Fred Gong Jr. was born on February 4, 1923, in San Francisco, California, to Fred Gong and May Gong. He was raised with four other siblings: Henry, Elizabeth, Peter, and Michael Gong. During Fred Gong Jr.’s youth, he would spend time in both San Francisco and Oregon, where he would eventually begin his journey into military service. 

On June 30, 1942, amid the global conflict of World War II, Fred Gong Jr. enlisted in the U.S. Army from Oregon. Demonstrating his dedication and leadership, Fred Gong rose to the rank of First Lieutenant (1LT). His service during this critical period contributed to the broader war effort. After the war, Fred Gong lived in Los Angeles, California, where he continued his life after the military. 

Fred Gong Jr. passed away on December 26, 2016, in Riverside, California, at the age of 93. He is buried with honor at the Riverside National Cemetery, a resting place for many American veterans. His life is remembered as one of service and commitment, symbolic of the many Chinese American soldiers who served during World War II despite the challenges and discrimination they faced. Fred Gong Jr.’s story is part of the broader tapestry of courage and contribution that defines the legacy of Asian American veterans in U.S. history. 

 

This biography was researched and written by students as part of the Digital Veterans Legacy Project at Loyola Marymount University, funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Cemetery Administration.  

FRED GONG JR

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