end of the game, with only 4 minutes to go, Henry Wong fell and sprained his ankle. David Fong substituted for him and helped to sustain our team’s speedy playing. Murphy Quan piled up 13 points to maintain his high scoring record.
The consolation trophy has been awarded to the team. The quintet has played its second and last tournament for the season but by no means has it played its last game. Meanwhile, Murphy Quan continues to play forward with the Patterson Field All-Stars. This group was honored last Saturday evening with a special banquet at the service club.
The San Francisco Chronicle, July 24, 1948, published a list of marriage licenses issued.
Fong-Lum—David Fong, 23, 940 Pacific ave., and Mary Lum, 20, 1204 Jackson st.According to the 1950 census, Fong, his wife and son, Glenn, lived in San Francisco at 940 Pacific Avenue. He was an aviation mechanic at the naval air base.
The San Francisco Chronicle, January 26, 1952, said another son was born on January 21.
Fong passed away on February 5, 1997. The Social Security Death Index said his last residence was San Francisco.
KWACK J. FONG (THOMAS K.J. FONG)
Kwack Jing Fong aka Thomas Kwack Jing Fong was born on September 22, 1923 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. A passenger list said his birthplace was “Toyshan, Kwangtung, China”.
Sixteen-year-old “Kwock Jing Fong” was aboard the steam ship President Coolidge when it departed Hong Kong on February 11, 1939. The passenger list said he had been with his mother, Yee Shee, at “Lung Dow Sak, Toyshan, Kwangtung, China”. Fong arrived at Los Angeles, California on March 5, 1939. Chinese Exclusion Act case file number 14036/1588-A was written by his name on the passenger list. His final destination was Los Angeles where his father lived at 755 Alameda Street.
On June 30, 1942 Fong signed his draft card. His address was 8002 12th Street in Detroit, Michigan. The student was described as five feet five inches, 117 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
The date of his enlistment is not known. The Detroit News, March 21, 1982, said Fong was a junior at Cass Technical High School when he was drafted.
Fong was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Fong and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Kwack J. Fong (Thomas K.J. Fong)…..Detroit, MichiganIn the book he appeared in two photographs on page 53. On pages 70 and 71 it said he was a graduate of the Philadelphia Museum College of Art. Fong found employment at General Motors
Fong’s copy of In the Shadow of the Tiger turned up on eBay.; taped inside were two photocopied photographs of him.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said
….Other GI’s may be good apple-polishers, but Pfc Kwack J. Fong prefers to be an A-1 shoe polisher instead….his shoes are always so shiny they look like they are shellacked….Gung Ho, No. 12, March 10, 1944, said
….Pfc Kwack J. Fong, a perfect gent carried the luggage for a pretty miss from the train station to the taxi stands….followed by several goggled eyed buddies who thought the age of chivalry had been interred….Gung Ho, No. 14, March 24, 1944, said
…And Pfc Kwack J Fong reluctantly parting with his worn GI boots for new ones…’cause the old ones were so well polished….After the war Fong moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 1950 census counted him at 1033 Spruce Street.
On September 2, 1951, Fong married Tushing Yee in Summit, Ohio. His address, on the marriage certificate, was 918 Pine Street in Philadelphia. His wife was a laundress who lived at 612 East Market Street in Akron, Ohio. The Detroit News said Fong had three children.
The 1958 and 1960 Royal Oak, Michigan city directories listed Fong at 2616 North Wilson Avenue. He was a clay modeler at General Motors.
In the Shadow of the Tiger, page 74, said Chinese American veterans of the Fourteenth Air Service Group financed and commissioned a monument to be built in Taishan, China. Fong attended the dedication ceremony on October 16, 1991.
Fong passed away on October 2, 2008. The Detroit Free Press, October 4, 2008, published a funeral notice.
Thomas Kwack Jing Fong, age 85, of Royal Oak, died October 2, 2008. Beloved husband of Tushing Yee Fong. Loving father of Helen (Carol Maraldo) Fong, John (Judith Gropp-Fong) Fong, and William (Michael Yost) Fong. Dear grandfather of Jordan. Memorial visitation, Sunday 3-8 p.m. at the Sawyer-Fuller Funeral Home, 2125 W. 12 Mile Rd., Berkley. Memorial Service 11 a.m. Monday, October 6, at the funeral home. Memorials appreciated to American Heart/Stroke Association.
LAWRENCE S. FONG
Lawrence Sang Fong was born on August 24, 1913 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. His Social Security application and death certificate had the date August 25, 1913. A passenger list said his birthplace was “Charhan, Sunning, China”. (His wife’s naturalization petition said their first two children were born at “Char Hung Village, Toy Sun, China”.)
