LST - 650 - 700

LST-650

LST - 650 was redesignated ARL-18 and named Pandemus (q.v.) on 14 August 1944.

LST - 651

LST - 651 was laid down on 24 July 1944 at Seneca, Ill., by the Chicago Bridge & Iron Co.; launched on 16 October 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Mary Margaret Graham Aubry; and commissioned on 4 November 1944. During World War II, LST-651 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto in April 1945. Following the war, she performed occupation duty in the Far East until mid-January 1946. The ship was decommissioned on 23 January 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 5 December 1947. On 26 May 1948, LST-651 was sold to Consolidated Builders, Inc., Seattle, Wash., and subsequently scrapped. LST-651 earned one battle star for World War II service.

 

LST - 652

LST - 652 was laid down on 24 July 1944 at Seneca, Ill., by the Chicago Bridge & Iron Co.; launched on 19 October 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Sadie M. Eveleigh; and commissioned on 1 January 1945, Lt. Richard N. Shaw, USNR, in command. On 15 September 1945, she was redesignated LSTH-652. The ship performed occupation duty in the Far East until early March 1946. She was decommissioned on 5 March 1946. On 6 March 1952, the ship was redesignated LST-652 and transferred to the Military Sea Transportation Service on 31 March 1952 where she operated as USNS LST-652 until struck from the Navy list on 1 May 1961.

 

LST - 653

LST - 653 was laid down on 17 November 1943 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 23 January 1944; sponsored by Mrs. C. C. Smith; and commissioned on 1 April 1944, Lt. (jg.) H. C. Beasley, Jr., in command. Following World War II, LST-653 performed occupation duty in the Far East until early February 1946. The ship was decommissioned on 3 February 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 5 March 1947. On 31 May 1947, LST-653 was sold to the government of South Korea.

 

LST - 654

LST - 654 was laid down on 9 December 1943 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 30 January 1944; sponsored by Miss Mary C. Nichols; and commissioned on 20 March 1944. Following World War II, LST-654 performed occupation duty in the Far East and saw service in China until early June 1946. She was decommissioned on 12 June 1946 and transferred to the State Department for disposition and struck from the Navy list on 19 July 1946.

 

LST - 655

 

LST - 655 was laid down on 9 December 1943 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 6 February 1944; sponsored by Mrs. George T. Griffiths; and commissioned on 28 March 1944, Lt. Dudley D. Sumrall in command. During World War II, LST-655 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the invasion of southern France in August and September 1944. She was then assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and took part in the assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto in June 1945. LST-655 performed occupation duty in the Far East and saw service in China until the spring of 1946. She was decommissioned on 31 May 1946 and transferred to the State Department for final disposition. LST-655 was struck from the Navy list on 3 July 1946. LST-655 earned two battle stars for World War II service. LST-656

LST - 656 was laid down on 13 December 1943 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 18 February 1944; sponsored by Mrs. F. H. Dill; and commissioned on 7 April 1944. During World War II, LST-656 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the invasion of southern France in August and September 1944. Following the war, she performed occupation duty in the Far East and saw service in China until late May 1946. The ship was decommissioned on 29 May 1946 and transferred to the State Department for disposition that same day. She was struck from the Navy list on 3 July 1946. LST-656 earned one battle star for World War 11 service. LST-657

LST - 657 was laid down on 16 December 1943 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 25 February 1944; sponsored by Mrs. E. T. Owens; and commissioned on 10 April 1944, Lt. Eugene L. Berenbach, USNR, in command. Following World War II, LST-657 performed occupation duty in the Far East and saw service in China until mid- February 1946. She was transferred to the Military Sea Transportation Service on 31 March 1952 where she served as USNS LST-657 until struck from the Navy list on 1 May 1961. LST-658

LST - 658 was laid down on 28 December 1943 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 13 March 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Joseph R. McDonald; and commissioned on 17 April 1944. During World War II, LST-658 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Capture and occupation of southern Palau Islands - September and October 1944 Leyte landings-October and November 1944 Lingayen Gulf landing-January 1945 Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto-April 1945 Following the war, LST-658 performed occupation duty in the Far East and saw service in China until late May 1946. She was decommissioned on 1 June 1946. The ship was transferred to the State Department for disposition and struck from the Navy list on 3 July 1946. LST-658 earned four battle stars for World War II service. LST-659

LST - 659 was laid down on 31 December 1943 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 20 March 1944; sponsored by Mrs. A. N. Mellott; and commissioned on 20 April 1944. During World War II, LST-659 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the invasion of southern France in August and September 1944. Following the war, she performed occupation duty in the Far East until early January 1946. The ship was decommissioned on 7 January 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 7 February 1947. On 25 May 1947, she was sold to the government of South Korea. LST-659 earned one battle star for World War 11 service.

