Fay Owyoung - Navy
Fay Owyoung was born in 1925, the son of Leong Poy and Hee Shee. Born and raised in San Francisco, he attended Galileo High School. In 1943, before he turned 18, Fay enlisted in the Navy. His two older brothers, Ying and Jerry, also served during WWII, in the Army.
After training in Farragut, Idaho, Fay served on the destroyer, USS Hoel (DD-533). While on the USS Hoel, he participated in the campaigns in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, Kwajalein and Majuro Atolls, Eniwetok Atoll, the Western Caroline Islands, Southern Palau Islands, Leyte and Battle off Samar. His destroyer was sunk during the battle of Leyte Gulf while holding off an entire Japanese task force. He, along with 85 others, survived for days in shark-infested waters on a raft in the open Pacific, enduring severe injuries.
He served in the Post Office on Treasure Island, and his final post was at the Fleet Post Office in San Francisco. Fay earned a Letter of Commendation for his excellent performance of duty, being the last person in charge of the roll-up of the Fleet Post Office.
While serving in the Pacific Theater, Fay was awarded the American Area, Asiatic Pacific, Philippine Liberation, Victory, Purple Heart, and Good Conduct Medals. A Presidential Unit Citation was also awarded to Task Force 77.4.3 for extraordinary heroism during the Battle off Samar, of which the USS Hoel played a major role. He was honorably discharged in 1947.
After the war, Fay became an accomplished and highly regarded professional dog handler, well-known for training and showing some of the most famous imported and United States bred German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and other working breeds. He owned and operated his own dog boarding kennel and taught obedience training. He was a member of the American Kennel Club, Professional Handlers Association, and Disabled American Veterans. He also was associated with the Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Fay was married to Ethel Woo for over 25 years and had 6 children, and 12 grandchildren. He lived in and around the San Francisco Bay area his entire life. He died at the age of 51 in 1976.