Fong lived with his mother, Ng Shee, at Sunning, China. His father was Fong Ah Foo. At some point Fong was sent to Hong Kong. Nine-year-old “Chun Sang Fong” was aboard the steam ship President Jefferson when it departed Hong Kong on October 25, 1923. He arrived at Seattle, Washington on November 13, 1923. Fong was admitted on December 12, 1923. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 7030/1639. His contact was Kin Cheong Loong in Seattle. Fong’s final destination was 707 Main Street in Boise, Idaho.
A passenger list said “Chun Sang Fong” began his travel on February 7, 1931 from Seattle to China. He married Mae Jane Wong at Char Hung Village on March 23, 1931 according to her naturalization petition. Their first child, a son, was born in 1932. Fong’s wife was pregnant when he departed Hong Kong on July 22, 1933. The steam ship President Jefferson arrived at Seattle on August 8, 1933. His contact in Seattle was Kwong Hing Lung at 66 King Street. Fong’s daughter was born in October.
There was a “Lawrence S. Fong” who graduated from Oakland Technical High School, at California, in June 1937. At the time he would have been almost twenty-four years old. The Senior Memories yearbook said
A passenger list said “Chun Sang Fong” began his travel on February 7, 1931 from Seattle to China. He married Mae Jane Wong at Char Hung Village on March 23, 1931 according to her naturalization petition. Their first child, a son, was born in 1932. Fong’s wife was pregnant when he departed Hong Kong on July 22, 1933. The steam ship President Jefferson arrived at Seattle on August 8, 1933. His contact in Seattle was Kwong Hing Lung at 66 King Street. Fong’s daughter was born in October.
There was a “Lawrence S. Fong” who graduated from Oakland Technical High School, at California, in June 1937. At the time he would have been almost twenty-four years old. The Senior Memories yearbook said
Lawrence S. Fong—Second Year privileged Student, International, Chinese, German
Fong has not been found in the 1940 United States census.
On October 16, 1940 Fong signed his draft card. His address was 180 6th Street in Oakland. Fong was described as five feet three inches, 110 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Fong enlisted on May 10, 1943.
Fong was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Fong and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Lawrence S. Fong…..Oakland, CaliforniaThe Illinois State Journal (Springfield, Illinois), July 12, 1943, said Fong was one of about 600 visitors at Lincoln’s Tomb.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 1, December 25, 1943, said
...Sgt Lawrence Fong was caught staying in the barracks all day the other day...But he was not goldbricking by any means...he was plenty busy getting everybody’s duffle bags stencilled, that’s why....Calling all GI’s who are musicians and who have instruments with them, such as harmonicas, saxophones, etc: how about getting together for a jam session in the dayroom? See us about arrangements, will you?.........Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said
Staff Sergeant ratings were given the following Sgts: Kim W. Jung, York M. Kao, Lawrence S Fong, and Donald Y. Louie.Gung Ho, No. 4, January 14, 1944, said
…the only bright-eyed soldier on New Year’s day seemed to be S/Sgt Lawrence Fong..he preferred to sleep & so didn’t go out at all..strictly a homebody…….so much for this…..
….nomination for most successful goldbrick: Pfc Allen Pang. But S/Sgt Larry Fong avers he’ll catch the guy yet…Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said
…And as a last item for this week we have the confession of S/Sgt Lawrence Fong that he hasn’t shined his GI duds since the 1st/Sgt moved into the same staff room with him. Alibis Lawrence: “Why should I? The 1st/Sgt never shines his!” Omigosh……
….now S/Sgt Lawrence Fong is keeping his duds in a glossy finish….just to contradict our report t’other week in this column…..oh well….Gung Ho, No. 10, February 25, 1944, said
….It isn’t news any more when veteran howlers like Sgt Baby TNT Woong and Cpl Stanley Chinn go awolfin’….but it sure is news when S/Sgt Lawrence S. Fong and Sgt Fong Lee take off on a bender to Detroit….these two homebodies seldom go any place atall……must be the propaganda the other EM have been bringing back on this particular town….S/Sgt Fong was non-committal, but Sgt Fong Lee was enthusiastic in declaring that the gals were swell.Gung Ho, No. 20, July 15, 1944, said
….Izzere any truth in the rumor that Sgt Fulton Yee hasn’t received a single letter from a gal since he’s in the Army? Listen, Sarge, if you want to remedy this, you can do so by joining the “Lonely Hearts Club”….see S/Sgt Lawrence Fong for full particulars and a free brochure…it’ll amaze you!….
