Donner LSD-20

A mountain pass on the pioneer trail to California where the Donner party perished in 1846.

Donner (LSD-20) was launched 6 April 1945 by Boston Navy Yard, sponsored by Mrs. W. V. Alexander, Jr., and commissioned 31 July 1945, Lieutenant Commander P. V. McPeake, USNR, in command.

Donner transported landing craft from Norfolk to New York, then operated boat pools along the east coast until 3 November 1946 when she sailed for the Mediterranean and similar duty. She returned to Norfolk 24 December for duty along the coast and on voyages is Argentia, Newfoundland, and Labrador. From 31 January to 10 March 1948 she sailed in the Caribbean for a large scale landing exercise by the 2d Fleet.Donner was placed out of commission in reserve 12 August 1949.

On 18 June 1960 she entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard for overhaul and modernization which continued through December 1960.

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