Gordon Pai'ea Chung-Hoon, born July 25, 1910 in Hawai'ian territory to a Chinese father and Hawai'ian mother, attended the US Naval Academy in May 1934, becoming the first Asian American graduate from the academy. He played football for the Navy as halfback and punter, helping break an 11-year losing streak against Army in 1934.
After graduation, he was assigned to the USS Indianapolis as ensign. In January 1937, he served on the USS Montgomery, and then lieutenant (junior grade) on the USS Dent in January 1939.
He served on the USS Arizona as a lieutenant and was in Hawai'i on the day of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was in Honolulu when the attack occurred. He then worked as a naval liaison officer with coastal artillery, and also served on the cruiser USS Honolulu.
In May 1944, Chung-Hoon commanded the destroyer USS Sigsbee. On April 14, 1945, the Sigsbee assisted in an aircraft carrier strike force off Kyushu, when a kamikaze crashed into her. The explosion killed 23 men, knocked out the port engine and steering control and severely damaging her starboard engine.
Admiral Halsey told Chung-Hoon to scuttle the ship, but Chung-Hoon refused, saying "No, I have kids on here that can't swim and I'm not putting them in the water. I'll take her back."
He managed to keep the ship a float while continuing to fire on enemy aircraft, and made it safely back to port. He received the Navy Cross and the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary heroism.
Chung-Hoon commanded the USS John W. Thomason during the Korean War and was promoted to captain July 1, 1953. He retired in 1959 and was promoted to rear admiral, making him the first Asian American flag officer of the US Navy.
He passed away on July 24, 1979, the day before his 69th birthday.
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