Ensign Joseph M. Guarino, USNR

1943

Joseph M. Guarino with wife Della Grace and son Mike at Veteran's Day Program at Rotary Club of Galveston on November 9, 2005

JOSEPH M. GUARINO

Joe Guarino enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943 at the age of 20. He graduated from Midshipmen's School at Columbia University, New York, New York in July 1943, He was an original crew member ("Plank Owner") on the USS LST 494 and was assigned as her Gunnery Officer. LST 494 was assigned to "extra-hazzardess duty" with the Atlantic Amphibious Forces in the European Theater. She made the initial assault on Omaha Beach during the Normandy Invasion on June 6, 1944. LST 494 also made the initial assault during the Invasion of Southern France on August 15, 1944. Joe returned with the 494 to the United States in December 1944. After teaching gunnery for a short time, he was assigned as Gunnery Officer and later Executive Officer aboard the USS LST 375. The LST 375 was sent to the Pacific Theater to prepare for the Invasion of Japan. The atomic bomb was dropped ending hostilities against Japan. Joe and LST 375 then performed Occupation Duty throughout Asia. Joe left LST 375 in Guam and returned to the Sates where he was discharged from active duty in March 1946 as a Lt. (jg). He stayed in the reserves and was honorable discharged in 1949 with the rank of Lt. He married Della Grace Trapolino in 1949 and they had 3 children (Mike, Greg and Kathy and now, 6 grandchildren). Joe graduated from law school in 1949 and went on to serve in private practice, as an assistant district attorney, county court at law judge and district court judge in Harris County (Houston), Texas until his retirement in 1986. Joe continues to serve as a senior district judge presiding over cases on special assignment. Joe and Della Grace live in Houston and enjoy traveling and spending time with their kids and grandkids. Joe is a very proud World War II veteran and has never forgotten his service aboard LST 494 and LST 375. 

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