USS LST-749 was an LST-542-class tank landing ship in the United States Navy. Like many of her class, she was not named and is properly referred to by her hull designation.
Laid down on 10 April 1944 at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, by the Dravo Corporation, Neville Island; launched on 20 May 1944; sponsored by Mrs. George W. Scott; and commissioned on 23 June 1944.
Service history
During World War II, LST 749 was assigned to the Pacific theater and participated in the Leyte landings in October and November 1944. On the way to Mindoro, Philippines, in the Sulu Sea, she was struck by a Japanese kamikaze on 21 December 1944. The plane crashed into the bridge of the LST, instantly killing many of the navy personnel on board. The LST was sinking and a first attempt at rescue was abandoned for fear of an explosion. Eventually many of the survivors were rescued by the crew of the destroyer USS Converse (DD-509). The ship was struck from the Navy list on 19 January 1945.
LST-749 earned one battle star for World War II service.
References
- Naval Historical Center. "LST-749". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Retrieved 2007-09-13.
- "LST-749". Amphibious Photo Archive. Retrieved 2007-09-13.
External links
- Edward A. Ferguson WWII correspondence, digital collection at Utah State University
Shipwrecks and maritime incidents in December 1944 | |
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