Interview
Stanley Joe Crittenden
Stanley Joe Crittenden, affectionately known as 'Joe' and called 'Critter' during his military service, grew up in the Cherokee community of Peavine, Oklahoma. In 1964, amid the Vietnam-era draft, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Navy, following his father’s advice and inspired by the long-standing tradition of Native American military service.After completing boot camp and radio school in San Diego, California, Joe served for 18 months on Guam. He was later stationed aboard the USS Princeton (LPH-5), an amphibious assault ship that deployed to the Vietnam War zone. During one mission, he vividly recalls hearing the command 'Man your battle stations' while off the coast of Vietnam. Though their ship came under fire, it was thankfully not hit. Joe completed his Navy service in Long Beach, California, where the USS Princeton was in dry dock. He left the Navy with the rank of E-4, proud of his service to his country and to his people.