...Herewith once more is our usual dish of il-literary beansprouts...It’s a far cry from Patterson Fld, Ohio to India, but chop suey is still chop suey wherever the locale..so here goes nothing...Gung Ho, No. 23, August 5, 1944, said
..And did diminutive Lawrence Fong inflate his likewise dimunitve [sic] chest when, during initial tent inspection the tepee he occupies with Duey Leong & Henry W Leung came out with A-1 rating...
’N Lawrence Fong, who hails from Oakland, Calif., has discovered an Oakland in India...The San Francisco Chronicle, August 23, 1944, said
… Corporal Bill Hoy, former editor of the Chinese Digest and the Chinese Press here, is now editor of Gung Ho, a paper published somewhere in India by and for the enlisted personnel of the 407th Service Squadron.After the war Fong returned to Oakland. Fong is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition Project. The Amerasia Journal, Volume 24, Number 1, 1998, said Fong was one of the Founding Charter Members of the East Bay Chinatown VFW #3956. His photograph appeared in The Memoir 1947 (see group 79) which was published by the Chick Char Club in San Francisco.
Two items from his “Chop Suey” column: “Lawrence Fong, who hails from Oakland, Cal., has discovered an Oakland in India … Chinatown is still there (in San Francisco), we understand, though few bother to write us about it any more …”
Fong’s wife was aboard the U.S.A.T. Admiral C.F. Hughes when it arrived at San Francisco on February 7, 1947. She was admitted five days later.
The 1950 census counted Fong, his wife and four children (the last two were born in California) in Oakland at 180 6th Street. Fong was a waiter.
Fong’s address in the Oakland city directories, from 1951 to 1957, was 1342 Francisco Street.
Fong’s wife was naturalized on June 5, 1962. Their address was 5465 Poinsett Avenue in El Cerrito, California. They had six children: Quincy, Susan, Marilyn, Theodore, Andrew and Evelyn.
Fong passed away on August 23, 1994. An obituary appeared in the San Francisco Examiner, August 26, 1994.
Fong, Lawrence S. Deceased in Oakland, CA on August 23, 1994. Beloved husband for 63 years of Mae Jane Fong. Loving father of Theodore and Harriet Fong, Andrew and Vina Fong, Susan and Ben Wong, Marilyn and H. Clifford Fong, and Evelyn and Richard Horn; devoted grandfather of 15; great grandfather of six. A retired owner of a restaurant-retail business. He proudly served In the the US Army during WWII, he founded the New Testament Church and served as a minister for many years. Friends are invited to attend a visitation viewing from 12:00pm to 5:00pm Sunday, August 28th, or funeral service on Monday, August 29th, at 2:00pm, at Albert Brown Mortuary, 3476 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, Ca.
MING B. FONG
Ming Bak Fong was on June 18, 1920 in Sacramento, California according to his World War II draft card. The Social Security Death Index has the birth date June 16, 1920. However, the California Birth Index, at Ancestry.com, has no record of him. Photographs of Fong, his family and the 407th Air Service Squadron were posted at Dignity Memorial. An immigration photograph of Fong was signed “Fong Buck Ming”.
Nine-year-old “Buck Ming Fong” was aboard the steam ship President McKinley when it departed Hong Kong on June 3, 1930. The passenger list said he was born at “Sunning, Kwangtung, China”. Before immigrating Fong lived with his mother, Ng Shee, at “Tsar Houng, Sunning, Kwangtung, China”. His father, Fong Bao, provided an affidavit for him. Fong arrived at San Francisco, California on June 25, 1930. He was admitted on July 29, 1930. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 29301 5-17. Fong’s final destination was to Yin Louie, a friend, at 629 Commercial Street in San Francisco.
Fong has not been found in the 1940 United States census.
Fong signed his draft card on July 1, 1941. He lived at 1016 Third Street in Sacramento, California. Fong was an unemployed. His description was five feet, 118 pounds, with brown hair and black hair.
Fong enlisted on June 18, 1943.
Fong was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Fong and his hometown in 1945 on 214.
Ming B. Fong…..Sacramento, CaliforniaAfter the war Fong returned to Sacramento. He has not been found in the 1950 census.
On December 18, 1956 “Buck Ming Fong” was aboard Japan Air Lines which departed San Francisco and landed at Honolulu, Hawaii. He was on his way to Tokyo.
Fong married Unk Lee on February 27, 1957.
Fong flew Japan Air Lines to San Francisco on March 7, 1957.
Sacramento city directories from 1964 to 1968 listed Fong at 9 Seavey Circle.
Fong’s wife passed away on February 16, 2008. Fong passed away on February 25, 2010 in Sacramento. They were laid to rest at Odd Fellows Lawn Cemetery and Mausoleum.
MON K. FONG (ALLAN K. CHOY)
Mon Kai Fong aka Allan Kinn Choy was born on December 5, 1920 in Canton, China according to his World War II draft card. A passenger list said his birthplace was “Winghou, Heungshan, Kwangtung, China”. The following profile will refer to him as Mon Kai Fong and Choy.
Three-year-old Mon Kai Fong, his mother, Wong Shee, and sister, Chu Jun Fong, traveled from “Winghou, Heungshan, Kwangtung, China” to Hong Kong where they boarded the steam ship President Wilson. The ship departed on June 4, 1924 and arrived at San Francisco on June 27, 1924. All three were admitted on July 7, 1924. Their final destination was to Mon Kai Fong’s father, Kin Fong, at Wing Lung on Fillmore Street in San Francisco.
Around July 1930 Mon Kai Fong, his mother, and Mon Him Fong traveled to China. About five months later they were aboard the steam ship Chichibu Maru when it departed Hong Kong on December 11, 1930. The ship arrived at San Francisco on January 1, 1931. Their final destination was to Mon Kai Fong’s father at 1521 19th Street in Bakersfield, California. Mon Kai Fong’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 29947/001-05.
The Bakersfield Californian, January 8, 2004 said “Allan Choy” attended Hawthorne Elementary School, Kern County Union High School and Bakersfield Junior College. At the junior college his first name was spelled Allen in the 1941 Raconteur yearbook.
The Bakersfield Californian said Choy continued his education at the University of Southern California. The 1942 voter registration said he was a Democrat who lived at 821 West 32nd Street in Los Angeles.
The same address was on his draft card. He registered as Mon Kai Fong and signed the card on October 14, 1942. Above his name was written “also known as Allen, Kinn Choy” which was crossed out. His description was five feet four inches, 115 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He enlisted in 1943.
Choy was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Fong and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Mon K. Fong (Allan K. Choy)…..Bakersfield, CaliforniaIn the book Choy was mentioned in the acknowledgements and page 32. 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, 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, Chin Ying, Pvts John J. Lee and Henry Wong (30)?.........Gung Ho, No. 2, December 31, 1943, said
…Cpl Mon K. Fong got the surprise of his life when he came back from furlough last week and found he had been promoted to Sgt in his absence..that’s almost worth coming back to find out, huh?….“Monkey” incidentally, is trying to get his John Henry changed to a less simian-sounding handle…don’t blame him….it’s tough to be called an ape all the time.Gung Ho, No. 4, January 14, 1944, said
…Seen & heard at the last squadron shindig at the Loretto: Sgt Mon K. Fong and Pfc John S. Leong, who pride themselves on their dancing (“We’re really good”) justified their boasting when they won prizes for their nimble footwork…not to mention also their cheek-to-cheek type of dancing…Gung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
….Sgt Mon K. Fong (Pinochio [sic] for short), walked in late…a feminine voice cried: “HELLO, WOLF!”…was his face red? Weshouldsayso!….Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said
….Talk about being rugged, Sgt Mon K. Fong was on CQ all nite the other nite….the next morning, without any sleep, he went on an all-day marching practice…and made it back to the field still on his feet….tho ready to sleep standing up….Gung Ho, No. 8, February 11, 1944, said
….The exodus to Detroit and Chicago last week-end was something to see…Gung Ho, No. 10, February 25, 1944, said
….As for Chicago, Sgt Mon K Fong arranged dates for a couple of close buddies…and then was left out on a limb himself!….such lack of foresight….
...Sgt Mon K. Fong’s week end plans were changed too....but only because he missed the choo-choo...disgustingly, he spent the week-end back on the field........Dunesk!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 Wong, Hong W Lowe, Suey W Jue, Soo J Wong, et al, are all emulating Captaincies “Doc” Tau’s style of smoking now—with ivory holders…After the war Choy returned to Los Angeles. A photograph of Choy is on page 107 of Duty & Honor: A Tribute to Chinese American World War II Veterans of Southern California (1997). The same picture of Fong is at the Duty and Honor Collection.
The 1946 voter registration said “Allan K Choy”, a Republican, lived in Los Angeles at 203 West 46th Street. Choy resumed his architecture studies at the University of Southern California and graduated in 1948.
The 1949 Bakersfield city directory listed Choy at 2220 K Street. He was at the same address in the 1950 census and counted in his brother’s household. Lawrence, 44, was married with five children. Their father also lived there. Choy was a draftsman at an aircraft office.
On 16 July 16, 1950 Choy married Mary Yee.
