Print This Page

Sergeant James Kwock Kim Look

A Chinese American Marine in his dress shirt and tie, looking straight at the camera.
  • Unit: Company H, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment
  • Date of Birth: August 14, 1929
  • Entered the Military: June 24, 1948
  • Date of Death: May 23, 1960
  • Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
  • Place of Death: Hilo, Hawaiʻi
  • Cemetery: Section V, Grave 347. National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
Contributed by Hailey Lockman
Mentored by Mrs. Amy Boehning
Hawaiʻi Technology Academy
2024/2025

Early Life

James Kwock Kim Look was born on August 14, 1929, in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, to Kwock Fong Look, son of a former plantation worker turned Oahu merchant, and Yuk Kang Wong Look, a Chinese immigrant. His father became a prominent member of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Hawaiʻi. Look was the second oldest of eight children and the eldest son. He and his siblings were bilingual, speaking Cantonese and English fluently.

Boy Scout Troop 35: The Queen’s Own Troop

As a child, Look participated in various activities, including being a member of Troop Number 35, one of Hawaiʻi’s oldest and multiethnic Boy Scout troops. In 1913, members of the troop met Queen Lili‘uokalani, and her support for the organization led to their designation as “The Queen’s Own Troop.”

During World War II, the troop contributed to the home front through emergency services and community preparedness efforts. Their work was so valued that their Boy Scout uniforms were officially recognized by police, guards, and military sentries. The troop reflected Hawaiʻi’s diverse population and commitment to service.

All-Around Student

Look attended Governor Wallace Rider Farrington High School in Honolulu, where he was an active participant in student government. He honed his musical skills by playing several instruments in the school band, including the French horn, trumpet, clarinet, and baritone. Look showcased his abilities during performances at football games, assemblies, the Christmas pageant, and the Shrine benefit football game, as well as in the Hopalong Cassidy Rodeo parade and ROTC review. Throughout high school, he also trained for future military service through the ROTC program. Beyond academics, Look enjoyed hobbies like auto mechanics, building model airplanes, and repairing cars, and he actively participated in sports such as baseball and basketball.

Hawaiʻi Boy Scout painters stenciling first aid station and other emergency signs immediately following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Honolulu Star-Advertiser, February 8, 1942.
Farrington High School band composed of 74 members furnished music at football games, assemblies, the Christmas pageant, and Shrine benefit football game. They also participated in the Hopalong Cassidy Rodeo parade and ROTC review. J. Look is in the second row, second from the right. Farrington High School Yearbook, 1948.
James K. K. Look’s high school yearbook photograph, Farrington High School, 1948.

Homefront

1946 Tsunami Destroys Downtown Hilo

On April 1, 1946, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake near Unimak Island triggered one of the Pacific Ocean’s most destructive tsunamis. The first waves struck Hawaiʻi Island early in the morning, catching residents off guard as they headed to work and school. In Hilo, a wave at least three stories tall caused widespread devastation, killing 159 people and destroying homes, businesses, and roads, while at Laupahoehoe, a schoolhouse was swept away, claiming the lives of a teacher and 25 students. In response, the state of Hawaiʻi initiated programs to better protect its residents from future tsunami disasters.

The 5th Regimental Combat Team “Hawaiian Regiment”

At the start of the Korean War, 3,129 enlisted soldiers and 178 officers, many from Hawaiʻi, were sent to the front lines on July 25, 1950. Due to the large number of locals in the U.S. Army’s 5th Regimental Combat Team (RCT), it became known as the “Hawaiian Regiment.” Their bravery and service inspired many in Hawaiʻi to join the fight.

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Contribution

During the Korean War, the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard played a critical role in supporting U.S. military operations in the Pacific. It served as a key repair and maintenance facility for naval ships, ensuring that the Pacific Fleet remained operational and combat-ready. The shipyard’s strategic location allowed for quick repairs and upgrades to vessels returning from or heading to the Korean peninsula. Additionally, it provided logistical support and helped modernize equipment, contributing significantly to the U.S. Navy’s ability to sustain prolonged military efforts during the conflict.

People run from a surge of the 1946 tsunami in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, April 1, 1946. Photograph by Cecilio Licos, Pacific Tsunami Museum.
Infantrymen of 5th Regimental Combat Team return fire on Sobuk Mountain, August 29, 1950. National Archives and Records Administration (377135).
Dry Dock Number One at the U.S. Naval Base, Pearl Harbor, where ships were docked for repairs during the Korean War, 1950s. Historic American Buildings Survey, Library of Congress (HABS HI-511).

Military Experience

Joining the Reserves

In 1948, James Look graduated from high school and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps shortly after, on June 24, 1948, signing a four-year reserve contract. He began his military career as a private and was assigned to the organized Marine Corps Reserve, serving with the 13th Infantry Battalion at Pearl Harbor, Hawaiʻi. During his early military service, he attended night school and graduated from McKinley Community School in 1949. After boot camp, Look worked for General Contractor Albert Yee building concrete forms and constructing building foundations. A year later he worked for a prominent Hawaiʻi company, Theo E. Davies & Co., where he drew contour lines and large plot plans.

