Joseph Anthony Stilinovich
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Navy
STILINOVICH, Joseph Anthony
Joseph Anthony Stilinovich was born on January 20th 1921 to Gaspar “Guy” & Mathilda Stilinovich in Hibbing Minnesota.
Mr. Stilinovich enlisted in the Navy November 17th 1942. Home at entry: Hibbing, Minneosta.
He served as a Seaman First Class (S1c) and Armed Guard gunner aboard Merchant ships in the European Theater.
Quoting his brother, William: "He (Joseph) was assigned to a gun crew aboard the SS Harry Luckenbach. On the night of March 17th 1943, the Luckenbach was hit by two torpedoes. There was a tremendous explosion with smoke and flame. The ship sank in a matter of minutes. Three lifeboats did get away with survivors. It is not known how many were killed by the explosion. The lifeboats were seen by three destroyers: HMS Beverly, HMS Volunteer and HMS Pennyworth.
The attacks were so severe they could not get to these lifeboats. None of the men from the Luckenbach were ever seen or heard from again. There were 55 crew members, 26 Naval Armed Guard. Joseph Stilinovich's life ended in the waters of the Atlantic at age 20."
Awarded: Posthumous award of Purple Heart and Combat Action Ribbon.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The Saint Louis County World War II Project, page 309.
Mr. Stilinovich served during World War II. He served in the U.S. Merchant Marine, which in wartime served as an auxiliary to the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the S.S. Harry Luckenbach. His brother, William Stilinovich, related what happened to his brother: “He was assigned to a gun crew aboard the S.S. Harry Luckenbach. On the night of March 17, 1943, the Luckenbach was hit by torpedoes. There was a tremendous explosion with smoke and flame. The ship sank in a matter of minutes.
“Three lifeboats did get away with survivors. It was not known how many were killed by the explosion. The lifeboats were seen by three destroyers: “HMS Beverly, HMS Volunteer and HMS Pennyworth. The attacks were so severe they could not get to these lifeboats. None of the men from the Luckenbach were ever seen or heard from again. Joseph Stilinovich’s life ended in the waters of the Atlantic at age 20.”
Joseph Stilinovich was posthumously decorated with the Purple Heart and the Combat Action Ribbon. He died on March 17, 1943, in the Atlantic Ocean.
Source: Account of William Stilinovich (brother)
Albert J. Amatuzio Research Center | Veterans Memorial Hall (vets-hall.org)
Page 1 WWII Draft Registration Cards - Fold3
Joseph Anthony Stilinovich (1921-1943) - Find a Grave Memorial