LST - 660

LST - 660 was laid down on 6 January 1944 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 24 March 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Robert Gibson; and commissioned on 26 April 1944. During World War II, LST-660 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Capture and occupation of southern Palau Islands - September and October 1944 Leyte landings-November 1944 Zambales-Subic Bay-January 1945 Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto-April 1945 Following the war, LST-660 performed occupation duty in the Far East until early January 1946. The ship was decommissioned on 26 April 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 5 June that same year. On 17 May 1948, she was sold to the Bethlehem Steel Co., of Bethlehem, Pa., and subsequently scrapped. LST-660 earned four battle stars for World War II service.

 

LST - 661

LST - 661 was laid down on 9 January 1944 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 30 March 1944; sponsored by Mrs. J. H. Elder; and commissioned on 28 April 1944. During World War 11, LST-661 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and participated in the capture and occupation of the southern Palau Islands in September and October 1944. Following the war, she performed occupation duty in the Far East until early April 1946. The ship returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 29 August 1946. On 25 July 1948, LST-661 was destroyed because of its unsalvageable condition and struck from the Navy list on 13 September that same year. LST-661 earned one battle star for World War II service.

 

LST - 662

LST - 662 was laid down on 14 January 1944 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 5 April 1944; sponsored by Miss Louise Leahy; and commissioned on 2 May 1944. During World War II, LST-662 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Capture and occupation of southern Palau Islands - September and October 1944 Zambales-Subic Bay-January 1945 Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto-April 1945 Following the war, LST-662 was decommissioned on 19 December 1945 and struck from the Navy list on 8 January 1946. On 25 June 1946, the ship was sold to Arctic Circle Exploration, Inc., of Seattle, Wash. LST-662 earned three battle stars for World War II service.

 

LST - 663

LST - 663 was laid down on 22 January 1944 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 8 April 1944; sponsored by Mrs. J. P. Delaney; and commissioned on 5 May 1944. During World War II, LST-663 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Capture and occupation of southern Palau Islands - September and October 1944 Leyte landings-October and November 1944 Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto-April through June 1945 Following the war, LST-663 returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 29 May 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 19 July that same year. On 11 December 1947, the ship was sold to the Southern Shipwrecking Co., of New Orleans, La., and subsequently scrapped. LST-663 earned three battle stars for World War II service.

LST-664

LST-664 was laid down on 28 January 1944 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 13 April 1944; sponsored by Mrs. R. W. Caldwell, Jr.; and commissioned on 10 May 1944, Lt. John R. Burke in command. During World War II, LST-664 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the invasion of southern France in August and September 1944. Following the war, she was transferred to the Military Sea Transportation Service on 19 April 1955 where she served as USNS LST- 664 until struck from the Navy list on 15 June 1973. On 23 October 1973, the ship was sold to Majid Karoon, Khorramshahr, Iran, for scrapping. LST-664 earned one battle star for World War II service.

LST-665

LST-665 was laid down on 5 February 1944 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 18 April 1944; sponsored by Mrs. L. L. Smith; and commissioned on 12 May 1944. During World War 11, LST-665 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the invasion of southern France in August and September 1944. She was then assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and took part in the capture and occupation of the southern Palau Islands in September and October 1944. Following the war, LST-665 performed occupation duty in the Far East and saw service in China until mid-March 1946. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 11 June 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 3 July that same year. On 10 December 1947, the ship was sold to the Salco Iron & Metal Co. for scrapping. LST-665 earned two battle stars for World War II service.

LST-666

LST-666 was laid down on 16 February 1944 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 24 April 1944; sponsored by Mrs. A. 1. Hay; and commissioned on 16 May 1944. During World War II, LST-666 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Morotai landings-September 1944 Leyte landings-October and November 1944 Lingayen Gulf landing-January 1945 Zambales-Subic Bay-January 1945 Consolidation of the southern Philippines: (a) Palawan Island landings-March 1945 (b) Visayan Island landings-March and April 1945 Balikpapan operation-June and July 1945 Following the war, LST-666 performed occupation duty in the Far East until early January 1946. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 20 June 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 31 July that same year. On 26 September 1947, the ship was sold to the Sun Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., of Chester, Pa. LST-666 earned six battle stars for World War II service.

