USS Hampshire County (LST-819)

The USS "Hampshire County" (LST-819) was an sclass|LST-542|tank landing ship built for the United States Navy during World War II. Named for counties in Massachusetts and West Virginia, she was the only U.S. Naval vessel to bear the name.

Originally laid down as LST-819 by the Missouri Valley Bridge & Iron Company of Evansville, Indiana 12 September 1944; launched 21 October; sponsored by Mrs. William M. Gilmore; and commissioned 14 November 1944 with Lieutenant George W. Ryerson in command.

World War II

Following shakedown off Florida, LST-819 loaded cargo, then departed New Orleans 18 December for the Pacific. After a brief stop at San Diego and Pearl Harbor, the tank landing ship arrived Tulagi 23 February 1945. During the next month she shuttled cargo throughout the Pacific, then ammunition for the Okinawa invasion. Arriving 2 April, one day after the initial landing, LST-819 prepared to unload her cargo under heavy enemy air attack. Remaining off the island for the next 3 weeks, she assisted in the courageous effort as the Japanese made a futile attempt to stop the American thrust toward Japan. For the rest of the war she continued transport and cargo operations in the vicinity of Okinawa. After V-J Day, she operated with the occupation forces in Okinawa and Japan, then sailed for the United States in mid-November, arriving San Francisco 6 January 1946. Later that month she sailed to Astoria, Oregon was decommissioned there and joined the Pacific Reserve Fleet.

LST-819 received one battle star for World War II service.

Korean War

Because of the Korean conflict buildup LST-819 recommissioned at Astoria 8 September 1950, Lt. J. H. Burch in command. Following training she departed San Diego 3 months later, arriving Yokosuka 17 January 1951. Two weeks later she steamed to Pusan where she embarked Army personnel for transport to Inchon, arriving there 19 February. From February to June LST-819 carried troops and vehicles from Japan to Korean ports, then on 8 June departed for the United States. After 6 months out of San Diego "819" was en route for her second tour in the Far East arriving Yokosuka 15 February 1952. She resumed cargo runs to the war zone as American forces demonstrated their ability to fight for the cause of freedom. She continued cargo operations and harbor entrance patrol until late October when she steamed back to the United States.

After the Korean conflict LST-819 made another cruise to the Far East from August 1953 to June 1954 where she resumed her cargo operations under more peaceful conditions. She returned San Diego 17 July and operated along the West Coast until she decommissioned 24 June 1955. While in reserve at San Diego LST-819 was named USS "Hampshire County" (LST-819) on 1 July 1955.

LST-819 received four battle stars for Korean War service.

Vietnam War

"Hampshire County" recommissioned 9 July 1966 for use in the Vietnam War. By 9 September she had completed shakedown training and on 24 September left Del Mar, California for Danang, Vietnam, arriving 8 November. After debarking marines and cargo there, she returned to Guam, anchoring 19 December. Hampshire County then participated in "Operation Market Time" and continued into 1967 in her important combat support mission.

"Hampshire County" received the Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendations, RVN Gallantry Cross with Palm, RVN Civil Action Medal First Class with Palm, RVN Campaign Medal with 60's device, and the Vietnam Service Medal with (10) Battle Stars.

References

*
* cite web|title=LST-819 "Hampshire County"|work=Amphibious Photo Archive
url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/16/160819.htm|accessdate=July 17|accessyear=2007

ee also

* List of United States Navy LSTs
* Hampshire County, Massachusetts
* Hampshire County, West Virginia

External links

* [http://www.mrfa.org/lst_819.htm Mobile Riverine Force Association]
* [http://www.hullnumber.com/commands1.php?ct=OG&st=LST&hn=819&n1=USS&n2=HAMPSHIRE&n3=COUNTY&n4=&n5= LST-819 Personnel Roster at HullNumber.com]