JEE GAY
Jee Gay was born on December 20, 1924 in Canton, China,according to his World War II draft card. A 1941 passenger list said his birthplace was “Kow She Lik, Toyshan, China”. Gay’s marriage certificate and wife’s naturalization petition said he was born in “Barksha, Toishan, China”. His obituary included his real name, Wong Nam Wah.
Gay’s profile at the Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition Project said he was sixteen when he arrived in the United States. Gay was aboard the steam ship President Taft when it departed Hong Kong on May 22, 1941. The passenger list said he lived with his mother, Kung Shee, at “Kow She Lik, Toyshan, China”. Gay arrived at San Francisco, California on June 11, 1941. He was admitted on June 27, 1941. Gay’s final destination was to his brother, Wing Jee, at 512 North Los Angeles Street in Los Angeles, California.
Gay appeared in one of five photographs published in the San Antonio Evening News (Texas), April 3, 1942. The caption read
Jee Gay was born on December 20, 1924 in Canton, China,according to his World War II draft card. A 1941 passenger list said his birthplace was “Kow She Lik, Toyshan, China”. Gay’s marriage certificate and wife’s naturalization petition said he was born in “Barksha, Toishan, China”. His obituary included his real name, Wong Nam Wah.
Gay’s profile at the Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition Project said he was sixteen when he arrived in the United States. Gay was aboard the steam ship President Taft when it departed Hong Kong on May 22, 1941. The passenger list said he lived with his mother, Kung Shee, at “Kow She Lik, Toyshan, China”. Gay arrived at San Francisco, California on June 11, 1941. He was admitted on June 27, 1941. Gay’s final destination was to his brother, Wing Jee, at 512 North Los Angeles Street in Los Angeles, California.
Gay appeared in one of five photographs published in the San Antonio Evening News (Texas), April 3, 1942. The caption read
Upper right, Sam Houston School students learn the proper method of avoiding the danger of flying glass in an air raid by pasting strips of adhesive tape across school windows. They are Jee Gay, Ignacio Zavaia, and Esperanza Prado, left to right.On February 1, 1943 Gay signed his draft card. His address was 803 East Mistletoe Avenue in San Antonio. At the same address he worked for S.G. Wong. Fong’s description was five feet six inches, 118 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Gay’s profile said he enlisted at Fort Sam Houston on June 18, 1943. He joined the 407th Air Service Squadron when it was activated on July 10, 1943.
Gay was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Gay and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Jee Gay…..San Antonio, TexasGay was discharged at Camp Beale, California on August 12, 1946. He was profiled on page 123 of the National Recognition for Commendable Patriotism and Honor: The Chinese American Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Recipients (2020). Gay is on the U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition Project. His profile is on page 72 of the Digital Program Booklet Volume One. Gay’s children, Lila G. Woo, Lillian G. Choi, Arthur W. Gay, and Liming G. Mok, are Honor Guard Circle supporters.
Gay returned to China where he married Chin Yook Ling in Hong Kong on July 23, 1947. (Consular marriage certificate at Ancestry.com) She was aboard the ship General M. C. Meigs when it departed Hong Kong on September 27, 1947. The ship arrived at San Francisco on October 14, 1947. Her final destination was to Shing G. Wong at 803 East Mistletoe Avenue in San Antonio.
The 1948 San Antonio directory said Gay lived at 208 Kings Court and operated the Sun Shing Grocery & Market. In the 1960 directory, Gay resided at 18 Mertz Drive and owned the Sun Shing Super Market.
Gay passed away on May 2, 2011. An obituary appeared in the San Antonio Express-News, May 9, 2011.
Jee Gay (Wong Nam Wah) passed away peacefully at his home on May 2, 2011 at the age of 86. He was born in Canton, China on Dec. 20, 1924. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II and a proud American Patriot. He enjoyed his reunions with his fellow veterans in the 407th [Air] Service Squadron. After the war, he married his beloved wife Yook Ling on July 4 [sic], 1947. He worked at the family grocery store before he bought it and became the proud owner of Sun Shing Supermarket. After more than 30 years, he retired. Jee enjoyed spending time with his family, watching sports, playing cards, and reading the Wall Street Journal. He exemplified honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic which he passed on to his children. He is survived by his beloved wife Yook Ling; his loving daughters Lillian Choi, Lila Woo, and Liming Mok; son Arthur Gay; sons-in-laws Larry Choi, Chiu-Yuen Gene Woo, Dr. William Mok; daughter-in-law Wendy Gay; and brother Gim C. Wong. He is the grandfather of 6 grandchildren Aimee Baillie, Carolyn Jones, Jennifer Gay, Andy Gay, Jessica Gay, and David Woo; 2 great grandchildren Connor Jones and Alexander Jones.Gay was laid to rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
PETER K. GEE
Peter Kay Gee was born on December 16, 1923 in San Francisco, California according to his birth certificate at Ancestry.com. His mother’s maiden name was Chu. Gee’s Social Security application said his father’s name was Gee Y. Que.