LST - 667

LST - 667 was laid down on 22 February 1944 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 27 April 1944; sponsored by Mrs. D. Hammerschmidt; and commissioned on 20 May 1944, Ens. W. S. Biernat in command. During World War II, LST-667 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Morotai landings-September 1944 Leyte landings-November 1944 Lingayen Gulf landings-January 1945 Visayan Island landings-March and April 1945 Tarakan Island operation-April and May 1945 Following the war, LST-667 performed occupation duty in the Far East until mid-February 1946. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 5 June 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 3 July that same year. On 11 December 1947, the ship was sold to the Learner Co., of Oakland, Calif., for scrapping. LST-667 earned five battle stars for World War II service.

 

LST - 668

LST - 668 was laid down on 6 March 1944 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 30 April 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Fred J. Kress; and commissioned on 23 May 1944, Lt. Milford E. Clark, USNR, in command. During World War II, LST-668 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Morotai landings-September 1944 Leyte landings-October and November 1944 Mindanao Island landings-April and May 1945 Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto-June 1945 Following the war, LST-668 returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 24 June 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 31 July that same year. On 26 May 1948, the ship was sold to the Bethlehem Steel Co., of Bethlehem, Pa., for scrapping. LST-668 earned four battle stars for World War II service.

 

LST - 669

 

LST - 669 was laid down on 18 March 1944 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 3 May 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Faris Jones; and commissioned on 27 May 1944. During World War II, LST-669 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Leyte landings-October 1944 Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto-April through June 1945 Following the war, LST-669 performed occupation duty in the Far East until early March 1946. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 13 August 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 25 September that same year. On 10 May 1948, the ship was sold to the Bethlehem Steel Co., of Bethlehem, Pa., for scrapping. LST-669 earned two battle stars for World War II service. LST-670

LST - 670 was laid down on 22 March 1944 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 6 May 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Gertrude Schumaker; and commissioned on 29 May 1944. During World War II, LST-670 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Leyte landing-October 1944 Mindoro landings-December 1944 Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto-March through June 1945 Following the war, LST-670 returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 30 April 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 19 June that same year. The ship was sold on 10 February 1947. LST-670 earned three battle stars for World War II service. LST-671

LST - 671 was laid down on 28 March 1944 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 11 May 1944; sponsored by Mrs. H. B. Taylor; and commissioned on 2 June 1944. During World War II, LST-671 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Leyte landings-October 1944 Lingayen Gulf landing-January 1945 Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto-April through June 1945 Following the war, LST-671 performed occupation duty in the Far East until December 1945. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 25 June 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 15 August that same year. On 26 September 1947, the ship was sold to the Boston Metals Co., of Baltimore, Md., for scrapping. LST-671 earned three battle stars for World War II service. LST-672

LST - 672 was laid down on 3 April 1944 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 14 May 1944; sponsored by Mrs. F. K. McDaniel; and commissioned on 5 June 1944. During World War II, LST-672 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Leyte landings-October 1944 Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto-April through June 1945 Following the war, LST-672 performed occupation duty in the Far East until April 1946. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 26 June 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 31 July that same year. On 2 January 1947, the ship was sold to the Suwannee Fruit & Steam Ship Corp., of Jackonville, Fla. LST-672 earned two battle stars for World War II service. LST-673

LST - 673 was laid down on 6 April 1944 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 22 May 1944; sponsored by Mrs. J. T. Ellis; and commissioned on 9 June 1944. During World War II, LST-673 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Leyte landings-October through November 1944 Mindoro landings-December 1944 Lingayen Gulf landings-January 1945 Mindanao Island landings-April 1945 Balikpapan operation-June through July 1945 Following the war, LST-673 performed occupation duty in the Far East until early March 1946. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 10 July 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 15 August that same year. On 27 October 1947, the ship was sold to the Moore Dry Dock Co. for scrapping. LST-673 earned four battle stars for World War II service.

LST - 674

LST - 674 was laid down on 11 April 1944 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 26 May 1944; sponsored by Mrs. H. P. Anderson; and commissioned on 19 June 1944. During World War II, LST-674 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto 'from 26 March through 30 June 1945. Following the war, she performed occupation duty in the Far East until late December 1945. Upon returning to the United States, the ship was decommissioned on 14 May 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 19 June that same year. On 26 May 1948, the tank landing ship was sold to the Bethlehem Steel Co., of Bethlehem, Pa., for scrapping. LST-674 earned one battle star for World War II service.

