| Joseph (José) Tezanos | |
| Birth Date: | 6 July 1920 |
| Birth Place: | Santander, Spain |
| Death Place: | New York City, U.S. |
| Resting Place: | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Nationality: | Spain, United States |
| Known For: | First USCG officer of hispanic origin |
| Occupation: | sailor, businessman |
Joseph L. Tezanos (born José Tezanos, July 6, 1920 – March 21, 1985) was the first American of Hispanic descent to join the United States Coast Guard's reserve officer ranks.During World War II Tezanos served as a gunner's mate aboard during the invasions of Kiska, Alaska, Tarawa Atoll, Kwajalein Atoll, and in the Gilbert Islands. For participation in ad hoc rescue efforts on May 21, 1944 following a devastating explosion of ammunition back at Pearl Harbor that earned him a Navy & Marine Corps Medal for distinguished heroism. It was following the receipt of this medal that Tezanos was sent to a four-month officer training school. Following his commissioning Tezanos spent a year as a junior officer aboard the transport USS Joseph T. Dickman.
He was demobilized in early 1946, attending college and graduate school. Upon graduation he became a successful international businessman. Tezanos is interred at Arlington National Cemetery.[1]
Tezanos is the namesake of the Sentinel-class cutter .