USS LSM-135

USS LSM-135 was a "LSM-1" Class Landing Ship Medium built for the U.S. Navy during World War II. Like many of her class, she was not named and is properly referred to by her hull designation.

She was laid down 13 March 1944, at Charleston Navy Yard, Charleston, South Carolina, launched, 23 April 1944, commissioned USS "LSM-135", 31 May 1944, LT. Harry L. Derby, Jr., USNR in command.

"LSM-135" was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater and participated in the Leyte operation, which included Leyte landings, 20 October 1944, and Ormoc Bay landings, 7 to 8 December 1944. She also participated in additional Philippine landings at Luzon and at Lingayen Gulf on 9 January 1945.

"LSM-135" particpated in the Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto in April and May 1945.

While operating at Okinawa she was sunk by kamikaze attack off the Ryukyu Islands, 25 May 1945 at approximately 0830 hours. "LSM-135" had only been in service 11 months and 25 days. At the time of her sinking "LSM-135" was picking up survivors from the minesweeper USS "Spectacle" (AM-305) when it also was hit by kamikaze attack and burst into flames. USS "Fleming" (DE-32) rescued twenty survivors of the USS "Bates" (APD-47), which was sinking from two kamikaze hits, and eleven survivors from "LSM-135".

"LSM-135" was struck from the "Naval Register" (date unknown).

Final Disposition, hulk donated, 10 July 1957, to the Government of the Ryukyu Islands, fate unknown.

"LSM-135" earned three battle stars for World War II service

References

ee also

* List of United States Navy ships
* World War II
* Landing craft
* Battle of Okinawa
* Battle of Leyte

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/#Anchor-Editoria-14954 Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/14/14135.htm NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive - LSM-135]