Joseph H. Auman APD-117

Joseph H. Auman

Private Joseph Martin Auman was born at Chicago, Ill., 4 January 1922. He enlisted in the Marine Corps 27 August 1940 at Chicago. After duty at San Diego, Private Auman served at Guadalcanal where he was killed in action 12 November 1942. When his company was forced to make a temporary withdrawal, Private Auman with utter disregard for his own personal safety, manned a machine gun and covered the retirement. Steadfastly remaining at his exposed position. he continued to fire his gun until killed by the enemy. For his gallant devotion to duty for his country, Private Auman was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.

(APD-117: dp. 1,390; 1. 306'; b. 37'; dr. 12'7"; s. 24 k.; cpl. 204; a. 15", 6 40mm., 2 dct. ; cl. Crosley)

Joseph M. Auman ( ' APD-117) was laid down 8 November 1943 as DE-674 by Consolidated Steel Co., Orange, Tex.; launched 5 February 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Bernard Tommey, aunt of Private Auman; reclassified APD-117 on 17 July 1944; and commissioned 25 April 1945, Lt. Comdr. H. A. Steinbach in command.

Following shakedown out of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Joseph M. Auman departed Norfolk 9 July 1945, reaching San Diego 24 July via the Canal Zone. She conducted more intensive training with the San Diego Shakedown Group, then embarked Underwater Demolition Team No. 7 and carried them to Yoriage Beach, Shiogama, Japan for reconnaissance of landing beaches. After completing the mission, she returned the demolition group to San Diego 13 October.

Joseph M. Auman departed San Diego 20 October and steamed to Manila Bay, P.I. where she embarked 100 Navy passengers and carried them to Samar. From Samar the fast transport loaded cargo and delivered it to Shanghai, China, 4 December. Joseph M. Auman continued to carry cargo and passengers in the Pacific until she returned to the United States and decommissioned at Green Cove Springs, Fla. 10 July 1946, joining the Atlantic Reserve Fleet. She remained in the Reserve Fleet until struck from the Navy List 12 December 1963 and sold to the government of Mexico. She now serves the Mexican Navy as Tehuantepec (B-5).