Bakersfield city directories, from 1951 to1954, listed them at 624 Jefferson Street. He was a draftsman. Their address from 1955 to 1957 was 229 Nevada Street. Choy worked for the architect Ernest L. McCoy. Beginning in 1958 his address was 1000 Shattuck Avenue. He had a partnership with Calvin Wendol Goss. In the late 1960s Choy’s address was 500 Jamaica Way. In 1973, he was an architect at the County Public Works.
Choy passed away on January 3, 2004. An obituary appeared in the Bakersfield Californian, January 8, 2004.
Allan K. ChoyChoy was laid to rest at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Services: Sat., Jan. 10, 3 p.m.
Allan came to Bakersfield, at the age of 4, from Canton, China. He attended Hawthorne Elementary School, Kern County Union High School and Bakersfield College. His college education at USC was interrupted when he served in the Army Air Corp, 407 Air Service Group, in China from 1943–1945. He returned to USC and received his Bachelors Degree in Architecture in 1948.
He began his architectural career with Emert McCoy, AIA. In 1959, Goss & Choy was formed, and later he joined Cliff Harding AIA to form, Harding, Choy & Gaines.
In 1971, he became the Architect of Kern County, retiring in 1988. His community associations were First Congregational Church, East Bakersfield Rotary, S.I.R.S., Southern California Chapter of AIA and the Racquet Club.
His 53 year marriage to Mary Yee of Oakland was blessed with three sons, Terence, Timothy and Bryan, who predeceased his father. He is also survived by May Choy, his sister-in-law along with many nephews and nieces.
A memorial service will be held at First Congregational Church, 5 Real Road, on Saturday, January 10, at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Congregational Church.
Visitation begins Friday, 12:00 9:00 p.m., at Greenlawn Mortuary, 3700 River Blvd.
PAUL C. FONG
Paul Charles Fong was born on September 28, 1923 in Cleveland, Ohio according to his World War II draft card. The Nevada and Social Security Death Indexes and his grave marker have the 29th as the birth day. Fong’s Social Security application said his parents were Fong Hogg and Chong [Shee].
Fong has not been found in the 1930 and 1940 United States censuses.
Apparently Fong was a student at Sacramento High School in California.
On June 30, 1942 Fong signed his draft card. His address was 1015 E Street in Sacramento. He was employed at the Sacramento Air Depot. Fong’s description was five feet seven inches, 175 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
The date of his enlistment is not known.
Fong was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Fong and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Paul C. Fong…..Cleveland, OhioIn the book Fong appeared in the basketball team photograph on page 19 and the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said
…and Benson Lee, fresh out of the station hospital, went bowling t’other nite in Dayton…and scored a mere 208…and Cpl Paul Fong, decrecating [sic] his own proficiency at the game, proceeded to roll up a score of 225….such lousy players…..yeah!……Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said
….Glimpses: ..Cpl Paul C. Fong swerving around the corners in the recon car….Gung Ho, No. 9, February 18, 1944, said
....Seen standing on a Dayton street corner waiting for the dates who didn’t come to dinner were Sgt William Toy and Pfc Bot L. Wong......ditto Cpl Paul C. Fong....only the latter got stood up in Osborn......Gung Ho, No. 13, March 17, 1944, said
....Glimpses: Cpl Paul C Fong downing a triple helpings of spaghetti at mess....Gung Ho, No. 20, July 15, 1944, said
...Well, our boys who were DS (being left behind at our last station) have all returned to the fold..According to Paul C Fong, he had a good time...but according to motor pool boss Henry Lew he was anything but happy there. He pulled guard constantly, he was bit right ’n left by insects, he was soaked by rain ’n baked by the sun...altogether he was only too glad to rejoin us....After the war Fong reenlisted with the Corps of Engineers on January 10, 1946. He discharged on January 10, 1949.
The 1950 United States census counted Fong in Sacramento at 52 Fifth Street in room 61. He was photographer at a studio.
The 1953 Sacramento city directory listed Fong at 413 1/2 J Street. He worked at Linn’s Coffee Shop.
According to the Reno Gazette-Journal (Nevada), February 24, 1977, Fong and Barbara Siu Kwan Mok obtained a marriage license. The 1981 Reno city directory listed the couple at 1501 Kings Row. He was a cook and she a dealer at the Sahara Hotel and Casino. Their marriage ended in divorce on October 5, 1982.
Fong passed away on April 27, 1989 in Sparks, Nevada according to his death certificate, veteran’s file and Social Security Death Index. The date April 25, 1989 appeared on his grave marker. An obituary appeared in the Reno Gazette-Journal, April 30, 1989.
Paul Charles Fong, 66, died Thursday at his residence.Fong was laid to rest at Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery.
