USS Ford County (LST-772)

The USS "Ford County" (LST-772) was an sclass|LST-542|tank landing ship built for the United States Navy during World War II. Named after counties in Illinois and Kansas, she was the only U.S. Naval vessel to bear the name.

LST-772 was laid down on 3 August 1944 at Seneca, Illinois by the Chicago Bridge & Iron Company; launched on 24 October 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Elsie Jane Woodlief Arrington; and commissioned on 13 November 1944 with Lieutenant George J. Nieman, USNR, in command. During World War II, LST-772 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and participated in the assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto from April through June, 1945. Following the War, she performed occupation duty in the Far East until early December, 1945. The ship was placed out of commission, in reserve, on 3 July 1946 and assigned to the Columbia River Group of the U.S. Pacific Reserve Fleet. Recommissioned on 3 November 1950, she saw extensive service during the Korean War. On 1 July 1955 she was redesignated USS "Ford County" (LST-772). "Ford County" was destroyed as a target ship on 19 March 1958 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register that same day. LST-772 earned one battle star for World War II service and six for Korean War service.

References

*
* cite web|title=LST-772 "Ford County"|work=Amphibious Photo Archive
url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/16/160772.htm|accessdate=June 14|accessyear=2007

ee also

* List of United States Navy LSTs
* Ford County, Illinois
* Ford County, Kansas