Joe was on the USS Helena CL-50 from September 1939 through July 1943 when she was sunk.

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The following information appears on this USS HELENA SHAKEDOWN CRUISE certificate. KEEL LAID, 9 DEC 36 LAUNCHED 27 AUG 38 COMMISSIONED 18 SEP 39 ANNAPOLIS DEC. 22-27 1939 NORFOLK DEC. 27 - JAN. 3, 1940 GUANTANAMO BAY JAN. 6-7, 1940 BUENOS AIRES JAN.22-28, 1940 MONTEVIDEO JAN 29. - FEB. 3, 1940 NORFOLK FEB. 27 - MAR. 1, 1940 GUANTANAMO BAY FEB. 22 - 24, 1940 SANTOS FEB. 5 - 10, 1940 To all SEAFARERS By these presents let it, henceforth, be known that J. W. Desch served in this vessel on her Shakedown Cruise and has CROSSED the EQUATOR at LONGITUDE 40º WEST on 13 January 1940 enroute to South America. Furthermore having observed the rites and met approval, as prescribed for all who enter NEPTUNE'S REALM It is hereby decreed that he be, and is, an accredited SHELLBACK M. B. De Mott, Captain Commanding U.S.N. C. G. Richardson, Cmdr. Exec Offr. U.S.N.

Joe Desch attended Boot Camp from 13 June 1939 - September 1939

Standing in front with a friend is Van Haven
L to R on the rail
D. Cook, C. Simpson, J. Desch, F. Cellozzi, G. Boher, D. Dicarlo, Whiting, R. Tharrett, Yates

Montevideo - 1940
L to R
Clieve Simpson, Ray Richter, Gordon Bohler, Joe Desch, Frank Cellozzi