Gee has not yet been found in the 1930 United States census. According to the 1940 census, Gee, his widow mother, sister, Lila and brother, Al, lived in San Francisco at 12 Waverly Place.
On June 30, 1942 Gee signed his World War II draft card. His San Francisco address was 12 Waverly Place. He was employed at the Mare Island Naval Yard. Gee’s description five feet seven inches, 150 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Gee enlisted on June 25, 1943.
Gee was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Gee and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Peter K. Gee…..San Francisco, CaliforniaIn the book he appeared in photographs on pages 10, 19, and 53.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 2, December 31, 1943, said
Basketball Game.Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said
Playing their 5th game this season, the 407th casaba team met the 912th Engrs Squadron Thursday in the field gymnasium. Considered the number one basketball tossers in Patterson Fld, the 912th defeated the 407th aggregation by a score of 40–21.
So far, in all the games played, the 407th team, managed by Sgt Woody Chan, has met up with keen and stiff competition, and this last game was no exception. In the 5th game just played the starting line-up consisted of Sgt William “Murphy” Quan (captain), Pfc Albert Fong, Pvt Ben Louie, Pvt Henry Wong (13), and Pvt Edward Chew. Other players include Cpl Wing H. Fong, Pfc John S. Leong, Pfc Howard Quan, Pvt Peter Gee, Pvt Edwin Chu, Sgt Woodrow Chan, Cpl Thomas Lee, Cpl Samuel Yee, Sgt Charles Lum, and Pfc Howard Loo.
Casaba Team WinsGung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
Playing the 6th game of the current Patterson Field intra-squadron basketball league series, the 407th quintet came through with a resounding victory this Thursday when it met the 2nd Weather Squadron. The score at the end of the game was 40 to 9 in favor of the 407th.
Playing in better than usual form, the 407th’s starting line-up consisted of Cpl Albert Fong, Sgt “Murphy” Quan, Pfc Henry Leong, Pfc Henry Wong (13) and Pvt Peter K. Gee.
Playing forward, Al Fong was high score man, turning in 15 points, while Henry Leong displayed good floor work, ably supported by the other players.
More Casaba Tussles.Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said
Last week and early this week the squadron basketball team played its 8th and 9th games in the current Patterson Field intra-squadron casaba series.
Playing against the 923rd Guard Squadron last Friday night, our team came through with a victory, the score being 28 to 26. The final did not indicate that the 407th team led their opponents throughout the game. The staring line-up included Murphy Quan, Peter K. Gee, Ben Louie, Henry Wong (13), and Henry Leong, with Murphy scoring 16 points to become high point man.
Monday night, playing against Aviation Sq “B”, the opposing team won by a score of 29 to 25. The starting line-up was almost the same, the change being the inclusion of Albert Fong, who took Henry Leong’s place. Again Murphy Quan was high point man, coming through with 11 points.
Next Monday the 407th team will play its 10th game in this series, with the Base Hospital team as opponents. The following night the team will play a separate game against the 3511th Serv Unit, Military Dept., University of Dayton. The latter is an ASTP unit, and reported to consist of fast and expert tossers. The game will be played at the university gymnasium.
Basketball Team Plays Two More Games.Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said
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.
Casaba Quintet Plays 11th Game.Gung Ho, No. 9, February 18, 1944, said
This week the squadron basketball team played the 11th game of the current Patterson Field intra-squadron series against the 9th Reporting Detachment. With both sides evenly matched, the 407th quintet came through with another victory. The score ended 36 to 22.
Murphy Quan again was the high scoring player, turning in 14 points, This hikes his total in the series to 105 points.
Starting lineup for this game included Henry Leong, Henry Wong (13), Albert Fong, Peter Gee, and Murphy Quan. 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.
MEN OF THE 407THGee was discharged on January 13, 1946.
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.
