AQCS Clifford Allen “Hong” Hornung, USN (Ret.), died peacefully on Dec. 16, 2006 in the presence of family at Regency’s Harbor Care facility in Oak Harbor. He was 83.
Cliff served his country during WW II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
Cliff’s life was defined by his great love for Bernice (his wife of 61 years) and his family, his long career and association with the United States Navy, and his passion for hunting and fishing.
Cliff’s character and personality were identified early in his life. He never changed. The following description of Cliff was contained in his 1943 Aviation Ordnanceman School yearbook: “‘Hongkong’ is the salt of our section, keeping us awake many nights after taps telling his sea stories. He’s a true Yankee that even a Rebel likes because of his agreeability and never ending smile.”
To generations of sailors and friends, he was known simply as Chief Hong.
Cliff was born on August 8, 1923, in Ashland, Schuylkill County, Penn. He was raised nearby in the small town of Lavelle and spent his boyhood hunting and fishing, and flying with his Uncle Romeo.
Graduating Ashland High School in 1941, he attended school and worked in York, Penn. He enlisted in the Navy on Jan. 18, 1943. Following bombardier training, Cliff was assigned to NAS Norfolk, Va., and, while on liberty in Washington, D.C., Cliff met Bernice in late 1943.
In late 1944 Cliff was assigned as a bombardier to VPB-119, flying PB4Y-2 Privateers, and went to war in the Western Pacific. For his combat action Cliff was awarded one Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) from the Navy, one DFC from the Army and three Air Medals.
Cliff married Bernice on Christmas Eve, 1945, started a family and continued his Navy career.
Cliff arrived on Whidbey Island in 1957 when assigned to VAH-4 as an Aviation Fire Control Technician and aircrew in the A3D Skywarrior. In 1958, the night prior to deployment on the USS Hancock (CVA-19), Cliff initiated a memorable part of VAH history when he acquired a four-foot statue from Tim’s Bar in Alameda. Known as the Golden Goddess, GiGi was a favored prize in squadron ready rooms throughout the Navy.
Following assignments included VAH-8 on the USS Midway (CVA-41) and VA-145 on the USS Enterprise (CVAN-65). Cliff retired on May 15, 1973, completing over 30 years of naval service. In 1979 Cliff achieved a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Western Washington University.
Cliff was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association for 42 consecutive years. He was president (or acting president) five times of Whidbey Island Branch 97. In addition, he was a life member, past president and trustee of the North Whidbey Sportsmen’s Association.
Cliff spent his retirement years hunting and fishing. For many years he could be found on the lower game range with his German shorthair dogs or fishing “the hole” at Deception Pass. He spent his later years feeding apples to the island deer.
Cliff was preceded in death by his mother and father (Carrie Mabel Hornung and Earl Bernard Hornung), three sisters (Baby Girl, Elsie and Evelyn) and six brothers (Earl, Richard, Ralph, Warren, Robert and Charles).
He is survived by two sisters (Ruby and June) and three brothers (Clyde, Ted and Carl).
Cliff is survived also by his wife, Bernice Hornung, and children: Susan Lee Widdop and spouse Richard Widdop, Scott Allen Hornung and spouse Jill Hornung, Sandra Marie Hunt and spouse Randy Hunt, Skyler Paul Hornung and spouse Jan Hornung. Grandchildren include Sarah and Molly Widdop, Amy Hornung, Jayme and Mallory Hunt.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested for the FRA Branch 97 scholarship fund, the North Whidbey Sportsmen’s Association scholarship fund or the American Cancer Society.
Graveside services will be conducted Friday, Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Pastor Palm, Concordia Lutheran Church, presiding. Military honors will be rendered with reception to follow. An online guest book available at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.
