>LST - 311 - 349
LST - 311
LST - 311 was laid down on 7 September 1942 at the New York Navy Yard; launched on 30 December 1942; sponsored by Miss Marie L. Paternoster; and commissioned on 11 January 1943. During World War 11, LST-311 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the following operations: Sicilian occupation-July 1943 Salerno landings-September 1943 Invasion of Normandy-June 1944 On 20 November 1944, LST-311 was transferred to the United Kingdom and returned to United States Navy custody on 11 April 1946 and was decommissioned. She was struck from the Navy list on 5 June 1946 and sold to an unknown buyer on 5 December that same year. She was resold at a later date to T. Y. Fong. LST-311 earned three battle stars for World War II service.
LST - 312
LST - 312 was laid down on 7 September 1942 at the New York Navy Yard; launched on 30 December 1942; sponsored by Mrs. Mary E. Storin; and commissioned on 9 January 1943, Lt. Charles L. Haslup, USNR, in command. During World War II, LST-312 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the following operations: Sicilian occupation-July 1943 Salerno landings-September 1943 Invasion of Normandy-June 1944 Upon her return to the United States, the ship was decommissioned on 12 July 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 15 August 1946. On 13 December 1947, she was sold to James A. Hughes, New York, N.Y., for scrapping. LST-312 earned three battle stars for World War II service. LST-3- 13 LST-313 was laid down on 7 September 1942 at the New York Navy Yard; launched on 30 December 1942; sponsored by Mrs. Mary E. McCabe; and commissioned on 13 January 1943. During World War II, LST-313 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the Sicilian occupation in July 1943. The ship was sunk on 10 July 1943 off Gela, Sicily, by German aircraft. She was struck from the Navy list on 28 July 1943 LST-313 earned one battle star for World War II service.
LST - 314
LST - 314 was laid down on 7 September 1942 at the New York Navy Yard; launched on 30 December 1942; sponsored by Mrs. Gertrude F. Holmes; and commissioned on 15 January 1943. During World War 11, LST-314 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the following operations: Sicilian occupation-July 1943 Salerno landings-September 1943 Invasion of Normandy-June 1944 The tank landing ship was sunk by an enemy torpedo off Normandy on 9 June 1944. On 22 August 1944, she was struck from the Navy list. LST-314 earned three battle stars for World War II service.
LST - 315
LST - 315 was laid down on 15 October 1942 at the New York Navy Yard; launched on 28 January 1943; sponsored by Miss Helen Clair Leuteritz; and commissioned on 3 February 1943. During World War II, LST-315 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the following operations: Sicilian occupation-July and August 1943 Salerno landings-September 1943 Invasion of Normandy-June 1944 The tank landing ship was transferred to the United Kingdom on 9 December 1944 and returned to United States Navy custody on 16 March 1946 and decommissioned. She was struck from the Navy list on 26 February 1946 and sold, on 5 December 1947, to Bosey, Philippines. LST-315 earned three battle stars for World War II service.
LST - 316
LST - 316 was laid down on 15 October 1942 at the New York Navy Yard; launched on 28 January 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Pearl Magdalene Frick; and commissioned on 3 February 1943. During World War 11, LST-316 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the following operations: Sicilian occupation-July 1943 Salerno landings-September 1943 Invasion of Normandy-June 1944 Upon her return to the United States, she was decommissioned on 24 May 1945 and struck from the Navy list on 12 March 1946. On 23 December 1946, she was sold to James Hughes, Inc., New York, N.Y., for conversion to marchant service. LST-316 earned three battle stars for World War 11 service.
LST-317
LST-317 was laid down on 15 October 1942 at the New York Navy Yard; launched on 28 January 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Florence Whitehouse; and commissioned on 6 February 1943. During World War II, LST-317 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the following operations: Sicilian occupation-July 1943 Salerno landings-September 1943 Invasion of Normandy-June 1944 Upon her return to the United States, LST-317 was decommissioned on 18 May 1945 and struck from the Navy list on 12 March 1946. On 22 January 1947, the tank landing ship was sold to A. G. Schoonmaker. LST-317 earned three battle stars for World War II service.
LST-318
LST-318 was laid down on 15 October 1942 at the New York Navy Yard; launched on 28 January 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Emma V. Umstead; and commissioned on 8 February 1943. During World War 11, LST-318 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the Sicilian occupation in July and August 1943. During this occupation duty, she was sunk, on 9 August 1943, by enemy aircraft off Coronia, Sicily. She was struck from the Navy list on 20 October 1943. LST-318 earned one battle star for World War II service.
