William A. Bunk
Austin Memoir
In this memoir, entitled A Proud Marine: World War II Veteran Bunk Austin, William A. Bunk Austin recounts his service with the Marine 18th Defense Battalion during World War II. The narrative is richly illustrated with photographs from Austin's scrapbook and reproductions of such materials as service records, maps, and medals. The work also includes some photographs from Austin's childhood and visits to war memorials later in life.
Dates
- 2007
Conditions Governing Access
Collections are stored offsite and must be requested in advance. See www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Conditions Governing Use
The UT Libraries claims only physical ownership of most material in the collections. Persons wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants on www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Extent
0.1 Linear Feet
Abstract
In this memoir, entitled A Proud Marine: World War II Veteran Bunk Austin, William A. Bunk Austin recounts his service with the Marine 18th Defense Battalion during World War II. The narrative is richly illustrated with photographs from Austin's scrapbook and reproductions of such materials as service records, maps, and medals. The work also includes some photographs from Austin's childhood and visits to war memorials later in life.
Biographical/Historical Note
William Albert Bunk Austin was born in 1925. He graduated from Radford High School in Radford, Virginia in 1942 and enlisted in the Marines on August 31, 1943 (immediately after he turned 18). He was deployed to the Pacific with the Marine 18th Defense Battalion on June 19, 1944 and fought in the invasions of Saipan and Tinian. He remained on Tinian guarding Japanese prisoners of war until the Japanese surrender. After the war ended, he served on Marcus Island and in Guam before being honorably discharged on May 4, 1946. He then returned to Virginia, where he married Mary Johnston on December 26, 1948.
Arrangement
Collection consists of a single folder.
Acquisition Note
William A. Bunk Austin donated this collection to the Center for the Study of War and Society on May 28, 2008.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository