Hung Woon “Harold” Ahn
Dec. 10, 1924 – May 31, 2009
Hung Woon “Harold” Ahn — father of Jenny Ahn Wangoe, father-in-law of Peter J. Wangoe Sr., and grandfather of Peter J. Wangoe II, all of San Juan Island — succumbed to extensive medical issues at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii.
He was 84. He was a summer “snowbird” for many years on San Juan Island.
A retired master sergeant in the U.S. Army, he enlisted in 1945. He was assigned to the Joint U.S. Military Advisory Group, China/Burma/India Theater, in Shanghai, China in 1947; the Signal Battalion, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, 1950-52; Hawaiian Infantry Training Center at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, as a drill instructor, 1952-54.
He was assigned as platoon sergeant to Nurenberg, Germany to the 169th Infantry, 43rd Infantry Division, and subsequently to the 9th Infantry Division when it relieved the 43rd Infantry Division, and as an instructor in the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy in 1954-57.
He was assigned to the 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii as a platoon sergeant and instructor in the Jungle Warfare School in 1957-60. He was assigned to the 187 (ABM) Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky., as a platoon sergeant in 1960-61.
He was assigned to Korea with the 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, 1961-65. While serving in Korea, he was selected the “7th Cavalry Soldier of the Year” and awarded the first Colonel Dorsey Award, which was presented by Mrs. Dorsey, known as the Mother of the 1st Cavalry Division.
He was assigned back to Fort Campbell, Ky., 187th (ABN) Infantry, 101st Airborne Division with duties as platoon sergeant and first sergeant in 1965-66. He was assigned to the Republic of Vietnam with the 2/8th Airborne Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) as platoon sergeant in 1966-68. He was assigned to Fort Ord, Calif. with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade as first sergeant in 1966-68, and as first 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 enlisted adviser to the U.S. Army Reserves, IX Corps at Fort 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, Master Sgt. Ahn was named grand marshal of the Lions Club Veterans Day Parade at Wahiawa, Oahu, Hawaii, with Mayor Frank Fasi in attendance.
Awards and decorations awarded: Combat Infantry Badge, Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal with second Valor Device and sixth Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with second Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with Valor Device and second Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal seventh award, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, European Occupational Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, China Service Medal, RVN Gallantry Cross with Silver Star, RVM Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation with Oak Leaf Cluster, RVN Gallantry Cross with Palm (third award), RVN Civic Action Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Master Parachutist Badge, Expert Rifleman’s Badge, Vietnamese Parachutist Badge.
His extensive military expertise was used in LRRP (Long Range Recon Patrol), as a “tunnel rat” and in service with Riverine Forces in the 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, Harold was the low-net winner of the Marshal’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 Friday Harbor Post 163 to support our local auxiliary, and he remained a loyal member till present. He enjoyed the San Juan Golf & Country Club and challenged his grandson Peter II and friends on the course.
His wife, Elizabeth, preceded him in death in 1988.
He is survived by his brothers: Col. Harry Ahn, U.S. Army Intelligence (ret.) and wife Clara; Henry Ahn and wife Pearl 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; stepdaughter: 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; the date will be set.
Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 163, Friday Harbor.
— Family of Hung Woon “Harold” Ahn