_ An Account-My stepfather LCDR Richard Borden was commander of LST 318 when it was sunk off the coast of Sicily. He received a special commendation from Admiral Kinkaid in relation to this incident, which stated, in part:
"Your outstanding performance of duty while in command of the USS LST-318, during the assault landings on the North Coast of Sicily in August 1943 is worthy of special commendation.
"During amphibious operations in support of the US Seventh Army from 7 to 10 August 1943, while ferrying heavy mechanized military equipment in zones where Naval units were under constant aerial bombardment by the enemy, you displayed courage and resourcefulness to a high degree. Despite a near miss by an aerial bomb which damaged your ship while engaged in discharging assault elements behind the enemy lines at Terranova, Sicily, on 8 August 1943, you continued to carry out your assigned task effectively until, at a loading point in 10 August 1943, your ship was lost as a result of a concentrated enemy bombing attack. Your continuing and persistent efforts to maintain operations under adverse circumstances contributed materially to rapid advance of the of the US Seventh Army along the North Coast of Sicily towards Messina.
"For your initiative and able leadership, which reflected credit upon yourself and the Naval Service, you are hereby commended."
Dick Borden died in 1999 at age 89.
LST - 319
LST - 319 was laid down on 10 August 1942 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard; launched on 5 November 1942; and sponsored by Mrs. E. F. Stutzke. On 15 December 1942, LST-319 was transferred to the United Kingdom and returned to United States Navy custody on 17 December 1945. She was struck from the Navy list on 21 January 1946 and sold to the Ships & Power Equipment Corp., Barber, N.J., on 9 March 1948 and converted for merchant service.
LST - 320
LST - 320 was laid down on 10 August 1942 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard; launched on 5 November 1942; and sponsored by Miss Edith Elliott. On 31 December 1942, LST-320 was transferred to the United Kingdom and returned to United States Navy custody on 23 April 1946. She was struck from the Navy list on 19 June 1946. On 4 October 1947, she was sold to the Southern Trading Co., Wilmington, Del., for scrapping.
LST - 321
LST - 321 was laid down on 10 August 1942 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard; launched on 5 November 1942; and sponsored by Miss Catherine Winkler. On 31 December 1942, LST-321 was transferred to the United Kingdom and returned to United States Navy custody on 11 April 1946. The tank landing ship was struck from the Navy list on 10 June 1947 and sold to Bosey, Philippines, on 5 November 1947.
LST - 322
LST - 322 was laid down on 10 August 1942 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard; launched on 5 November 1942; and sponsored by Miss Nellie F. Ward. On 9 January 1943, LST-322 was transferred to the United Kingdom and returned to United States Navy custody on 10 July 1946. On 29 October 1946, the tank landing ship was struck from the Navy list and sold to the government of Greece on 6 January 1947.
LST - 323
LST - 323 was laid down on 10 August 1942 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard; launched on 5 November 1942; and sponsored by Mrs. Raymond McDowell. On 18 January 1943, LST-323 was transferred to the United Kingdom and returned to United States Navy custody and commissioned on 26 January 1946. She was decommissioned on 5 June 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 19 June 1946. On 9 October 1947, the tank landing ship was sold to Luria Bros. & Co., of Philadelphia, Pa., for scrapping.
LST - 324
LST - 324 was laid down on 10 August 1942 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard; launched on 5 November 1942; and sponsored by Mrs. James A. Boyle. On 23 January 1943, LST-324 was transferred to the United Kingdom and returned to United States Navy custody on I June 1946. The tank landing ship was struck from the Navy list on 3 July 1946 and sold to Bosey, Philippines, on 13 February 1948.
LST - 325
LST - 325 was laid down on 10 August 1942 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard; launched on 27 October 1942; sponsored by Mrs. G. C. Wells; and commissioned on 1 February 1943, Lt. Ira Ehrensall, USNR, in command. During World War II, LST-325 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the Sicilian occupation in July 1943 and the invasion of Normandy in June 1944. She was decommissioned on 2 July 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 1 September 1961. On 1 September 1964, LST- 325 was transferred to Greece as grant aid where she remained active as Syros (L-144). LST-325 earned two battle stars for World War II service.
LST - 326
LST - 326 was laid down on 12 November 1942 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard; launched on 11 February 1943; sponsored by Miss Mildred E. Kelly; and commissioned on 26 February 1943. During World War II, LST-326 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the Sicilian occupation in July 1943, the Anzio-Nettuno advanced landings in January and February 1944, and the invasion of Normandy in June 1944. On 9 December 1944, LST-326 was transferred to the United Kingdom and returned to United States Navy custody on 25 February 1946. She was decommissioned the following day and struck from the Navy list. She was sold to France on 5 April 1946. LST-326 earned three battle stars for World War II service.