The 1950 census counted Gee, his wife, Frances, and daughters, Christine and Cheryl, in Berkeley, California at 1531 9th Street. Gee was a metal smith.
The 1970 San Francisco city directory listed Gee at 1521 Grant Avenue.
Gee passed away on June 14, 1991, in San Francisco. An obituary appeared in the San Francisco Examiner, June 17, 1991.
Gee, Peter K.—Died in San Francisco, June 14, 1991; beloved husband of Flora Gee of S.F.; loving father of Christine Lim of Oakland, Cheryl Chinn of Berkeley, and Deborah Narasaki of Richmond; adored grandfather of Ryan & Rose Lim of Oakland, and Scott Narasaki of Richmond; a lifetime resident of San Francisco; age 67 years. Private Services were held. Contributions may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society, 973 Market St., S.F., Ca. 94101. Sunset View Mortuary/Cemetery.
RICHARD E. GEE
Richard Eldon Gee on February 19, 1925 in San Francisco, California according to his birth certificate at Ancestry.com.
The 1930 United States census counted Gee, his parents, Herman and Mae, and younger brother, Ronald, in San Francisco at 10 Brooklyn Place. His father was unemployed.
In 1940 census the Gee family’s address was 1034 Jackson Street in San Francisco. His father did house work for a private family.
On March 20, 1943 Gee signed his World War II draft card. His address was the same. The student’s description was five feet eight inches, 124 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Gee enlisted on June 14, 1943. His profile in Chennault’s Flying Tigers: World War II 50th Anniversary (1996) said he was inducted at Fort Ord, California.
Gee was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Gee and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 1, December 25, 1943, said
According to the 1950 census, Gee lived with his parents and brother in San Francisco at 2964 Folsom Street. He was a draftsman at an engineering contractor.
Almost six months later, Gee married Gwendolyn Y. Chan on October 7, 1950 in San Francisco. They would go on to have six children.
Gee retired in 1987.
Gee passed away on January 24, 2010. An obituary appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, January 27, 2010.
ROLAND GEE
Roland Gee was born on June 30, 1924 in Fresno, California according to his birth certificate at Ancestry.com.
Gee and his family have not yet been found in the 1930 United States census. The 1939 Fresno city directory listed his father, Roland, at 145 I Street. His occupation was restaurant.
In 1940 Gee was the oldest of four siblings. They and their father, a restaurant cook, lived in Fresno at 110 Eden Avenue.
On June 30, 1942 Gee signed his World War II draft card. His address was unchanged. The Edison Technical High School student was described as five feet eight inches, 130 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. Gee named his oldest sister, Frances, as a contact person.
Gee was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Gee and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Richard E. Gee…..San Francisco, CaliforniaIn the book Gee was mentioned on pages 18, 23, 28, 40, 51, 63, 64, and 70. Gee provided the photograph on page ii. He appeared in the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 1, December 25, 1943, said
Meet the “Gung Ho” Scribes.Gung Ho, No. 2, December 31, 1943, said
The staff of our paper is still being formed as this first issue goes to press, and their names will be announced as they join up. Meanwhile, we take pleasure in introducing the staff members who have helped in getting out our birthday number, and telling something of their background and training.
Cpl RICHARD E. GEE, who figured out the lettering for this issue, is an 18 year old who was born and bred in San Francisco’s Chinatown, Mecca of the Chinese in the U. S. SFJC was his school, where he took mechanical and civil engineering and ROTC.
…They tell us that Cpl Richard Gee, who has been a model boy most of his life (ask us; we have known him since his diaper days), and never, never uses rough and vulgar language, is learning to—but fast, by heck..GI’s are GI’s, we guess…..Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said
…..Cpl Richard Gee has now formerly been introduced to Lady Nicotine…..t’other day he smoked his first cigarette..it wasn’t a Chesterfield either, but it satisfied…OH Gee!…..Gung Ho, No. 4, January 14, 1944, said
…Cpl Richard Gee, usually in the pink of health, went on sick call t’other morn. Ailment: stomach cramps…but the angle of the story is this—he got the cramps from smoking his first cigar and swallowed some awful, awful tobacco juice, omigosh!Gung Ho, No. 5, January 21, 1944, said
….Any time you want to play Chinese checkers you can look up Cpl Richard Gee…he’s a champion…at least in the engineering office…..Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said
….Is Cpl Richard Gee still taking jitterbug lessons from Sgt Andy Kan…Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said
….on t’other hand Cpl Richard Gee sure managed to sabotage a duo of wolves who wanted to meet his date the other nite….ask Sgt Andy Kan and Cpl Bill Ng for the story….Yank, February 11, 1944, said
Anglo-Chinese PaperGung Ho, No. 11, March 3, 1944, said
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.
