- USS Poinsett (AK-205)
USS "Poinsett" (AK-205) was an "Alamosa"-class
cargo ship that was constructed for theU.S. Navy during the closing period ofWorld War II . She served with distinction in thePacific Ocean theatre of operations and returned home safely post-war with onebattle star to her credit.Built in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
"Poinsett" (AK–205) was laid down as MC hull 2159 by Leatham D. Smith Shipbuilding Co.,
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin ,6 November 1943 ; launched22 May 1944 ; sponsored by Mrs. Robert L. Rote; acquired by the Navy22 January 1945 ; and commissioned atHouston, Texas ,7 February 1945 , Lt. Comdr. Robert M. Baughman,USNR , in command.World War II service
After shakedown off
Galveston, Texas , "Poinsett" loaded ammunition atTheodore, Alabama , and departed for thePanama Canal 21 March . She steamed toUlithi thence to Zamboanga,Philippine Islands , arriving11 May .After issuing ammunition there, she proceeded to
Tawi Tawi ,Sulu Archipeligo, and joined the main forces for the invasion ofBalikpapan (1 July ). On10 July she departedBorneo forMorotai and the Philippines, whence she sailed southeast toManus . There, while loading fleet issue clothing and small stores, she received word of the war’s end. "Poinsett" then proceeded toManila andGuiuan ,Samar , to discharge her cargo.Post-war inactivation
She departed
19 November for thePanama Canal andNorfolk, Virginia , for inactivation. Decommissioned25 January 1946 , she was returned to the Maritime Commission,29 January 1946 , and her name was struck from theNavy List ,12 March 1946 .Awards and honors
"Poinsett" received one battle star for World War II service::* Borneo operations Balikpapan operation, 1 to
10 July 1945 Qualified "Poinsett" personnel were eligible for the following::*American Campaign Medal :*Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (1):*World War II Victory Medal ee also
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United States Navy
*World War II References
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* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/13/130205.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - USS Poinsett (AK-205)]
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