LST - 327
LST - 327 was laid down on 12 November 1942 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard; launched on 11 February 1943; sponsored by Miss Helen B. Higgins; and commissioned on 5 March 1943. During World War II, LST-327 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the following operations: Tunisian operations-July 1943 Sicilian occupation-July 1943 Salerno landings-September 1943 Anzio-Nettuno advanced landings - January through March 1944 Normandy invasion-June 1944 On 27 August 1944, LST-327 was severely damaged by an enemy mine in the English Channel. Upon her return to the United States, she was decommissioned on 19 November 1945 and struck from the Navy list on 5 December 1945. The tank landing ship was sold to the Sun Shipbuilding & Drydock Co., Chester, Pa., on 15 September 1948. LST-327 earned five battle stars for World War II service.
LST - 328
LST - 328 was redesignated ARB-2 and named Oceanus (q.v.) on 25 January 1943.
LST - 329
LST - 329 was redesignated ARB-1 and named Aristaeus (q.v.) on 25 January 1943.
LST - 330
LST - 330 was redesignated AGP-4 and named Portunus (q.v.) on 25 January 1943.
LST - 331
LST - 331 was laid down on 12 November 1942 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard; launched on 11 February 1943; sponsored by Miss Ruth Stout; and commissioned on 11 March 1943. During World War II, LST-331 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the following operations: Tunisian operations-July 1943 Sicilian occupation-July 1943 Salerno landings-September 1943 Invasion of Normandy-June 1944 She was transferred to the United Kingdom on 20 November 1944 and returned to United States Navy custody and decommissioned on 16 March 1946. LST-331 was struck from the Navy list on 26 February 1946 -and sold to Bosey, Philippines, on 13 February 1948. LST-331 earned four battle stars for World War II service.
LST - 332
LST - 332 was laid down on 29 October 1942 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard; launched on 24 December 1942; sponsored by Mrs. G. W. Henderson; and commissioned on 6 February 1943. During World War II, LST-332 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the following operations: Sicilian occupation-July 1943 Salerno landings-September 1943 Invasion of Normandy-June 1944 LST-332 was decommissioned on 22 May 1945 and struck from the Navy list on 12 March 1946. On 17 October 1946, the tank landing ship was sold to the Suwannee Steamship Co., Charleston, S.C., for conversion to merchant service. LST-332 earned three battle stars for World War II service.
LST - 333
LST - 333 was laid down on 17 July 1942 at the Norfolk Navy Yard; launched on 15 October 1942; sponsored by Mrs. Cornelius A. Kneeburg; and commissioned on 20 November 1942. She was torpedoed off Dellys, Algeria, on 22 June 1943 and struck from the Navy list on 6 July 1943.
LST - 334
LST - 334 was laid down on 17 July 1942 at the Nor folk Navy Yard; launched on 15 October 1942; sponsored by Mrs. W. M. Thompson; and commissioned on 29 November 1942, Lt. George Alyward, USNR, ill command. During World War II, LST-334 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Vella Lavella occupation-October 1943 Occupation and defense of Cape Torokina-November and December 1943 Capture and occupation of Guam-July and August 1944 Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto-April through June 1945 Following the war, LST-334 performed occupation duty in the Far East until mid-October 1945. Upon her return to the United States, the ship was decommissioned on 24 April 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 5 June 1946. On 22 April 1948, she was sold to the Bethlehem Steel Co., Bethlehem, Pa., for scrapping. LST-334 earned four battle stars and the Navy Unit Commendation for World War II service.
LST - 335
LST - 335 was laid down on 17 July 1942 at the Norfolk Navy Yard; launched on 15 October 1942; spon sored by Mrs. B. V. McCandlish; and commissioned on 6 December 1942. During World War II, LST-335 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the following operations: Sicilian occupation-July 1943 a Sa erno landings-September 1943 Invasion of Normandy-June 1944 Upon her return to the United States, the ship was decommissioned on 22 December 1945 and struck from the Navy list on 8 January 1946. She was sold to James A. Hughes, New York, N.Y., on 1 December 1947, for scrapping. LST-335 earned three battle stars for World War II service.
LST - 336
LST - 336 was laid down on 17 July 1942 at the Norfolk Navy Yard; launched on 15 October 1942; sponsored by Mrs. Thomas B. Richey; and commissioned on 11 December 1942. During World War II, LST-336 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the following operations: Sicilian occupation-July 1943 Salerno landings-September 1943 Invasion of Normandy-June 1944 She was decommissioned and transferred to the United Kingdom on 27 November 1944 and returned to United States Navy custody on 7 March 1946. LST-336 was struck from the Navy list on 5 June 1946. On 22 October 1947, she was sold to Luria Bros. & Co., Inc., of Philadelphia, Pa. LST-336 earned three battle stars for World War II service.
