Our Veterans
Peter Chung Ying Chue - Merchant Marine
Peter Chung Ying Chue was born August 15, 1920, in San Francisco and graduated from UC Berkeley in May 1941 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Plant
Pathology, subsequently graduating from the US Merchant Marine Academy in July 1944. Shortly after graduation and with a Third Assistant Engineer rating, Peter signed aboard the SS Lewis L Dyche. On the morning of January 4, 1945, the Dyche, loaded with ammunition and explosives, was anchored in Mindoro Harbor, Philippines. Allied ships in the harbor were assaulted by Japanese aircraft and a Japanese dive bomber attacked the Dyche, hitting it amidships. The resulting explosion completely destroyed the Dyche and there were no survivors. Peter was the son of Chue Bak Yuen and Min Yin Shea; his brother George passed away at an early age and his sisters were Ruth Young, Alice Lew, and Helen Chun.
Peter C. Y. Chue was posthumously awarded the Mariners Medal, Combat Bar, Pacific War Zone Bar, Philippine Liberation Bar, Victory Medal, and Presidential Testimonial Letter.
Fay Hong Wong - Army
Fay Hong “Jimmy” Wong was born on September 22, 1922 in the village of Gom Benn, Toishan in the province of Kwangtang, China. He was the eldest of four siblings and the only son. Departing from Hong Kong, Fay arrived in Los Angeles on June 11, 1939 aboard the SS President Pierce. He attended Belmont High School in Los Angeles and later found work as an electric arc welder and flame cutter. The United States Army drafted him on June 30, 1942. While stationed in France, he served as a military policeman (MP) and attained the rank of Private First Class with a marksman classification. He was Honorably Discharged on April 2, 1946 at the separation center at Fort MacArthur, California. In recognition of his military service he was awarded the American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
Fay returned to China to marry on February 24, 1947. He and his pregnant wife arrived in San Francisco, California on July 14, 1947 aboard the USS General W.H. Gordon and traveled to Los Angeles by auto. Fay worked at a produce market while his wife took care of the family of four girls and one boy. Later, Fay was employed by Douglas Aircraft Company in El Segundo, California as an aircraft assembler. Due to an industrial accident at work, Fay passed away on June 9th, 1957. He was survived by his wife until her death in 2014.
George W. Jung - Army
George W. Jung was born on August 3, 1919 in Philadelphia, PA to Henry and Helen Jung who had immigrated from Canton, China to raise their family. His parents owned a gift shop in Philadelphia’s Chinatown, and proudly hung 3 star banners in their storefront to symbolize the 3 sons they had serving in the military during WWII.
George was inducted into service for the United States Army on May 12, 1942 and served as a machinist for 1752 Ordinance Supply and Maintenance Company Aviation 301st Air Service Corps and was honorably discharged after serving 3 ½ years overseas. George was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star Victory Medal, Asiatic- Pacific Campaign Medal and American Campaign Medal.
George attended LaSalle College on the GI Bill and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting in 1949. He began his career with the Internal Revenue Service in 1950, where he moved steadily up the ladder. He served as Chief, Accounting Branch for both Philadelphia District Office and Philadelphia Service Center and retired as Senior Program Analyst, Management Staff in 1976.
George and his wife, Betty had three children, Dennis, Donald and Patricia, who they raised in Chinatown and Oxford Circle sections of Philadelphia. George had a strong love for family, enjoyed cooking and eating great food and was always fun loving and willing to lend a helping hand.
George passed away on March 25, 1993 at the age of 73. after suffering several years from Parkinson’s disease. He is survived by Betty, his loving wife of over 47 years, his 3 children, their spouses, 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
George was proud to be an American, as exemplified by his 31 years of military and civil service. He was a true role model to all who knew him.