A native of Cleveland, he had been a Sparks resident for the past 39 years.
Fong was a cook at the Nevada Mental Health Institute where he worked for 10 years, retiring in 1989, and was a World War II Army veteran.
Surviving are brothers, George and Thomas, and sister, May Ming, all of Cleveland; brother, Harry, and sisters, Marion and Betty Woo, all of Augusta, and sisters, Jane Yee of Detroit and Linda Soo Hoo of Oakland, Calif. A funeral will be scheduled at a later date, under the direction of Walton’s Sparks Funeral Home.
RAYMOND K. FONG
Raymond Kay Fong was born on July 30, 1924 in Bakersfield, California according to his World War II draft card. The birth certificate said his mother’s maiden name was Long.
The 1930 United States census counted Fong as the youngest of six siblings. The family lived at 2110 N Street in Bakersfield. His father, Frank, was the proprietor of a restaurant.
Fong has not yet been found in the 1940 census. The date and place of his high school graduation in not known.
The San Jose Mercury News (California), January 5, 1947, said
... Fong attended College of the Pacific before entering the Army. He gave a concert at the San Francisco Exposition in 1940, appeared in light opera and Gilbert and Sullivan productions in 1941 and toured California in 1942. ...On December 11, 1942 Fong signed his draft card. He lived with his sister at 412 Stockton Street in Stockton, California. His description was five feet four inches, 125 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Fong enlisted at Sacramento, California on May 12, 1943. Less than a month later, Fong was involved with the local United Service Organizations (U.S.O.). The Illinois State Journal (Springfield, Illinois), June 6, 1943, said
U.S.O. gave an acquaintance party last night at the clubrooms in the Elks building. More than 100 of the men from the fairgrounds attended. A picnic supper, served cabaret style, was a feature. The centerpiece was a large bowl of cracked ice with coke bottles protruding. The tables were illuminated by candles in bottle necks. Norman Bullard furnished piano music and led community singing. Raymond Fong, a Chinese soldier from Stockton, Calif., sang baritone ballads. …The Illinois State Journal, June 14, 1943, said
Talent Nights to Be U.S.O. FeatureThe Illinois State Register, June 17, 1943, said
Soldiers to Have Charge of Program
The local U.S.O. is inaugurating a series of “talent nights” at headquarters in the Elks club. Wednesday of each week has been selected as the program day and a committee composed of Raymond Fong of the U. S. army air depot at the fair grounds, Sgt. Richard Null, Donald Eagle and Miss Dorothy Hedrick, secretary to Captain Childs of the fair grounds depot, will have charge of the programs. ...
First Talent Show Is Held by U.S.O.Fong was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Fong and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
When soldiers from the army air corps camp at the fairgrounds and civilians of this city pool their talent the show goes off with a bang. The first talent night of the local U.S.O. moved smoothly last night at the Elks club.
Pvt. Raymond Fong of Stockton, Calif., was the hit of the show with his rich and resonant baritone voice. He sang such favorites as “One Alone” and “On the Road to Mandalay,” Miss Kit Johnson accompanied him. ...
Raymond K. Fong…..Stockton, CaliforniaIn the book Fong appeared in photographs on pages 15, 16 and 20. Fong, a classically trained concert baritone, sometimes sang with the 407th band and gave concerts in the Dayton, Ohio area.
Reproduced in the book, between pages 220 and 221, was an article about the 407th in the Dayton Daily News, November 21, 1943. A photograph showed three men servicing the hydraulic system of a B-24. The third man identified was “Pfc. Raymond C. Fong of New York city.” His middle initial and home were incorrect.
The Illinois State Journal (Springfield, Illinois), July 23, 1943, reported Fong’s coming recital at the First Christian Church. His program will include “Great Awakening” (Kramer); “Teach Me to Pray” (Jewitt); “The Lord’s Prayer” (Malotte); “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” (Olivet); “It Is Enough” (Aria from “Ellijah” by Mendelssohn); “Ballad of the Trees and the Master” (Chadwick); “My Journey’s End” (modern spiritual by Foster); “Prayer” (Guion), and “Pledge of Allegiance” (Williams). Accompanying him will be his teacher, Corrine Barrows Williams.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 2, December 31, 1943, said
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.Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said
…and there was Cpl Raymond K. Fong trying to make himself heard as he warbled “Jericho” above the din….Gung Ho, No. 4, January 14, 1944, said
“For Our Next Number—”Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said
Cpl Raymond K. Fong, the 407th’s one and only baritone, was a guest soloist last week at the 18th annual ball of the Cooperative Club of Dayton. This was one of several engagements he has had in that city. This coming Sunday Cpl Fong will give a program, accompanied by Pvt Jay Adams of ASC at the piano, at the Presbyterian church in Osborn.