LST - 337
LST - 337 was laid down on 17 July 1942 at the Norfolk Navy Yard; launched on 8 November 1942; sponsored by Mrs. W. McL. Hague; and commissioned on 16 December 1942. During World War II, LST-337 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the following operations: Sicilian occupation-July 1943 Salerno landings-September 1943 Invasion of Normandy-June 1944 LST-337 was transferred to the United Kingdom on 2 December 1944. She was returned to United States Navy custody and decommissioned on 16 March 1946. The tank landing ship was struck from the Navy list on 17 April 1946 and sold to Bosey, Philippines, on 5 December 1947. LST-337 earned three battle stars for World War II service.
LST - 338
LST - 338 was laid down on 17 July 1942 at the Norfolk Navy Yard; launched on 8 November 1942; sponsored by Mrs. R. I. Coleman; and commissioned on 20 December 1942, Lt. D. A. Stratton, USNR, in command. During World War II, LST-338 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the following operations: Sicilian occupation-July 1943 Salerno landings-September 1943 Invasion of Normany-June 1944 Upon returning to the United States, the tank landing ship was decommissioned on 6 May 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 23 June 1947. On 3 December 1947, she was sold to the Southern Trading Co., Philadelphia, Pa., for conversion to merchant service. LST-338 earned three battle stars for World War II service.
LST - 339
LST - 339 was laid down on 17 July 1942 at the Norfolk Navy Yard; launched on 8 November 1942; sponsored by Mrs. F. B. Britt; and commissioned on 23 December 1942, Lt. John H. Fulweiler, USNR, in command. During World War II, LST-339 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Consolidation of southern Solomons-June 1943 New Georgia Group operation: (a) New Georgia-Rendova-Vangunu occupation- June and July 1943 (b) Vella Lavella occupation-August 1943 Occupation and defense of Cape Torokina-November 1943 Hollandia operation-April 1944 Western New Guinea operations: (a) Biak Island operation-May and June 1944 (b) Noemfoor Island operation-June and July 1944 (c) Morotai landings-September 1944 Following the war, LST-339 performed occupation duty in the Far East until mid-November 1945. Upon her return to the United States, the ship was decommissioned on 13 May 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 23 June 1947. On 16 October 1947, she was sold to the New Orleans Shipwrecking Corp., Chicago, Ill., for scrapping. LST-339 earned four battle stars and the Navy Unit Commendation for World War II service.
LST - 340
LST - 340 was laid down on 17 July 1942 at the Norfolk Navy Yard; launched on 8 November 1942; sponsored by Mrs. A. W. Raab; and commissioned on 26 December 1942, Lt. William Villella in command. During World War II, LST-340 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Consolidation of southern Solomons-June 1943 Capture and occupation of Saipan-June through August 1944 Tinian capture and occupation-July through August 1944 On 20 October 1944, she was redesignated IX-196 and named Spark (q.v.). The ship was decommissioned on 24 October 1944 and struck from the Navy list on 1 September 1945. Spark earned three battle stars and the Navy Unit Commendation for service in World War II as LST-340.
LST - 341
LST - 341 was laid down on 21 August 1942 at the Norfolk Navy Yard; launched on 8 November 1942; sponsored by Miss Elizabeth R. Bisset; and commissioned on 28 December 1942. During World War II, LST-341 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: New Georgia Group operation: (a) New Georgia-Rendova-Vangunu occupation-June and July 1943 (b) Vella Lavella occupation-August 1943 Occupation and defense of Cape Torokina- November 1943 Marianas operation: (a) Capture and occupation of Saipan-June and July 1944 (b) Capture and occupation of Guam-July and August 1944 Leyte landings-October and November 1944 Following the war, LST-341 performed occupation duty in the Far East in September and October 1945. Upon her return to the United States, the ship was decommissioned on 14 March 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 12 April 1946. On 12 September 1946, she was sold to the Construction Power & Merchandising Co., of Brooklyn, N.Y., for conversion to merchant service. LST-341 earned four battle stars and the Navy Unit Commendation for World War II service.
LST - 342
LST - 342 was laid down on 21 August 1942 at the Norfolk Navy Yard; launched on 8 November 1942; sponsored by Mrs. Philip H. Ryan; and commissioned on 31 December 1942. During World War II, LST-342 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the New Georgia-Rendova- Vangunu occupation in July 1943. She was sunk by a Japanese torpedo off the Solomon Islands on 18 July 1943 and struck from the Navy list on 28 July 1943. LST-342 earned one battle star and the Navy Unit Commendation for World War 11 service.