 

LST - 675

LST - 675 was laid down on 16 April 1944 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 2 June 1944; sponsored by Mrs. H. B. Van Hook; and commissioned on 24 June 1944. During World War II, LST-675 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the Lingayen Gulf landing in January 1945 and the assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto in April 1945. She was grounded and suffered severe damage off Okinawa on 4 April 1945 and was ultimately determined to be unsalvageable. LST-675 was decommissioned on 25 August 1945 and struck from the Navy list on 17 September that same year. In July 1957, her hulk was authorized by the Secretary of the Navy for donation to the government of the Ryukyus. LST-675 earned two battle stars for World War II service.

 

LST - 676

LST - 676 was redesignated APB-42 and named Yavapai (q.v.) on 31 March 1945.

 

LST - 677

LST - 677 was redesignated APB-43 and named Yolo (q.v.) on 31 March 1945.

 

LST - 678

LST - 678 was redesignated APB-44 and named Presque Isle (q.v.) on 31 March 1945.

 

LST - 679

 

LST - 679 was laid down on 2 May 1944 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 20 June 1944; sponsored by Mrs. John Soboslay; and commissioned on 15 July 1944, Lt. N. A. Nelmes in command. During World War II, LST-679 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Leyte landing-November 1944 Mindanao Island landings-April 1945 Following the war, LST-679 performed occupation duty in the Far East until early April 1946. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 24 June 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 31 July that same year. On 25 May 1948, she was sold to the Bethlehem Steel Co., of Bethlehem, Pa., for scrapping. LST-679 earned two battle stars for World War II service. LST-680

LST - 680 was laid down on 5 May 1944 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 26 June 1944; sponsored by Mrs. F. W. Leahy; and commissioned on 21 July 1944. During World War II, LST-680 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Lingayen Gulf landing-January 1945 Zambales-Subic Bay-January 1945 Mindanao Island landings-April 1945 Following the war, LST-680 performed occupation duty in the Far East until mid-April 1946. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 5 July 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 28 August that same year. On 14 May 1948, the ship was sold to the Bethlehem Steel Co., of Bethlehem, Pa., for scrapping. LST-680 earned three battle stars for World War II service. LST-681

LST - 681 was laid down on 10 May 1944 at Ambridge, Pa., by the American Bridge Co.; launched on 1 July 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Pauline Taylor; and commissioned on 25 July 1944, Lt. (jg.) L. J. J. Spengler, USNR, in command. During World War II, LST-681 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Lingayen Gulf landings-January 1945 Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto-April through June 1945 Following the war, LST-681 performed occupation duty in the Far East until mid-March 1946. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 6 September 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 8 October that same year. On 9 October 1947, the ship was sold to William E. Skinner for scrapping. LST-681 earned two battle stars for World War II service. LST-682

LST - 682 was laid down on 6 December 1944 at Jeffersonville, Ind., by the Jeffersonville Boat & Machine Co.; launched on 31 January 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Ethel M. Ward; and commissioned on 18 March 1944, Ens. R. B. Flynn in command. During World War 11, LST-682 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the invasion of Normandy in June 1944. She was then assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and took part in the assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto in May and June 1945. Following the war, the ship performed occupation duty in the Far East until late February 1946. LST-682 returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 30 July 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 25 September that same year. On 3 June 1948, she was sold to the Walter W. Johnson Co. for scrapping. LST-682 earned two battle stars for World War II service.

LST - 683

LST - 683 was laid down on 29 November 1943 at Jeffersonville, Ind., by the Jeffersonville Boat & Machine Co.; launched on 7 February 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Florence Robbins Bohr; and commissioned on 28 March 1944, Lt. Richard T. Paynter, USNR, in command. Following World War II, LST-683 performed occupation duty in the Far East and saw service in China until mid- February 1946. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 29 May 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 3 July that same year. The ship was sold to the Bethlehem Steel Co., of Bethlehem, Pa., on 26 May 1948 for scrapping.

