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OBITUARY |
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Hung Woon "Harold" AhnDecember 10, 1924 May 31, 2009
Father of Jenny Ahn Wangoe, Father-in-Law of Peter J. Wangoe, Sr. and Grandfather of Peter J. Wangoe II - a summer "snowbird" for many years on San Juan Island - succumbed to extensive medical issues at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii. He was a retired Master Sergeant in the US Army. He enlisted in 1945. In 1947 after completion of Basic Training he was assigned to the Joint U.S. Military Advisory Group, China, Burma, India Theater in Shanghai, China. He was assigned to the Signal Battalion, Ft. Shafter, Hawaii 1950-52. He was assigned to the Hawaiian Infantry Training Center at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii as a Drill Instructor in '52-54. He was assigned to Nurnberg, Germany to the 169th Infantry, 43rd Infantry Div. and subsequently to the 9th Infantry Div when it relieved the 43rd Inf. Div. with duties as Platoon Sergeant and as an Instructor in the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy in 1954-57. He was assigned to the 14th Inf. Regt., 25th Inf. Div. at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii as a Platoon Sergeant and instructor in the Jungle Warfare School in '57-60. He was assigned to the 187 (ABM) Inf., 101st Airborne Div., Ft. Campbell, Kentucky as a Platoon Sergeant in '60-61. He was assigned to Korea with the 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Div., while serving in Korea he was selected the "7th Cavalry Soldier of the Year" and awarded the 1st "Colonel Dorsey Award", which was presented by Mrs. Dorsey, known as the Mother of the 1st Cavalry Div - in 1961-65. Assigned back to Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, 187th (ABN) Inf., 101st Airborne Division with duties as Platoon Sgt. and 1st Sergeant in 1965-66. He was assigned to the Republic of Vietnam with 2/8th Airborne Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) as Platoon Sergeant in 1966-68. He was assigned to Ft. Ord, California with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade as 1st Sergeant in 1966-68. He was assigned to Ft. Ord, California with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade as 1st Sergeant of the Signal & Communications School and Brigade Intelligence Sergeants in 1968-69. He returned to Vietnam and assigned to the 50th Infantry and 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division in 1969-71. He was assigned as the Enlister Advisor to the U.S. Army Reserves, IX Corps at Ft. DeRussy, Hawaii. On Sept. 30, 1971 he retired from the U.S. Army. In recognition as the most decorated non-commissioned officer on active duty stationed in Hawaii in 1970 - M/Sgt. Ahn was named the "Grand Marshall" at the Lions Club Veterans Day Parade at Wahiawa, Oahu, Hawaii with Mayor Frank Fasi in attendance. Awards and Decorations Awarded:
His extensive military expertise was used in LRRP (Long Range Recon Patrol), as a "tunnel rat" and in service with Riverine Forces in Mekong Delta area, as well as parachute drops and Mobile Air assault operations. Harold was also an avid golfer all his life. He was the winner of the May 1948 Spring Invitational Open in Shanghai, China. At the Bing Crosby Pro Am Golf Tournament 1968 held at Pebble Beach Golf Course, Pebble Beach In conjunction with the Tournament Harold was the Low Net Winner of the Marshall's Tournament that year. There is a favorite photo of him with Arnold Palmer and team at the tournament. As a San Juan Island summer "snowbird" he made numerous friends through the years. An easy task for him as any of his friends would attest to his easy manner and friendly conversations he never knew a stranger! He loved the friendly people of Friday Harbor and ; transferred his American Legion Membership early on to the Friday Harbor Post 163 to support our local Auxiliary and remained a loyal member till present. He enjoyed the San Juan Golf & Country Club and challenged grandson Peter II and friends on the course. His wife, Elizabeth preceded him in death in 1988. He is survived by his Brothers: Col.US Army, ret. Intelligence Harry and wife Clara Ahn and Henry and wife Pearl Ahn of California and Hung Soo Ahn of Hawaii, Sisters: Carole Song and Kay Wha Lee of Hawaii, Daughters: Jenny K.N. and husband Peter J. Wangoe Sr. of Friday Harbor, Yvonne and husband Curtiss Ako of Hawaii and Step-daughter: Jackie and husband Karl Heberlein of Florida, Grandchildren: Peter J. and wife Leasa Wangoe II of Friday Harbor, Brian Ako and Jasmine Ako of Hawaii. Memorial Services will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific - also known as Punchbowl National Cemetery in Oahu, Hawaii - date to be set. Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 163, Friday Harbor. |
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