Joe A. Armenta Memoir
This collection consists of one memoir entitled Sooner that documents life aboard the USS Mustin (DD413) during its service in the Pacific Theater in the Second World War. It is written from the point of view of the Mustin's dog, Sooner (so named because he would sooner sleep than eat), who the Mustin's crew shanghaied from New Guinea. Along with the rest of the Mustin's crew, Sooner witnessed the invasions of Leyte (October 1944), Luzon (January 1945), and Okinawa (April -- June 1945), observed the actions of Japanese kamikazes, and listened to Tokyo Rose. Sooner also involved himself in life aboard ship, including such activities as the Mustin's newspaper, the Bum Wad, and her softball team, the Chow Hounds.
Dates
- undated
Conditions Governing Access
Collections are stored offsite and must be requested in advance. See www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Conditions Governing Use
The UT Libraries claims only physical ownership of most material in the collections. Persons wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants on www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Extent
0.1 Linear Feet
Abstract
This collection consists of one bound memoir, Sooner, written by Joe A. Armenta documenting life aboard the USS Mustin (DD413) during its service in the Pacific Theater in the Second World War.
Biographical/Historical Note
oe Albert Armenta was born on March 17th, 1925 to Henry and Marina Armenta in Casa Grande, Arizona. Often called "Joe Baby," Armenta was one of seven children. He graduated from Casa Grande High School before joining the Navy at the age of 17 in December 1942. He served as a sonarman on the USS Mustin. Named after Captain Henry C. Mustin (sometimes called the father of naval aviation) this ship fought in every major campaign in the Pacific Theatre. She was decommissioned in August of 1946. Armenta was honorably discharged in 1946. After the war, he attended Mesa Community College and the University of Notre Dame, receiving a degree in journalism. He was active in veterans organizations and reunions throughout his life. Armenta died on January 25th, 2019.
Arrangement
Collection consists of a single folder.
Acquisition Note
This collection was donated to Special Collections by Joe Armenta in August of 1991.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository