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William A. Austin Papers

 Collection
Identifier: CSWS-0051

  • Staff Only

William Austin's memoir A Proud Marine: World War II Veteran Bunk Austin documents his experiences as a Marine beginning with his enlistment on August 31, 1934. The manuscript includes photographs, military records, correspondence, and brief descriptions of the main events of Austin’s service including his participation in battles on Saipan and Tinian. Also included are candid photographs of daily military life and personal remembrances.

Dates

  • 2007

Conditions Governing Access

Manuscript and University Archives collections are stored offsite, and a minimum of 24 hours is needed to retrieve these items for use. Researchers interested in consulting any of the collections are advised to contact Special Collections.

Conditions Governing Use

The copyright interests in this collection remain with the creator. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library.

Extent

0.1 Linear Feet

Abstract

This collection contains William Austin's memoir A Proud Marine: World War II Veteran Bunk Austin which documents his experiences as a Marine beginning with his enlistment on August 31, 1934. The manuscript includes photographs, military records, correspondence, and brief descriptions of the main events of Austin’s service including his participation in battles on Saipan and Tinian. Also included are candid photographs of daily military life and personal remembrances.

Biographical/Historical Note

William Albert Austin, nicknamed Bunk, was born to Lucille and Albert Austin on May 8, 1925, in Radford, Virginia. He attended Radford High School and was a member of the Dramatic Club, Student Patrol, Glee Club, and the football team. He enlisted in the Marines on August 31, 1943. After completing boot camp on Parris Island, he was assigned to Battery D, 18th Defense Battalion of the 4th Marine Division. The locations he visited include Saipan, Tinian, Marcus Island, and Guam. He was discharged on May 4, 1946.

Austin married Mary Johnston on December 26, 1948 in Narrows, VA. The couple had three children: Debbie, Donna, and Greg.

Arrangement

This collection consists of a single folder

Previous Citation

This collection was originally listed as MS.1979. It was then listed as CSWS.WWII.3.0017 until receiving its current number.

Acquisition Note

This collection was donated by William Albert Austin on May 28, 2008.

Repository Details

Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository

Contact:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville TN 37996 USA
865-974-4480