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| Subject: LST 926 and Admiral Ugaki |
Author: Rick Steadman
Date: 5/17/2020 5:04 pm CDT
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On August 15, 1945 crewmen from LST-926 are reported to have found the wreckage of a plane and three Japanese bodies on a beach on Iheyajima Island, off Okinawa.
Vice Admiral Matome Ugaki, Commander of the Fifth Air Fleet made an unauthorized kamikaze flight on that date in a two-seat Yokosuka D4Y Suisei (Judy) aircraft. At the last minute, the plane's radioman, whom Ugaki had replaced, squeezed aboard against the admiral's order. Moved by his dedication, Ugaki allowed him to stay, so his plane held three men, making it likely the wreckage found was his aircraft.
Has anyone heard this story, and have any information on its source, beyond Wikipedia?
I would appreciate any leads. |
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LST 926 and Admiral Ugaki |
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Rick Steadman |
5/17/2020 5:04 pm 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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