....Apropos of approaching Easter-tide comes this amazing bit of ignorance, which rates our lichee nut of the week....Cpl Richard E Gee was chatting with Pfc Herbert J Lee in their barracks nook about rabbit life, and in the course of their discussions, the question arose as to what rabbit “eggs” looked like!!...Both of these teenaged soldiers admitted they’ve never seen one before....Should we tell them?....now?....According to Chennault’s Flying Tigers: World War II 50th Anniversary (1996), Gee was discharged at Camp Beale, California on February 9, 1946. He re-enlisted in the Air Force Reserves and was assigned to the 349th Maintenance and Supply Group HQ Squadron, Hamilton Field Air Base, California. During the Korean War, he was recalled to active duty in June 1951. He was stationed at Castle Air Force Base, California. The technical sergeant was discharged in April 1952.
According to the 1950 census, Gee lived with his parents and brother in San Francisco at 2964 Folsom Street. He was a draftsman at an engineering contractor.
Almost six months later, Gee married Gwendolyn Y. Chan on October 7, 1950 in San Francisco. They would go on to have six children.
Gee retired in 1987.
Gee passed away on January 24, 2010. An obituary appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, January 27, 2010.
Richard Eldon GeeGee was laid to rest at Woodlawn Memorial Park.
Passed away on January 24, 2010 with his loving family by his side. A WWII veteran of the Flying Tigers 407th Air Service Squadron, Richard is survived b his loving wife of over 59 years, Gwendolyn; his sons and daughters-in-law, Dennis & Cathlina, Bradley & Roberta, Randy & Kathleen, and Steven & Trudy; his daughters and sons-in-law, Carol & Daryl, and Brenda & Galahad. He was grandfather to Eldon (Rachel), Elvin (Vicky), Ellen, Ellis, Valerie (Rich), Daniel Robyn, Emily, Allyson, Bryce and Kyle; and great grandfather to Riley and Bailey.
Friends and family are invited to attend funeral service on Thurs., Jan. 28, 2010 at 11 AM at Halsted N. Gray-Carew & English, 1123 Sutter St., SF. Interment, Woodlawn Memorial Park, Colma, CA. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.
ROLAND GEE
Roland Gee was born on June 30, 1924 in Fresno, California according to his birth certificate at Ancestry.com.
Gee and his family have not yet been found in the 1930 United States census. The 1939 Fresno city directory listed his father, Roland, at 145 I Street. His occupation was restaurant.
In 1940 Gee was the oldest of four siblings. They and their father, a restaurant cook, lived in Fresno at 110 Eden Avenue.
On June 30, 1942 Gee signed his World War II draft card. His address was unchanged. The Edison Technical High School student was described as five feet eight inches, 130 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. Gee named his oldest sister, Frances, as a contact person.
Gee graduated in February 1943. At some point he enlisted in the Army.
Gee was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Gee and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
After the war Gee returned to California. He continued his education at the University of California at Berkeley. Gee was a member of the Chinese Students Club.
According to the 1950 census, Gee lived alone in Oakland, California at 859 Warfield Avenue. He was unemployed.
The Oakland Tribune and San Francisco Examiner, May 19, 1951, said a marriage license was issued to
Oakland city directories, from 1953 to 1957, listed Gee at 859 Warfield Avenue.
Gee passed away on July 9, 2009. The Social Security Death Index said his last residence was at Walnut Creek, California.
SHEW W. GEE
Shew Wai Gee was born on August 2, 1921 in “Toy Shan Kwong Tung, China” according to his World War II draft card. A passenger list said his birthplace was “Toyshan, Kwangtung, China”. His wife’s naturalization petition had his birthplace as “Tai Ming Tong Village, China”.
Fourteen-year-old “Siu Way Gee” and his older brother, Nee Sun Gee, were aboard the steam ship President Lincoln when it departed Hong Kong on October 5, 1935. The passenger list said they had been with their mother, Tom Shee, at “Tai Ming Hong, Toyshan, Kwangtung, China”. The brothers arrived at San Francisco, California on October 23, 1935. After an investigation Nee Sun Gee was admitted on November 29, 1935. Almost six weeks later Gee’s admission was approved on December 18, 1935. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 35691 9-25. Their final destination was to Lip Po Gee, a cousin, at 803 Grant Avenue in San Francisco.
