USS Bolster (ARS-38)

USS "Bolster" (ARS-38) was a Diver-class rescue and salvage ship acquired by the U.S. Navy during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Her task was to come to the aid of stricken vessels.

"Bolster" was launched 23 December 1944 by Basalt Rock Co., Napa, California; sponsored by Mrs. C. A. Mayo, Jr., wife of Lieutenant Mayo, USNR; commissioned 1 May 1945, Lieutenant W. F. Lewis in command; and joined the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

End-of-World War II service

On 18 July 1945, after repair duty along the California coast, "Bolster" departed for Pearl Harbor. She remained there until 15 August when she sailed for Yokosuka, Japan. "Bolster" conducted repair and salvage operations in Japanese waters until leaving for Subic Bay, Luzon, 10 October 1946. She remained in the Philippines until April 1947 and then returned to Pearl Harbor via Okinawa, Guam, and Kwajalein.

Korean War operations

"Bolster" operated alternately out of Pearl Harbor and Adak, Alaska, on salvage and towing duties until 22 August 1950. She then towed two barges to Sasebo, Japan, and remained in the Far East until 6 July 1951. During this tour she participated in the Inchon landing (15 September 1950) and the Hungnam Evacuation (9-25 December 1950).

Since 1952 "Bolster" has continued to operate out of Pearl Harbor and has made six tours of the Far East, visiting Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, Okinawa, and the Philippine Islands.

Note

The U.S. Navy (DANFS) advises that Bolster history updates for the years 1952 to 1994 are being developed.

Decommissioning

Bolster was decommissioned on 24 September 1994 and struck from the Navy list on the same day. She was disposed of by transfer to the Maritime Administration on 1 February 1999. Disposition: laid up at Suisun Bay, California.

Current Status

There is currently a private effort to save the Bolster and turn it into a floating museum. [cite web | first=Kevin | last=Courtney | url=http://www.napavalleyregister.com/articles/2008/02/11/news/local/doc47b0204d1d9c9113119114.txt | title=One man's journey to save Napa-made warship | publisher=Napa Valley Register | accessdate=2008-02-14 | date=2008-02-11]

Military awards and honors

"Bolster" received seven battle stars for her Korean War service (9 September 1950-6 July 1951, 24 January-16 August 1952, and 16 February-15 April 1953);
* North Korean Aggression
* Communist China Aggression
* First UN Counter Offensive
* Communist China Spring Offensive
* Second Korean Winter
* Korean Defense Summer-Fall 1952
* Korea Summer-Fall 1953"Bolster" received eleven campaign stars for Vietnam War service:
* Vietnamese Counteroffensive
* Vietnamese Counteroffensive - Phase II
* Tet Counteroffensive
* Tet 69/Counteroffensive
* Vietnam Summer-Fall 1969
* Vietnam Winter-Summer 1970
* Sanctuary Counteroffensive
* Vietnamese Counteroffensive - Phase VII
* Consolidation I
* Consolidation II
* Vietnam Ceasefire"Bolster’s" crew was eligible for the following medals, ribbons, and commendations:
* Secretary of the Navy Letter of Commendation
* Combat Action Ribbon (3)
* Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
* American Campaign Medal
* Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
* World War II Victory Medal
* Navy Occupation Service Medal (with Asia clasp)
* National Defense Service Medal (2)
* Korean Service Medal (7)
* Vietnam Service Medal (11)
* Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation (2)
* United Nations Service Medal
* Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
* Republic of Korea War Service Medal (retroactive)

References

See also

* List of United States Navy ships

External links

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/37/3738.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - ARS-38 Bolster]
* [http://www.americanfleettugmuseum.org Website for effort to save the USS Bolster and turn it into a floating museum]