LST - 343
LST - 343 was laid down on 18 October 1942 at the Norfolk Navy Yard; launched on 15 December 1942; and commissioned on 9 January 1943, Lt. H. H. Rightmeyer in command. During World War II, LST-343 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Consolidation of southern Solomons-June 1943 New Georgia-Rendova-Vangunu occupation-July 1943 Occupation and defense of Cape Torokina-December 1943 Capture and occupation of Guam-July and August 1944 Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto-April 1945 Following the war, LST-343 performed occupation duty in the Far East until mid-January 1946. Upon her return to the United States, the ship was decommissioned on 27 January 1946. She was transferred to the United States Army Military Government in Korea on 21 February 1947 as a sale and struck from the Navy list on 5 March 1947. LST-343 earned five battle stars and the Navy Unit Commendation for World War II service.
LST - 344
LST - 344 was laid down on 18 October 1942 at the Norfolk Navy Yard; launched on 15 December 1942; sponsored by Mrs. H. H. Ward; and commissioned on 14 January 1943, Lt. Maurice G. Jackson, USNR, in command. During World War II, LST-344 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the following operations: Sicilian occupation-July 1943 Salerno landings--September 1943 Invasion of Normandy-June 1944 On 1 July 1955, she was named Blanco County (LST-344) after a county in south central Texas. The tank landing ship was decommissioned on 3 October 1969 and struck from the Navy list on 15 September 1974. She was sold for scrap. LST-344 earned three battle stars for World War II service.
LST - 345
LST - 345 was laid down on 17 October 1942 at the Norfolk Navy Yard; launched on 15 December 1942; sponsored by Mrs. John B. Brown; and commissioned on 21 January 1943. During World War II, LST-345 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the following operations: Sicilian occupation-July 1943 Salerno landings-September 1943 Invasion of Normandy-June 1944 Following the war, LST-345 was decommissioned on 5 December 1945 and struck from the Navy list on 3 January 1946. On 23 March 1948, she was sold to the Ships & Power Equipment Co., Barber, N.J., and scrap I LST-345 earned three battle stars for World War II service.
LST - 346
LST - 346 was laid down on 17 October 1942 at the Norfolk Navy Yard; launched on 15 December 1942; sponsored by Mrs. Felix X. Gygax, Jr.; and commissioned on 25 January 1943. was assigned to the During World War II, LST-346 European theater and participated in the following operations: Sicilian occupation-July 1943 Salerno landings-September 1943 Invasion of Normany-June 1944 On 20 November 1944, she was transferred to the United Kingdom and returned to United States Navy custody on 2 May 1946. She was decommissioned on 4 May 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 19 June 1946. LST-346 was sold to Bosey, Philippines, on 5 December 1947. LST-346 earned three battle stars for World War II service.
LST - 347
LST - 347 was laid down on 10 November 1942 at the Norfolk Navy Yard; launched on 7 February 1943; sponsored by Mrs. J. M. Farrin; and commissioned on 7 February 1943. During World War II, LST-347 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the following operations: Sicilian occupation-July 1943 Salerno landings-September 1943 Invasion of Normandy-June 1944 On 19 December 1944 she was transferred to the United Kingdom and returned to United States Navy custody in January 1948. On 23 January 1948, the ship was retransferred to France on lease and returned to United States Navy custody on 21 March 1949. LST-347 was sold to France that same day. LST-347 was struck from the Navy list on 28 April 1949. LST-347 earned three battle stars for World War II service.
LST - 348
LST - 348 was laid down on 10 November 1942 at the Norfolk Navy Yard; launched on 7 February 1943; sponsored by Mrs. L. V. Honsinger; and commissioned on 9 February 1943. During World War II II, LST-348 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the following operations: Sicilian occupation-July 1943 Anzio-Nettuno advanced landings - January through March 1944 LST-348 was sunk by a submarine torpedo off Anzio, Italy, on 20 February 1944 and struck from the Navy list on 6 March 1944. LST-348 earned two battle stars and the Navy Unit Commendation for World War II service.
LST - 349
LST - 349 was laid down on 10 November 1942 at the Norfolk Navy Yard; launched on 7 February 1943; sponsored by Mrs. C. 0. Barclay; and commissioned on 11 February 1943. During World War II, LST-349 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the Sicilian occupation in July 1943. She ran aground and sank off Ponza, Italy, on 26 February 1944 and was struck from the Navy list on 25 March 1944. LST-349 earned one battle star for World War II service.