Biography

First Lieutenant Michael Hong hails from La Mirada, California, and assumed duties as Associate Conductor with The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in November 2025. Prior to joining the Army, Lieutenant Hong began his military career in 2017 with the United States Marine Corps, where he served for five years as a clarinetist with Marine Band San Diego. He holds a Master of Music degree from California State University, Fullerton, and a Bachelor of Music degree from Azusa Pacific University. His conducting studies were under Dr. Shannon Kitelinger, Alex Panos, and Robert Marroquín.
Lieutenant Hong received his commission in July 2022 from the Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he was recognized as a Distinguished Military Graduate. He was subsequently assigned to the U.S. Army School of Music in Little Creek, Virginia, where he served as Executive Officer. Notable highlights of his tenure include organizing a joint collaboration between the school and Norway’s His Majesty's Kings Guard, coordinating several Norwegian Foot Marches attended by hundreds of international and interservice participants, and performing at the Army’s 250th Birthday Parade.
His military awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (with one Oak Leaf Cluster), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with three Gold Stars), the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the Silver Norwegian Ruck March Badge, and the Basic Army Instructor Badge.
Lieutenant Hong currently resides in the area with his wife and their adorable daughter.