Hoover Ginn, (Gok Hung), loving father and husband, Korean War veteran, and Marine, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 26, 2014 at the age of 81. Hoover was born on October 18, 1932 in Oakland, California. He grew up in Oakland, where he worked hard at menial jobs such as shelling shrimp, shining shoes, bussing tables, washing dishes, and helping in the family grocery stores on 6th street and East 25th street.
Hoover Ginn, Marine, 1932-2014
In 1949, Hoover graduated from Oakland Technical High and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. He proudly served his country in the Korean War from January 1951-January 1952 as a Scout/Observer and Basic Intelligence Man with the 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. Between March, 1951 and January, 1952, he fought in four combat campaigns. He was wounded in action on September 16, 1951, struck twice by an enemy mine explosion, and later returned to duty. Corporal Ginn was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, Purple Heart, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Korean Medal, ROK Korean War Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Presidential Unit Citation with 1 Star, Navy Unit Commendation, Occupation Medal, and United Nations Ribbon.
Hoover worked in sales for over 40 years, mostly at Sun Life of Canada where he served the Chinese community, often translating and transporting clients to appointments and services. He lived life to the fullest, and enjoyed food, socializing and community service. He also enjoyed traveling, including recent visits to Korea, Hawaii and Mexico. Hoover was involved with Chinese service organizations such as The Chinese American Citizens Alliance (CACA) and was a past president and founding director of The Wa Sung Service Club, in Oakland Chinatown. Later in life he was very active in many U.S. Military organizations, including the Chinatown VFW Post 4618; American Legion, Cathay Post No. 384 in San Francisco; and Detachment 942, Military Order of the Devil Dogs. He was also past president (1991-92) of the Northern California Chapter, 1st Marine Division Association. Most important in his life was his family: his children, his grandchildren and his wife Amy.
On June 7, family and friends attended services with military honors at the Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland, after which Hoover was interred at the Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland. Hoover’s service to his country and Corps will be commemorated on an inscribed plaque at the Korean War Memorial. Rest in Peace, Hoover, and Semper Fidelis.
Help us honor Hoover and all those who fought in the Korean War. Help us get this Memorial built now. Donate to KWMF today: www.kwmf.org/donate/