A Californian, hailing from Bakersfield, Ray has had considerable experience on the concert stage, filling engagement all over the state. He studied drafting at the College of the Pacific, but his first love was always music, particularly the Gilbert and Sullivan variety. One of his last concerts as a civilian was given in behalf of China war relief, and netted $450 for the agency.
…Cpl Ray Fong must have celebrated all nite on New Year’s eve….at least he was so tired out the next day he was found sleeping in the Osborn USO….too tired even to walk the few more blocks into the field….…
….and baritone Ray K. Fong represented China in an international song and dance program given by the Jewish Welfare Board, USO, in Dayton last Sabbath day….but didn’t sing in Yiddish….Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said
Cpl Ray K. Fong gobbling his food at mess….On February 13, 1944, Fong and So Tak’s interview with CBS correspondent Bill Slocum Jr. was broadcast on the radio program World News Today.
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February 11, 1944
Gung Ho, No. 9, February 18, 1944, said
….Entertainment was furnished by both celebrants and the 26 hosts…just to mention a few hi-lites and ji-jinks [sic]….Cpl Ray Fong sang a few choice arias and melodies….Gung Ho, No. 12, March 10, 1944, said
…..Which reminds us that Cpl (and baritone) Ray K. Fong is spending a short spell in ze hospital right now…..but the incarceration isn’t stopping him from warbling….His arias are filling the ward daily to some patient’s dismay…But not to a certain General’s wife, who heard him and for-with did a recording of one of his—ah—renditions….Gung Ho, No. 22, July 22, 1944, said
…And as a chicken catcher Raymond K. Fong is a good draftsman...A United Press article about Fong appeared in numerous newspapers including the Oakland Tribune, February 20, 1945, and China Command Post, March 2, 1945 (below).
California GI Teaches Singing At China BaseAfter the war Fong returned to California and resumed singing. Musical America, October 1946, said
An Advanced China Air Base—A Chinese-American soldier who already was helping China before he became a soldier is organizing a voice class at this forward base of the Fourteenth Air Force’s Chinese-American Composite Wing.
The young virtuoso, Corp. Raymond K. Fong, Stockton, Cal., isn’t even old enough to vote but he has seven years' experience as a singer to back him in his new role as a voice instructor. Lt. Alfred Grasso, base special service officer who has made arrangements for the classes to be taught by the 20-year-old corporal, says Fong has “one of the best young voices” he has heard.
Corp. Fong, one of five brothers now serving in the Armed Forces, gave performances for the benefit of United China Relief before he entered the Army. He toured the San Francisco Bay area, appearing before civic groups and other organizations.
Corp. Fong, a sturdy baritone, says he began singing when he was 13. “My voice changed early and I became interested in singing,” he explained. “Someday when I return to the States I hope to continue my studies and really learn something about opera.”
The Californian appeared on a concert program at the San Francisco Exhibition in 1941. The next year and continuing until shortly before he was inducted, he sang for United China Relief performances. He didn’t give up singing when he entered the Army, being featured on Sunday afternoon concerts at the Dayton Art Institute, Dayton, Ohio. Classified as a draftsman, he was stationed at Patterson Field, Ohio, before being sent overseas last year.
... Another conspicuous talent, but of a different sort, came to light during the final programs in the Songs in English Festival. It was the vocal gift of Raymond Fong, a Chinese bass-baritone with a voice typically American and an admirable English enunciation.Musical Courier, December 15, 1946, said
... The Oakland Forum recently presented the following resident artists in programs at the bell Clubhouse and Westlake Auditorium: ... Anita Jasmin, pianist, and Raymond Fong, Chinese-American baritone. ...The Sacramento Bee, April 29, 1947, reported the close of the Allied Arts Club’s season.