The 1940 United States Census counted “Shew Gee” in San Francisco at 758 Commercial Street. He was unemployed.
On February 16, 1942 “Wai Shew Gee” signed his draft card. His address was 26 Waverly Place in San Francisco. He was described as five feet nine inches, 160 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Gee was on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Gee and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Roland Gee Jr…..Fresno, CaliforniaThe squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Private First Class Gee was promoted to Corporal.
After the war Gee returned to California. He continued his education at the University of California at Berkeley. Gee was a member of the Chinese Students Club.
According to the 1950 census, Gee lived alone in Oakland, California at 859 Warfield Avenue. He was unemployed.
The Oakland Tribune and San Francisco Examiner, May 19, 1951, said a marriage license was issued to
Gee-Wong—Roland Gee, 26, Oakland and Helen Anne Wong, 24, Berkeley.They married the following day..
Oakland city directories, from 1953 to 1957, listed Gee at 859 Warfield Avenue.
Gee passed away on July 9, 2009. The Social Security Death Index said his last residence was at Walnut Creek, California.
SHEW W. GEE
Shew Wai Gee was born on August 2, 1921 in “Toy Shan Kwong Tung, China” according to his World War II draft card. A passenger list said his birthplace was “Toyshan, Kwangtung, China”. His wife’s naturalization petition had his birthplace as “Tai Ming Tong Village, China”.
Fourteen-year-old “Siu Way Gee” and his older brother, Nee Sun Gee, were aboard the steam ship President Lincoln when it departed Hong Kong on October 5, 1935. The passenger list said they had been with their mother, Tom Shee, at “Tai Ming Hong, Toyshan, Kwangtung, China”. The brothers arrived at San Francisco, California on October 23, 1935. After an investigation Nee Sun Gee was admitted on November 29, 1935. Almost six weeks later Gee’s admission was approved on December 18, 1935. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file number was 35691 9-25. Their final destination was to Lip Po Gee, a cousin, at 803 Grant Avenue in San Francisco.
The 1940 United States Census counted “Shew Gee” in San Francisco at 758 Commercial Street. He was unemployed.
On February 16, 1942 “Wai Shew Gee” signed his draft card. His address was 26 Waverly Place in San Francisco. He was described as five feet nine inches, 160 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Gee enlisted on October 30, 1942.
Gee was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Gee and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Shew W. Gee…..San Francisco, CaliforniaThe squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 8, February 11, 1944, said Gee was presented the Good Conduct Ribbon by Captain E.F. Brown.
Gee was discharged on January 8, 1946. A photograph of Gee was on page 119 of Duty & Honor: A Tribute to Chinese American World War II Veterans of Southern California (1997). The same picture is at the Duty and Honor Collection.
Gee traveled to China married Shui Ching Wong on March 19, 1948 at 25 Fook Hing Road, Shameen, Canton, China. His address 930 Jackson Street in San Francisco.
A Pan American Airways flight took the Gee family from Hong Kong to San Francisco starting on March 14, 1952.
Shui’s naturalization petition listed two children, Chuck and Ying, who were born at Canton in 1948 and 1950, and another pair, Lana and Anthony, at San Francisco in 1953 and 1955. Her address was 1023 Washington Street. She was naturalized on January 7, 1958.
Gee passed away on February 28, 1990 in Los Angeles. He was laid to rest at Rose Hills Memorial Park.
HARRY GIN
Harry Gin enlisted in the Army on January 5, 1943 in San Francisco, California. The cook was born in China in 1910. It’s not clear if he is the same person (born on December 19, 1909 in Canton, China) who signed his World War II draft card on October 16, 1940 and lived at 137 Waverly Place in San Francisco. He was employed at the Thatcher School in Ojai, California.
Gin was not mentioned or listed in Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993 or In the Shadow of the Tiger. However he was mentioned in one issue of the squadron’s publication.
Gung Ho, No. 2, December 31, 1943, said
Come Out Soon, Fellers!The World War II Hospital Admission Card File, at Ancestry.com, said Gin was admitted in December 1943 for “Mononucleosis, infectious”. His second admission was in March 1944 for “Bursitis, acute”.
As 1943 draws to a close and 1944 comes over the horizon, a small number of our personnel are confined at the station hospital for various sicknesses. They include Sgt Sack Wan, S/Sgt Norman Lerenman (attached), Cpl H.L. Hachett (attached), Pvts Herbert J. Lee, Jan W. Wong, Harry Gin, S/Sgt Ton Lum and Cpl Benson K. Lee.
