USS PCS-1379

USS "PCS-1379" was the fourth of twelve Patrol Craft Sweepers constructed by Wheeler Shipbuilding Corporation, Whitestone, Long Island, New York. She was one of a total of 59 of this type to be delivered to the Navy by various shipyards.

She was delivered in March 1944. PCS-1376 through 1387 were designed as submarine chasers but were launched after the need for coastal escorts had passed.

"PCS-1379" spent much of World War II in the Pacific Theater.

Her plank-holding crew reported for duty aboard the PCS-1379 in March 1944 at Lido Beach, Long Island, New York, reporting to Capt. F. R. Lackey, USNR and Lieutenant E. U. O'Donnell USNR, commanding officer. PCS-1379 transited the Panama Canal to Hawaii before participating in combat. Crossed the equator at 163 deg East, north to south on August 23, 1944. - Participated in Invasion of Peleliu Island and Angaur Island, of the Palau Group on September 15 – September 17, 1944. Shelled Japanese targets on Eil Malk and Abappaomogan Islands, of the Palau Group on October 30 November – 31 November 1, 1944. Participated in invasion of the Ryukyu Islands as follows: - Kerama Retto March 26 – March 31, 1945 - Okinawa April 1, 1945 - Menna Shima April 15, 1945 - Ie Shima April 16, 1945 Returned to Hawaii, and then back through the the Panama Canal reaching Long Island, NY on or around August 15, 1945.

She was one of thirteen PCS vessels converted to a PCS(C) for control of landing craft with the after 40 mm mount replaced by a small deckhouse.

References

* Conway's All The World's Fighting Ships 1922-1946, Conway Maritime Press, Ltd. / Mayflower Books, New York, 1980, ISBN 0-8317-0303-2.
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/12/071379.htm navsource.org: PCS-1379]