USS SLC...Enlisted Navy...Charles "Chuck" J. Antonino, WT1c

Chuck passed away on October 28th, 1991 & his sweet wife, Mary A. passed away on June 12th, 2007

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March 21st, 2004

Letter from Mary A. Antonino

Charles J. Antonino was born June 14th, 1921 in Pittsburgh Co., Village of Manning, Town of Adamson, OK. He enlisted in the navy at the age of 21 in St. Louis, MO. on Sept. 19th, 1942. He and Mary were married on April 4th, 1942 and lived in St. Louis, MO. where he worked for a small machine ship, Utility Tool Co.

He left for boot camp in San Diego, CA. on Sept. 24th, 1942. After six weeks training he was granted an eleven day leave. In those days it took two days going and two days returning, traveling by train, so he was home for seven days.

Upon returning to San Diego he spent another three weeks awaiting orders for assignment. On Dec. 7th, 1942 he was on his way to Honolulu, Hawaii where he picked up the "Swayback Maru" and boarded her on Dec. 21st, 1942. He served aboard her until his discharge on Oct. 12th, 1945 where he returned to the St. Louis Naval Station.

At the time of his discharge he was rated WT1c. He spent his service time as Fireman and Watertender.

Some of his close friends were William Tighe, WT2c from St. Louis, MO.; Thomas O'Malley, WT2c from Manitowoc, WI.; John E. Pirker, Pfc, USMC from St. Louis, MO.; Joseph Kotowski, MM3c Florissant, MO. and Paul G. Kleinschmidt, WT2c from Wall, SD.

All the battles he participated in were unforgettable to the point that he didn't want to talk about them. The Battle of the Komandorski Islands was the worst.

After WWII ended, he returned to St. Louis and went to work for Ford Motor Company, retiring in Dec. of 1978.

SLC Deck Log Dec. 1942