Called to Active Duty

On August 1, 1950, James Look was called to active duty at Pearl Harbor, Hawaiʻi. With the outbreak of the Korean War, Marine combat readiness became a top priority, and Marines stationed on Oahu underwent intensive and accelerated training. At Pearl Harbor, many Marines who were assigned administrative duties with the Fleet Marine Forces were equipped with M-1 rifles and .45 pistols and were informed they could be deployed at any time. Look’s training was photographed and included in a December 24, 1950 story in the Honolulu Advertiser.

During his service, Look primarily worked as a mechanical draftsman for construction projects. On July 1, 1951, he was transferred to the Fleet Marine Forces-Pacific Headquarters of the Company H, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps on February 27, 1952.


Sergeant Sam Sace (center), instructs Honolulu Leathernecks in the workings of a 30-caliber machine gun. Left to right: Pfc. James Decosta, James Look, Joseph Costa, Henry Papa. Honolulu Advertiser, December 24, 1950.
Private First Class Joseph Costa and Private First Class James Look plot their position using a compass and a map. Honolulu Advertiser, December 24, 1950.
Private First Class James Look (prone), Private First Class James Decosta (sitting), and Private First Class Henry Papa (kneeling), and Private First Class Joseph Costa (standing) practice firing positions with an M-1 rifle. Honolulu Advertiser, December 24, 1950.

Veteran Experience

After his military service, Look attended the University of Hawaiʻi, where he pursued a degree in civil engineering and began working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He focused on projects aimed to stop the threat of tsunamis, such as designing a seawall for Hilo Bay. Look developed an innovative idea using interlocking concrete tetrapods to provide structural strength to protect life and property.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Look was deeply committed to his community. He taught Sunday school and served on the board of deacons at the United Church of Christ in Honolulu, one of Honolulu’s largest Chinese churches. Its youth programs were especially strong. He also became a Scout Master with the Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of the American Society of Engineers and taught adult education with the Department of Public Instruction.

Tragically, on May 22, 1960, a massive 9.5-magnitude earthquake struck Chile, generating a tsunami that hit the Hawaiian Islands hours later, causing significant damage. On the same day, Look traveled to Hilo to help collect data for the construction of a seawall. However, while gathering information about the tsunami’s impact, he was among the 61 victims who lost their lives. Colonel Don R. Clifton, District Engineer for the U.S. Army Engineer District, Honolulu, stated that Look was highly regarded, and William J. Matthes, Chief of the Engineering Division, described him as a key engineer in the design of the first tsunami wall and a rapidly advancing and respected local professional.

James K. K. Look, pictured in an October 1955 U.S. Army photograph, shows a miniature tetrapod that he cast for demonstration purposes. Later, 28-ton, 11-foot high, concrete tetrapods were used at Kahului Harbor to create a breakwater. Honolulu Star-Bulletin, May 24, 1960.
The aftermath of the 1960 Chilean tsunami in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, where the tsunami caused 61 deaths. U.S. Navy photograph, National Centers for Environmental Information, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
News story about James K. K. Look’s death, Tulsa World, May 24, 1960.

Commemoration

Tragically, on Sunday, May 22, 1960, James Kwock Kim Look’s life was cut short when a tsunami destroyed downtown Hilo, Hawaiʻi. Look died a hero. His dedication to his country, his community, and his service will never be forgotten. In recognition of his significant contributions, the James Kwock Kim Laboratory of Oceanographic Engineering was opened and dedicated to him by the Governor, ensuring that his legacy endures. In the words of Governor Burns at the dedication: “James K. K. Look’s devotion to duty . . . will inspire those who work in this laboratory so that man can better understand ocean phenomena and apply the knowledge so gained for the benefit of all.”

James Kwock Kim Look was doing what he loved. His dedication to his country, his community, and his service will never be forgotten. In recognition of his significant contributions, the James Kwock Kim Look Laboratory of Oceanographic Engineering was opened and dedicated to him by Governor Burns, ensuring that his legacy endures.

Mrs. Kwock Fong Look along with her daughters Mary and Katherine, study the Hilo Harbor model in the building named in honor of her son. Honolulu Star-Bulletin, July 29, 1964.
A thank you note from the family of James K. K. Look, published in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, June 1, 1960.
James K. K. Look’s grave at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, December 9, 2024. Courtesy of Lynne O’Hara.

Bibliography

Primary Sources

Aftermath of 1960 Chilean Tsunami in Hilo, HI. Photograph. 1960. National Centers for Environmental Information, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazardimages/#/tsunami/25/image/513. 

“Awards Given To Scout Troop.” Honolulu Star-Advertiser [Honolulu, HI], February 11, 1943. Newspapers.com (157651175). 

“Boy Scotts Plunged Into Evacuation Work Day of Attack Amid Bullets.” Honolulu Star-Advertiser [Honolulu, HI], February 8, 1942. Newspapers.com (258930078). 

“Cards of Thanks.” Honolulu Star-Bulletin [Honolulu, HI], June 1, 1960. Newspapers.com (269741903). 

