Machinist's Mate First Class

UNITED STATES NAVY

Joseph Thomas Shimko was born on March 3, 1937, in Ladysmith, Wis., the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph T. Shimko.

During his school years, Joseph was active in sports, and a member of both the football and wrestling teams. His hobby, at which he had a quite a talent, was repariing automobiles. After Graduating high school in June 1955, he enlisted in the Navy, and received his basic training at the U.S. Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Ill.

His first sea-duty assignment was in the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Bonne Homme Richard (CVA 31). He later served in the nuclear-powered cruiser, U.S.S. Long Beach (CG(N) 9).

Joseph was a graduate of the Navy's Machinist's Mate School, the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration School and , the Nuclear Power School at Mare Island, Calif. During his naval service, Joseph was awarded the Good Conduct Medal.

Volunteering for submarine duty, he entered the submarine school at New London, Conn., and upon graduating, underwent further training in nuclear power at the Nuclear Power Training Unit, Idaho Falls, Idaho. On November 6, 1962, Joseph reported to his first submarine, the U.S.S. Thresher (SSN 593), for duty.

Joseph is survived by his widow, Helen Christine Shimko of New Market, Ala.; his father, Mr. Joseph T. Shimko of Exeland, Wis., and his mother, Leona Frances Brown of Ladysmith, Wis.