Newspaper Article, 18 June 1945
In 1942, Joseph Hong left his job in the advertising department of The Windsor Star newspaper to enlist in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He served as a navigator, flying in operations over Europe.
On 18 June 1945, his former colleagues at the newspaper had the difficult task of publishing this article notifying readers of Flying Officer Hong’s presumed death. His aircraft set out on a bombing mission over Alençon, France on 22 May 1944 but never returned to its base. Hong and the other members of the aircrew were initially declared missing but later confirmed killed.
Historical Overview
Historical Overview
Reported Killed
FO JOSEPH HONG
Previously reported missing in action, now is presumed killed, his parents Mr. and Mrs. Mi Hong, 1536 Ottawa street, have been advised by the R.C.A.F. casualty officer. FO. Hong was the first Windsor boy of Chinese descent to graduate as a navigator in the R.C.A.F. He was formerly employed on the advertising staff of The Windsor Star. He joined the air force in August, 1942, trained at Mont Joli, Lachine and Victoriaville, Que., taking his final examinations at Crumlin. He went overseas in November of 1943. A native of Windsor, FO Hong attended King George Public School and Walkerville Collegiate Institute. He was a member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.