Chang, SFC Al. Infantrymen of 5th RCT return fire on Sobuk mountain. Photograph. August 29, 1950. National Archives and Records Administration (377135).

“Courageous, Efficient Job by Boy Scouts on Dec. 7.” Honolulu Star-Bulletin [Honolulu, HI], February 14, 1942. Newspapers.com (275166239). 

“ ‘Finest Tool Yet’ in Tsumani Research.” Hawaii Tribune-Herald [Hilo, HI], July 30, 1964. Newspapers.com (556043282). 

Governor Wallace Rider Farrington High School Yearbook. 1948. U.S., School Yearbooks, 1900-2016. https://www.ancestry.com/.

Hawaii. Oahu County. 1940 U.S. Federal Census. Digital images. https://ancestry.com. 

Hawaii. Oahu County. 1950 U.S. Federal Census. Digital images. https://ancestry.com. 

“Hawaii’s Own 5th RCT Adds to 140-year Record.” Honolulu Star-Advertiser [Honolulu, HI], June 24, 1951. Newspapers.com (258738317). 

“Hilo Sea Wall May be Named for Engineer Who Lost Life.” Honolulu Star-Bulletin [Honolulu, HI], May 24, 1960. Newspapers.com (269916014).  

James K. Look was a civil engineer . . . Photograph. Honolulu Star-Bulletin [Honolulu, HI], May 24, 1960. 

James K. K. Look. U.S., Marine Corps Muster Rolls, 1798-1958. Digital images. https://ancestry.com. Newspapers.com (269916014).  

James Kwock Look, Official Military Personnel File, Department of the Navy, National Archives and Records Administration – St. Louis.

James Kwock Kim Look. U.S., National Cemetery Interment Control Forms, 1928-1962. Digital images. https://ancestry.com.

James Kwock Kim Look. U.S., Veterans’ Gravesites, ca.1775-2019. https://ancestry.com. 

“Kewalo Basin Laboratory Simulates Hilo Tidal Waves.” Honolulu Star-Bulletin [Honolulu, HI], July 29, 1964. Newspapers.com (269360242). 

Licos, Cecilio. Fleeing 1946 Hilo Tsumani. Photograph. April 1, 1946. Pacific Tsunami Museum. https://tsunami.org/survivor-narratives-1946-2/. 

“Look at Tidal Wave Costs Expert’s Life.” Tulsa World (Tulsa, OK), May 24, 1960. Newspapers.com (887378397). 

“Look, James Kwock Kim.” Honolulu Star Advertiser [Honolulu, HI], May 26, 1960. Newspapers.com (157650187). 

“Many Hawaii Marine Reserves Training.” Honolulu Star-Bulletin [Honolulu, HI]. December 7, 1950. Newspapers.com (268949621). 

McConnell, Corporal J. P. “Typewriters to Rifles.” Honolulu Star-Advertiser [Honolulu, HI], December 24, 1950. Newspapers.com (157650870). 

“Mrs. Benjamin B. Lum.” Honolulu Star-Bulletin [Honolulu, HI], October 11, 1960. Newspapers.com (157651670). 

“Notice to Creditors . . .” Honolulu Star-Bulletin [Honolulu, HI], October 11, 1960. Newspapers.com (157701434). 

“Oldest Isle Scout Troop Holds 34th Anniversary Meet.” Honolulu Star-Advertiser [Honolulu, HI], January 16, 1945. Newspapers.com (157652002). 

“Tidal Wave: Toll Rises.” Hawaii Tribune-Herald [Hilo, HI], April 1, 1946. Newspapers.com (555631729). 

“United Church Ceremony Held.” Honolulu Star-Advertiser [Honolulu, HI], October 23, 1954. Newspapers.com (157652561). 

U.S. Naval Base, Pearl Harbor, Dry Dock No. 1 . . . Honolulu County, 1933. Photograph. Historic American Buildings Survey, Library of Congress (HABS HI-511). https://www.loc.gov/item/hi0796/. 

“Waves Kill Sea Wall Planner.” Honolulu Star-Advertiser [Honolulu, HI], May 24, 1960. Newspapers.com (157652299). 

“With the Boys Scouts.” Honolulu Star-Advertiser [Honolulu, HI], November 20, 1949. Newspapers.com (157650187). 

Secondary Sources

“Hawaii Vets Revise the ‘Forgotten War.’” Honolulu Star-Bulletin [Honolulu, HI]. July 25, 2000. Newspapers.com (273602620). 

“Hawaiian Boy Scouts Stitch Their Place in History.” Scouting Magazine, November 21, 2012. https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2012/11/21/hawaiian-boy-scouts-stitch-their-place-in-history/.

“James Kwock Kim Look.” Find a Grave. Updated August 2, 2015. Accessed January 21, 2025. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/150112160/james-kwock_kim-look. 

“James Kwock Kim Look.” Veterans Legacy Memorial. Accessed January 21, 2025. https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/JAMESKWOCKKIMLOOK/7200B06. 

“Who is the Boy in the Picture?: A Mystery Solved.” Pacific Tsunami Museum. Accessed January 21, 2025. https://tsunami.org/survivor-narratives-1946-2/. 

This profile was funded by a grant from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.