Guide to the Joseph R. Tomaino Papers and Photographs 1941-c1997
- Repository
- Heinz History Center
- Title
- Joseph R. Tomaino Papers and Photographs
- Creator
- Tomaino, Joseph R.
- Collection Number
- MSS 0645
- Extent
- 1 linear foot (1 box)
- Date
- 1941-c1997
- Abstract
- Joseph Rosario Tomaino (1920-2008) was a U. S. Marine who served in the Pacific Theater, taking part in Col. James H. Doolittle's raid on Tokyo, the Battle of the Coral Sea, the Battle of Midway, the Battles of the Solomon Islands, and the Battle of Savo Island. The Joseph R. Tomaino Papers and Photographs consist of six scrapbooks containing various photographs, documents, certificates, correspondence, and newspaper clippings. These scrapbooks chiefly record Tomaino's service in World War II.
- Language
- The material in this collection is in English.
- Sponsor
- This collection has been made accessible as part of an NHPRC-funded Basic Processing grant.
- Publisher
- Heinz History Center
- Address
- 1212 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
library@heinzhistorycenter.org
URL: https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org
History
Joseph Rosario Tomaino (1920-2008) was born to Clara and Joseph P. Tomaino on March 7, 1920 in Youngstown, Ohio. Though born in Ohio, Tomaino spent his youth and young adulthood in the Pittsburgh area. He graduated from Westinghouse High School in 1939 and went on to complete his schooling at Allegheny Vocational High School in 1940. After working a short time for the Pennsylvania Railroad, Tomaino enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on March 12, 1941. Tomaino went through basic training in Parris Island, South Carolina. After training, Tomaino was stationed aboard the USS Vincennes as a refrigeration mechanic. As a member of the Vincennes's crew, Tomaino took part in Col. James H. Doolittle's raid on Tokyo, the Battle of the Coral Sea, the Battle of Midway and the Battles of the Solomon Islands. In addition, the Vincennes also took part in supporting the first landing operations on Guadalcanal during the Battle of Savo Island. During this operation, the Vincennes was struck and sunk by Japanese torpedoes on August 9, 1942. Although wounded during this event, Tomaino was able to abandon ship and was later rescued by a destroyer. Tomaino was awarded a Purple Heart for his actions and for the wounds he received during this engagement. While overseas in the Pacific Theater, Tomaino achieved the rank of sergeant. He was honorably discharged on June 9, 1945. Tomaino married Mary Yolanda Serluco on May 8, 1944. The couple resided in Monroeville, Pa. Beyond his service in World War II, Tomaino composed music and poems. He went on to serve as co-founder and president of Joey Records, Inc., a recording company in Pittsburgh. In his later years, Tomaino also served as state chairman of the Marines Youth Physical Fitness Program.
Scope and Content Notes
The Joseph R. Tomaino Papers and Photographs consist of six scrapbooks containing various photographs, documents, certificates, correspondence, and newspaper clippings. These scrapbooks chiefly record Tomaino's service in World War II. Photographs capture some of Tomaino's experiences in the military, such as his training at Parris Island and his service in Hawaii. Military documents such as Order of the Purple Heart documentation and discharge papers also chronicle Tomaino's service in World War II. In addition to these military documents, this collection also includes a telegraph that informed Mrs. Tomaino of her son's wounding in battle. Information about this battle appears in this collection in the form of a speech given by the Vincennes's Commander W. E. A. Mullons in 1943. News clippings taken from Pittsburgh area newspapers document Tomaino and Mary Serluco's wartime wedding in 1944. The correspondence and certificates in this collection chiefly pertain to Tomaino's training at Allegheny Vocational High School. This collection also contains genealogical information relating to the Tomaino family and heritage. The scrapbooks in this collection also include images taken of the artwork Tomaino composed throughout his life.
Conditions Governing Access
None.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift from Jeanne Flaherty in 2010.
Archives accession # 2010.0051
Preferred Citation
Joseph R. Tomaino Papers and Photographs, 1941-c1997, MSS 0645 , Library and Archives Division, Senator John Heinz History Center
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Sierra Green on 11/11/2011.
Conditions Governing Use
Property rights reside with the Senator John Heinz History Center. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the Library and Archives of the Senator John Heinz History Center.
Separated Materials
Tomaino's World War II Marine helmut and duty uniform, rosary beads, and holy cards are in the Heinz History Center Museum Collection.
Subjects
- United States. Marine Corps.
- Savo Island, Battle of, 1942; World War, 1939-1945-- Campaigns-- Pacific Area
- World War, 1939-1945-- Campaigns-- Pacific Area