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Subject: Reunion |
Author: Jim Craven
Date: 8/11/2012 5:17 pm CDT
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Fellow LST Sailors,
With the convention just around the bend I had plans to attend but, due to family health issues I will not be able to do so.
I have offered another LST model (3.7" X 24.5") this year for use as a door prize.So, please attend the reunion. Branson treated us well and I expect that behavior will continue.
Offered to my first ships reunion, LST 1157, is a model of the 1156 class LST being gifted as another door prize..
A third model, also offered as a door prize, is an 1156 model for the LSR9 (Landing Ship Squadron Nine – eight of the 1156 class LST’s Home ported in Yokosuka, Japan)
Good Lord Willin' I shall be at the next reunion.
Jim Craven
QMC(SW) USN (Ret.)
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Reunion |
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Jim Craven |
8/11/2012 5:17 pm CDT |
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Buddy LST 1126 |
8/13/2012 11:13 am CDT |
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On May 21, 2005 a monument was unveiled in Seneca, Illinois, dedicated to all the workers, who built 157 LSTs at the Seneca “Prairie Shipyard” as well as all those who served on any LST during World War II, Korea, and Viet Nam. The monument contains seals of the US Navy, the US Coast Guard, the British LST Association, and the sponsoring organization, the Illinois LST Association.
The monument contains a sculpture of an LST on top of the gray marble center section. On the two flanking black marble sections are etchings of an LST being launched, an LST beached and unloading its cargo of tanks, and a woman shipyard welder. On the sides of the black sections all 157 LSTs constructed at Seneca are listed The monument stands in Crotty Park in Seneca, on property adjacent to the old Chicago Bridge and Iron shipyard.
Approximately 500 people from all over the country and Great Britain attended the dedication. After the dedication, approximately 200 of those in attendance gathered together for a catered lunch.
About 27,000 people worked at the shipyard during World War II. A number of those and/or their descendants attended the ceremony. They are rightly proud of their contribution to the war effort, as is the city of Seneca, Illinois, the home of the “Prairie Shipyard”.
During World War
2 there were 1051 LST's (Landing Ship Tank) built to carry
troops and supplies to American and Allied troops fighting
in Europe and the Pacific theaters. When WW2 ended most of
the LST's were scrapped, modified, or given to Navies of
other countries. Some remained in service and saw action in
Korea, Viet Nam, and even the Cuban Blockade.
A few WW2 type
LST's remain in service today, but not in the USA.
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