USS Johnson County (LST-849)

USS "Johnson County" (LST-849) was an "LST-542"-class tank landing ship in the United States Navy. Unlike many of her class, which received only numbers and were disposed of after World War II, she survived long enough to be named. On 1 July 1955, all LSTs still in commission were named for US counties or parishes; "LST-853" was given the name "Johnson County", after counties in Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming.

"LST-849" was laid down on 10 November 1944 at Ambridge, Pennsylvania, by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 30 December 1944; sponsored by Mrs. William B. Hetzel; and commissioned on 16 January 1945, Lt. Emil C. Hetzel in command.

During World War II, "LST-849" was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and participated in the assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto in May and June 1945. Following the war, "LST-849" performed occupation duty in the Far East until mid-September 1945. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 13 June 1946 and assigned to the Pacific Reserve Fleet. While berthed in the Columbia River with the Pacific Reserve Fleet, she was named "Johnson County" 1 July 1955, after counties in 12 states.

Under provisions of the Military Assistance Program, she was transferred to the Republic of Korea January 1959, and served the ROK navy as Wi Bong (LST-812).

"LST-849" earned one battle star for World War II service.

ROKS "Wi Bong"

The ship was transferred to the Republic of Korea on 22 December 1958, and renamed ROKS "Wi Bong" (LST-812). [According to [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rok/unbong.htm globalsecurity.org] , the Korean name of the ship is "Weebong".] She was later redesignated LST-676.As of|1999 she is still in service.

References

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/j4/johnson_county.htm history.navy.mil: USS "Johnson County"]
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/l25/lst-849.htm history.navy.mil: USS "LST-849"]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/16/160849.htm navsource.org: USS "Johnson County"]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rok/unbong.htm globalsecurity.org: LST 671 Un Bong LST]