... The program with Raymond K. Fong, Chinese baritone, singing Hear Me, Ye Winds and Waves (Handel). Other numbers he sang were My Journey’s End (Fay Foster), Short’nin’ Bread (Jaceves Wolfe), Without A Song (Vincent Youmans), Three For Jack (W. H. Squire) and Stout Hearted Men (Sigmund Romberg). For his Chinese group of special selections he donned a red silk embroidered, trimmed, close costume fitting and cap. His accompanist was Anita Jasmine, concert pianist. ...The San Francisco Chronicle, September 11, 1949, said Fong was one of twelves delegates to attend the fourth general conference of UNESCO in Paris. The twelve delegates (social workers, teachers, artists and musicians) were members of the Intercultural Workshop of the Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples, San Francisco. A photograph of them appeared in the 1981 book, With Head and Heart: The Autobiography of Howard Thurman. They were identified here. Aboard Cunard White Star’s Queen Mary, the delegates arrived at Southampton, England on September 19. They performed at a number of venues in England and France. On September 29, the group departed, aboard the Queen Elizabeth, from Cherbourg, France. They arrived in New York City on October 4, 1949.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer (Washington), November 16, 1949, said
The Fellowship Quintet, five singers serving the cause of racial understanding through the medium of the arts, will be presented Thursday in Health Services Auditorium of the University of Washington’s new Medical Building. They are sponsored by the University Methodist Temple, the National Conference of Christians and Jews, Civic Unity Committee and the University.The Napa Valley Register (California), November 4, 1954, said Fong and Ann Irian Snyder obtained a marriage license. In San Francisco they married on June 24, 1955.
Traveling under auspices of the International Workshop of The Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples, San Francisco, the quintet has just returned from singing in England and France. The group is made up of Emory Mellon, Negro bass; Raymond K. Fong, Chinese baritone; Rokee Acevda [sic], of Spanish and Indian ancestry; Joseph van Pelt, Dutch, and Corinee [sic] Barrow Williams, who developed the quintet.
Fong was mentioned in the 1959 book, Footprints of a Dream: The Story of the Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples. (Book reprinted in 2009.)
Fong passed away on April 8, 2007 in Sacramento.
WING H. FONG
Wing H. Fong aka Albert Fong was born on May 1, 1920 in Sacramento, California according to the California Birth Index at Ancestry.com. His mother’s maiden name was recorded as Goe. Fong’s middle name, Hun, was found at the Social Security Death Index and in some Sacramento city directories.
The 1930 United States census counted “Coon Fong” as the second of three siblings; the older sister was Edith and younger brother was Wing. Their widow mother was the head of the household. They resided in Sacramento at 409 N Street.
In 1939 “Albert Fong” graduated from Sacramento High School.
According to the 1940 census “Albert Fong”, Edith and Wayne lived at the same address. Fong was a clerk at a food market. The status of their mother is not known.
On July 1, 1941 “Albert Coon Fong” signed his World War II draft card. His address was unchanged. He was employed by Jack Chan of the Palace Meat Market at 816 J Street. Fong’s description was five feet six inches, 131 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
“Wing H. Fong” enlisted on January 28, 1943. (There was an Albert C. Fong in the enlistment records but he was born 1913 and resided in Hawaii.)
Fong was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Fong and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Wing H. Fong…..Sacramento, CaliforniaThe squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 2, December 31, 1943, said Fong was on the basketball team.
Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said Fong was promoted to sergeant.
In August 1944, Fong was hospitalized due to dysentery.
The date of Fong’s discharge is not known.
After the war Fong returned to Sacramento. The San Francisco Examiner, June 30, 1946, said Fong and Carolyn Chong obtained a marriage license.
They have not been found in the 1950 census. The 1947 to 1952 Sacramento city directories listed Fong at 409 N Street. He was a dry cleaner. From 1953 to 1966 his address was 3026 33rd Street; 1966 also included 4541 Green Tree Drive. He operated Wing’s Cleaners. From 1967 through 1976 Fong was at 4541 Green Tree Drive.
Fong passed away on November 15, 2006 in Sacramento. An obituary appeared in The Sacramento Bee, November 21, 2006.
A native Sacramentan, born May 1, 1920, passed away suddenly November 15, 2006. Al Wing owned and operated Wings Cleaners for 30 years. He then worked for the Sacramento school district until his retirement in 1990. He was a charter member of the Chinese Sportsman Club and a member of the Chung Mei VFW Post 8358. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting, gardening, cooking, and spending time with his family. Dearly beloved husband of 60 years to Carolyn and devoted father of Kathleen Nakashima (Kent), Karen Fong, Rodney Fong (Erin), Dale Fong (Sue), and preceded in death by his daughter, Alberta Hiratsuka (Jeff) and sister, Edith Hom. Cherished grandfather of Midori Johnson (Henry), Roger Nakashima, Stacie Hiratsuka, Kristin Hiratsuka, Samantha Fong, Conner Fong, and Alyssa Fong. Survived by brother Wing G. Fong, cousins, nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to the Memorial Service at 1:00pm on Friday, November 24th at the Sacramento Japanese United Methodist Church, 6929 Franklin Blvd., Sacramento, Calif. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to SJUMC Legacy fund.Fong was laid to rest at East Lawn Memorial Park. His passing was followed by his brother, Wing G. Fong (2011), and wife, Carolyn Fong (2014).
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