To these buddies goes our greetings for the New Year, and hearty wishes for their early recovery.
What became of Gin is not known.
GEORGE T. GON
George Tom Gon was born on July 30, 1919 in Pasco, Washington according to his World War II draft card. His birth certificate recorded his name as “George Gon (Tom Wah Ying)”. His parents were Tom Gon and Fong Shee.
The 1930 United States census said Gon was the fourth of seven siblings. The Gons were Seattle residents at 1528 East Spruce Street. Gon’s father worked at a Chinese store.
Gon was one of the 434 students who graduated from Garfield High School according to the Seattle Daily Times, June 13, 1938.
In the 1940 census, Gon was in Vallejo, California, and employed as a bar steward at the United States Navy Yard on Mare Island. He resided at the Warrant Officers Club. Gon had four years of high school education.
On October 16, 1940 Gon signed his draft card in San Francisco. His address was 1055 Powell Street. His description was five feet six inches, 130 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Gon enlisted on June 4, 1943.
Gon’s surname was misspelled Gow on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Gon and his hometown in 1945 on 214.
George T. Gon…..San Francisco, CaliforniaIn the book Gon was in the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said Private First Class Gon was promoted to Corporal.
Gung Ho, No. 4, January 14, 1944, said
EM’s Visit Sheffield Plant.Gung Ho, No. 7, February 4, 1944, said
This week 8 GI’s spent an enjoyable and informative 3 hours touring nearby Sheffield Corporation plant, now manufacturing precision and gauge instruments for war uses. They were interested in the instruments because all 8 were from the machine shop unit of the engineering section. They were Sgt Joseph K. Lee, Cpl George Gon, Pfc, Howard Quan, Pfc Harry King, Pfc Gordon Wong, Pvt On Y. Yee, Pvt Henry Hsiang, and Pfc Ying Y. [sic] Chin.
The GI’s not only toured the plant under a special guide, but also had their pictures taken at every stop they made. They were interested in the instruments, but the photographer was interested in them.
... The Corporals who were made Sergeants included George M. Shue, Yee S. Lim, George M. Yee, Wing H. Fong, Benson K. Lee, George T. Gon, Fong Lee, Eugene W. Yee, Koonwah Lim, Sammy Chang, Kern Lee, Samuel S. [Yee] and Frank Chin....After the war Gon returned to California.
….Now for a few eyetems about the 7 EM who went on a little detached service last week to Greenfield, O. to dismantle a P-47….Led by T/Sgt Andy Lee, the men included S/Sgt Kim W. Jung, Sgts Koonwah Lim, Donald Poy[,] George Gon, Cpls Gwon J. Lee and Jean H. Shing….Report was the boys did not mind the cold weather at all….no sir, not while they were so well treated by the Greenfield folks….after knocking off work each day Sgt Poy had a tough time pleasing all the gals because so many of ’em liked his company….they took one look at his boyish-looking face and dubbed him “cutie,”…migosh…now those local belles all want to write to him….
….And for once Sgt Gon and Cpl Shing were glad to meet a couple of teachers….and maybe learn a few things…the latter were not only young but pretty too….the “pupils” were taken for a ride ’round the countryside….ah, such gor-gee-ous scenery!
On June 21, 1947 Gon married Mary in Reno, Nevada.
According to the 1950 census “George Tom” and Mary were Los Angeles residents at 942 Sundbury. He was employed at the Precision Machine Company where he made tools for watchmakers.
Mary’s naturalization petition said she was born Dai-Mu Fong, in Hong Kong, and arrived at Seattle, Washington on February 21, 1928. She become a citizen on April 7, 1966. Her address was 848 Bunker Hills, Los Angeles, California.
Goon passed away on May 1, 2017. He laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
ANDREW H. GOON (ANDREW G. LEE)
Andrew Hong Goon was born on October 23, 1921 in “Toy San, China” according to his World War II draft card. Goon’s naturalization petition said his true name was Andrew Goon Lee who was born on October 24, 1921.
Thirteen-year-old “Hong Goon” was aboard the steam ship President Hoover when it departed Hong Kong on January 26, 1935. Before sailing he was with his mother, Fong Shee, at “Shan Hong, Sunning, Kwangtung Province, China”. Goon arrived at San Francisco on February 13, 1935 and admitted thirteen days later. His final destination was to Sheong Lee at 857 Grant Avenue in San Francisco.
