USS LST-851

USS "LST-851" was an "LST-542"-class tank landing ship in the United States Navy. Like many of her class, she was not named and is properly referred to by her hull designation.

"LST-851" was laid down on 10 August 1944 at Seneca, Illinois, by the Chicago Bridge & Iron Co.; launched on 8 November 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Gertrude B. Van Trigt; and commissioned on 30 November 1944, Lt. Leo T. Tyburski in command.

During World War II, "LST-851" was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and participated in the assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto in May 1945. Following the war, the ship performed occupation duty in the Far East until mid-October 1945. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 24 April 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 8 May that same year. On 30 September 1946, "LST-851" was sold to the Northwest Merchandising Service, Seattle, Wash.

The final disposition is uncertain, but it is likely that "LST-851" went to Argentina [Friedman, p. 568] , where she was redesignated ARA "BDT-1" (Buque Desembarco de Tanques), and later redesignated "Q41". [ [http://www.histarmar.com.ar/Armada%20Argentina/ListGralBuques900a2003.htm ArmadaArgentina ] ]

Some confusion exists concerning whether "BDT-1" was "LST-851" or "LST-875"; however, sources indicate that "LST-875" went to the Philippines.

"LST-851" earned one battle star for World War II service.

References

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/l26/lst-851.htm history.navy.mil: USS "LST-851"]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/16/160851.htm navsource.org: USS "LST-851"]