Collection	World War II
Copyright	Oshkosh Public Museum
Description	Gelatin print of Earl Valentine Muza & Mike, February 1944.
Year Range from	1944
Event	World War II
Year range to	1944
Medium	Photographic Paper
Notes	Candid outdoor image of Earl Valentine Muza and his friend Mike. Both are wearing Navy pull-overs or jumpers with scarf, bell-bottoms, and caps. Taken shortly after graduation from Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Illionois, while on leave to Oshkosh in February 1944, and only two months before his death at sea. Earl Valentine Muza was born in Oshkosh, WI November 24, 1915, the son of John Muza. He attended Oshkosh High School and worked for Deltox Rug Company. He married May Ruth Granberg on September 21, 1940. He entered the United States Navy on November 24, 1943. After completing his training at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, he was assigned to the USS LST (Landing Ship Tank) 289 in the European Theater. During practice landings for the D-Day Invasion on April 28, 1944, his ship and others were attacked by German E-boats off the coast of England near Slapton Sands. Earl rescued one shipmate and was attempting to rescue another when he received a compound fracture to the head. He died shortly after and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. His body was returned to Oshkosh and buried her on July 20, 1948.
Object ID	P2003.56.8
Object Name	Print, Photographic
People	Muza, Earl Valentine
Place	Oshkosh, WI
Print size	2 1/4" x 3 1/2"
Subjects	Portrait photographs Male World War II United States Navy Casualties Ships Shipwrecks Heroes Awards
Title	Earl Valentine Muza & Mike

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Last modified on: December 12, 2009