Goon has not been found in the 1940 United States census.
On February 14, 1942 Goon signed his draft card. His description was five feet six inches, 127 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Goon has not been found in the 1940 United States census.
On February 14, 1942 Goon signed his draft card. His description was five feet six inches, 127 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
At San Mateo, California Goon enlisted in the Army Air Corps on October 17 1942.
Goon was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Goon and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
Andrew H. Goon (Andrew G. Lee)…..San Francisco, CaliforniaIn the book he was thanked as Andrew G. Lee on the acknowledgements page. As Andrew Lee, he was mentioned on pages 10, 12, 45, 49, and 69. Goon was in a photograph on page 53.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 3, January 7, 1944, said
10 EM’s Indiana-BoundGung Ho, No. 4, January 14, 1944, said
Days ago, near Liberty, Ind. a B-25 was forced down in the middle of a corn field. To get it out it was deemed necessary to dismantle the plane part by part.
This week that job of dismantling was given to the 407th. Ten EM’s were picked for the task, and left for Indiana Tuesday, accompanied by WO T.A. Egnoski. This temporary duty is to last approximately 5 days, at the end of which some additional practical experience should have been gained by the men.
The 10 EM’s who went there: M/Sgt. Floyd Sam, S/Sgt Donald Louie, Sgt Hing Lo, Sgt Wm Toy, Cpl Koonwah Lim, Cpl Geo. Chow, Sgt Donald Poy, Sgt Fulton Yee, Cpl Andrew Goon, Pfc Woo H. Niy….
“Give Us Liberty—”Gung Ho, No. 6, January 28, 1944, said
In place of his usual daily calisthenics, Sgt William Toy took to rhumba, But he preferred being instructed by a certain miss even though Cpl Andrew Goon, the squadron’s Arthur Murray offered his services. But then Cpl Goon was teaching a few of the local belles at a soda fountain.
….The men of the Flight Test section are haunting their T. O. room these days, ’specially Addy Goon and George Chow..but not to study the T. O.’s tho…the attraction is a sun-tanned little miss who works thar….Gung Ho, No. 11, March 3, 1944, said
....Cpl Andrew H Goon croons “Give Me Something To Remember You By” to a doll in Xenia....Goon was discharged on January 8, 1946 and returned to California. The U.S. Army Air Forces Final Registered List of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Recognition Project has the following two names.
Andrew G. LeeGoon’s naturalization petition said he married Fumiko Kagawa on February, 15, 1948 at Palo Alto, California. (Executive Order 9066 had sent Fumiko and her family from their Los Altos home to the Santa Anita Assembly Center. From there they traveled to concentration camp Heart Mountain near Cody, Wyoming.)
Andrew H. Goon
“Andrew Goon Lee” was naturalized on December 10, 1963. His address was 446 Distel Drive, Los Altos, California.
Fumiko passed away on August 20, 2008
The date and place of Goon’s passing is not known.
HARRY E. HASELEU
Harry Edward Haseleu was born on May 13, 1918 in Chico, California according to the California Birth Record at Ancestry.com. His parents were Leondard Ray Haseleu and Florence Lavina Brown.
The 1920 United States census counted Haseleu and his parents in Chico at Esplanade.
In the 1930 census, Haseleu and his mother resided in Sacramento, California at 2216 29th Street.
According to the 1940 census, Haseleu was counted in his uncle’s household in Chico at the Morehead Subdivision.
On October 16, 1940 Haseleu signed his World War II draft card. His address was 1000 Main Street, in Chico. Sometime later it was updated to 1140 Castro Way in Sacramento. The Chico State College student was described as six feet two inches, 190 pounds, with blue eyes and blonde hair.
The Sacramento Bee, November 1, 1943, reported Haseleu and his father were home on leave.
The elder Haseleu saluted his son. The son is a captain in the army air corps while the father is a lieutenant in the signal corps.Haseleu’s surname was misspelled Hasselue on page 72 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Haseleu and his hometown in 1945 on page 213.
Lieutenant Haseleu arranged for a leave after learning Captain Haseleu, who had been recovering in the McCloskey Army Hospital in Texas from injuries suffered during a raid in North Africa, was to receive a 30 day leave.
Is Transport Pilot
Captain Haseleu, a transport pilot, was confined in a hospital in North Africa for four months before being returned to the United States.
The captain was commissioned in the air forces on October 31, 1931, at Stockton Field, San Joaquin County. He was elevated to captain in September, 1942.
Missed Last War
Lieutenant Haseleu, stationed at Camp Knight, said he missed out on the last war and was anxious to get into the present conflict and his application for a commission in the signal corps was accepted.
The lieutenant father and his captain son plan to spend some of their leave duck hunting. On their first trip out they returned with 3 ducks.
Major Harry E. Hasselue [sic]…..Sacramento, CaliforniaIn the book he appeared in the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.
Haseleu was noted in Americans First: Chinese Americans and the Second World War (2009).
After the war Haseleu returned to California and started a family.
The 1950 census counted Haseleu, his wife, Marie, and two sons, Eric and Christian, in his father-in-law’s household in Sacramento at 1550 39th Street. Haseleu was a salesman at a tire rubber company.
Haseleu’s veteran’s file said he reenlisted in the Air Force on April 23, 1951 and was discharged on January 22, 1953.
Haseleu passed away on December 28, 1996. Two days later the obituary said
On December 28th Harry Edward Haseleu entered into his life with God surrounded by his loving family; his wife, Mary Louise, sons and daughters, Eric & Joan Haseleu, Christian & Ann Haseleu, Rebecca & Paul Hackleman, and Harriette & Jim Fitzpatrick. He also left five grandchildren and one great grandchild. Harry was a descendant of early seventeenth century settlers in the New World and the grandson of pioneers in Northern California. He attended Sacramento High School and Chico State University. He was a pilot in WWII, serving in North Africa and with the 14th Air Force in China. He also saw active duty during the Korean Conflict, retiring from the US Air Force as a Lt. Colonel. For several years he was engaged in the gear manufacturing industry on the Peninsula. A mass celebration of his life is scheduled at Our Lady of Angels church in Burlingame on Tuesday morning at 11:30 o’clock. Anyone wishing to give a memorial in his name may make a contribution to the Capuchin Fanciscan Development Fund at 1345 Cortez Ave., Burlingame, CA 94010. Crosby-Gray & Co.Haseleu was laid to rest at Golden Gate National Cemetery.
WILLIAM HING
William Hing was born on December 15, 1924 in Cleveland, Ohio according to his World War II draft card.
Hing has not yet been found in the 1930 United States census.
The 1940 census counted Hing as the fourth of seven siblings. Their father was a WPA laborer at a golf project. The Hing family were Cleveland residents at 8018 Beaumont Court.
On December 29, 1942 Hing signed his draft card. His address was the same. The East High School student was described as five feet six inches, 115 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Hing enlisted on June 14, 1943.
Hing was on page 73 of Chinese America: History and Perspectives 1993. In the Shadow of the Tiger listed Hing and his hometown in 1945 on page 214.
William Hing…..Cleveland, OhioIn the book he appeared in the squadron fold-out photograph between pages 54 and 55.
The squadron’s publication, Gung Ho, No. 23, August 5, 1944, said
…Stan Chinn (sax) Henry Leong (sax) & Wm Hing (clarinet) are keeping their instruments from getting rusty by occasional practice sessions.. their jive rhythm is being slowed up by this Indian summer...After the war Hing returned to Cleveland and continued his education at Case Western Reserve University.
The 1950 census counted Hing, his parents and three younger siblings in Cleveland at 1362 East 81st Street. His father was a restaurant manager.
At some point, Hing married and had a family.
Hing passed away on September 23, 2014. An obituary appeared in the San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times, September 30, 2014.
Bill passed away on Tuesday. Born in Cleveland, OH, he was drafted into the Air Force after graduating high school. He served in the Asia-Pacific Theater during WWII. After his service, he attended Case Western Reserve University and became a chemical engineer. It was while working at Monsanto in Massachusetts that he met his wife, Florence. Together, they raised, 4 sons (Andrew, Steven, Frederick and Jeffrey).Hing was laid to rest at Los Gatos Memorial Park.
He and his family lived in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Virginia before moving to San Jose in 1978 where he worked at IBM until his retirement. Most important to him was his family, to which his devotion was immeasurable.
He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and sense of humor. He is survived by one sister, 4 sons and 6 grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday October 5 at 3:00 p.m. at Campbell United Methodist Church, 1675 Winchester Blvd. in Campbell. (408) 378-3472. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Campbell United Methodist Church.
Related Posts
Introduction
(Next post Group 9: Hom–Ing)
No comments:
Post a Comment