Joseph Tezanos

Joseph L. Tezanos (born José Tezanos, July 6, 1920 – March 21, 1985) was the first American of Hispanic descent to join the United States Coast Guard's reserve officer ranks.^[1] During World War II Tezanos served as a gunner's mate aboard LST-20 during the invasions of Kiska, Alaska, Tarawa Atoll, Kwajalein Atoll, and in the Gilbert Islands. For participation in ad hoc rescue efforts on May 21, 1944 following a devastating explosion of ammunition back at Pearl Harbor that earned him a Navy & Marine Corps Medal for distinguished heroism.^[2][3] It was following the receipt of this medal that Tezanos was sent to a four-month officer training school.^[4] Following his commissioning Tezanos spent a year as a junior officer aboard the transport USS Joseph T. Dickman.^[1]

Joseph (José) Tezanos
Joseph Tezanos
Born	(1920-07-06)July 6, 1920 Santander, Spain
Died	March 21, 1985(1985-03-21) (aged 64) New York City, U.S.
Resting place	Arlington National Cemetery
Nationality	Spain, United States
Occupation(s)	sailor, businessman
Known for	First USCG officer of hispanic origin

He was demobilized in early 1946, attending college and graduate school. Upon graduation he became a successful international businessman.^[5] Tezanos is interred at Arlington National Cemetery.^[6]

Legacy

Tezanos is the namesake of the Sentinel-class cutter USCGC Joseph Tezanos.^[7]