USS LST-20 was a United States Navy LST-1-class tank landing ship used exclusively in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater during World War II and manned by a United States Coast Guard crew. Like many of her class, she was not named and is properly referred to by her hull designation.
Construction
LST-20 was laid down on 5 October 1942, at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, by the Dravo Corporation; launched on 15 February 1943; sponsored by Miss Anne B. Sylvester.[2] She was floated down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers and entered commissioned service on 14 May 1943.[3]
Service history
During the war, LST-20 served exclusively in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater from November 1943 until November 1945.[2]
On 27 July 1943, LST-20 departed with six other LSTs escorted by Oracle, Charleston, and Hutchins for Adak Island in the Aleutians.[3]
LST-20 participated in operations in the Gilbert Islands during November and December 1943.[1]
In October 1944, LST-20 moved to the Philippines to participate in General Douglas MacArthur's promised liberation of the islands from the Japanese occupation. LST-20 participated at the Leyte landings and the Battle of Luzon Lingayen Gulf landings in January 1945.[1]
LST-20 finished her combat career with the assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto in April 1945.[1]
Postwar career
Following the war, LST-20 performed occupation duty in the Far East until early November 1945.[2] She returned to San Diego on 23 December 1945. She departed San Diego on 11 January 1946, for Galveston, Texas, via the Canal Zone, arriving there on 1 February 1946, and was decommissioned on 3 April 1946.[3] She was struck from the Navy list on 19 June 1946, and was transferred to the Maritime Administration (MARCOM) on 8 October 1947.[2]
Merchant service
On 8 October 1947, MARCOM sold LST-20 to Southern Shipwrecking Company that in turn resold her to Pan Ore Steamship Company who reflagged her for Panama, her final disposition is unknown.[1]
Honors and awards
LST-20 earned four battle stars for her World War II service.[2]
References
Bibliography
- "LST-20". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved 16 August 2016.
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain. - "USS LST-20". NavSource Online. 7 May 2010. Retrieved 16 August 2016.
- "USS LST-20" (PDF). United States Coast Guard. Retrieved 16 August 2017. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
External links
- Photo gallery of USS LST-20 at NavSource Naval History
 United States NavyLST-1-class tank landing ships |
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| United States Navy LST-542-class tank landing ships |
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