 

LST - 684

 

LST - 684 was laid down on 13 December 1943 at Jeffersonville, Ind., by the Jeffersonville Boat & Machine Co.; launched on 12 February 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Florence M. Sussman; and commissioned on 3 April 1944, Lt. P. B. Welch, Jr., USNR, in command. During World War 11, LST-684 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Capture and occupation of Guam-July and August 1944 Assault and occupation of Iwo Jima-February 1945 Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto-April through June 1945 Following the war, LST-684 performed occupation duty in the Far East until mid-November 1945. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 25 November 1945 and destroyed on 22 March 1946. LST-684 was struck from the Navy list on 5 June 1946. LST-684 earned three battle stars for World War II service. LST-685

LST - 685 was laid down on 21 December 1943 at Jeffersonville, Ind., by the Jeffersonville Boat & Machine Co.; launched on 18 February 1944; sponsored by Miss Agnes J. Langley; and commissioned on 7 April 1944. Following World War II, LST-685 performed occupation duty in the Far East until mid-April 1946. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 22 July 1946. On 13 January 1947, the ship was placed in service and used for Naval Reserve training out of Tompkinsville, N.Y. She was inactivated on 2 June 1950 at Green Cove Springs, Fla. On 1 July 1955, she was redesignated Curry County (LST- 685) after counties in New Mexico and Oregon. The tank landing ship was struck from the Navy list on 1 November 1958. LST-686

LST - 686 was laid down on 4 January 1944 at Jeffersonville, Ind., by the Jeffersonville Boat & Machine Co.; launched on 24 February 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Clara L. Vogt; and commissioned on 14 April 1944, Ens. H. A. May in command. During World War II, LST-686 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Leyte landings-October 1944 Mindoro landings-December 1944 Lingayen Gulf landing-January 1945 Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto-March through May 1945 Following the war, LST-686 performed occupation duty in the Far East and saw service in China until early April 1946. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 10 July 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 15 August that same year. On 17 September 1947, the ship was sold to Consolidated Builders, Inc., Seattle, Wash., for scrapping. LST-686 earned three battle stars for World War 11 service.

LST - 687

LST - 687 was laid down on 28 December 1943 at Jeffersonville, Ind., by the Jeffersonville Boat & Machine Co.; launched on 28 February 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Emma D. Bott; and commissioned on 22 April 1944. During World War II, LST-687 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Capture and occupation of southern Palau Islands - September and October 1944 Leyte landings-October and November 1944 Lingayen Gulf landing-January 1945 Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto-April through June 1945 Following the war, LST-687 performed occupation duty in the Far East until early December 1945. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 24 May 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 3 July that same year. On 24 September 1947, the ship was sold to William E. Skinner for scrapping. LST-687 earned four battle stars for World War II service.

 

LST - 688

LST - 688 was laid down on 17 January 1944 at Jeffersonville, Ind., by the Jeffersonville Boat & Machine Co.; launched on 5 March 1944; sponsored by Mrs. James R. Collier; and commissioned on 27 April 1944. During World War II, LST-688 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Capture and occupation of southern Palau Islands - September and October 1944 Leyte landings-October and November 1944 Lingayen Gulf landing-January 1945 Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto-May and June 1945 Following the war, LST-688 performed occupation duty in the Far East until early February 1956. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 5 August 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 25 September that same year. On 17 September 1947, the ship was sold to Consolidated Builders, Inc., Seattle, Wash., for scrapping. LST-688 earned four battle stars for World War II service.

 

LST - 689

 

LST - 689 was laid down on 11 January 1944 at Jeffersonville, Ind., by the Jeffersonville Boat & Machine Co.; launched on 9 March 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Edith C. Smith; and commissioned on 2 May 1944, Lt. F. D. McKay, USNR, in command. During World War II, LST-689 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and participated in the capture and occupation of the southern Palau Islands in September and October 1944. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned in March 1946. The tank landing ship performed no active post-World War II service. On 1 July 1955, the ship was redesignated Daggett County (LST-689) after a county in Utah. She was struck from the Navy list on 1 October 1959. LST-689 earned one battle star for World War II service. LST-690

LST - 690 was laid down on 31 January 1944 at Jeffersonville, Ind., by the Jeffersonville Boat & Machine Co.; launched on 14 March 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Dorothy E. Bryant; and commissioned on 6 May 1944, Lt. Comdr. Ernest C. Reif, USNR, in command. During World War II, LST-690 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the invasion of southern France in August and September 1944. She was then assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and took part in the assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto in June 1945. Following the war, LST-690 performed occupation duty in the Far East until late February 1946. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 23 July 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 28 August that same year. On 16 December 1947, the ship was sold to James A. Hughes, New York, N.Y., for scrapping. LST-690 earned two battle stars for World War II service. LST-691

LST - 691 was laid down on 25 January 1944 at Jeffersonville, Ind., by the Jeffersonville Boat & Machine Co.; launched on 23 March 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Helen T. Briner; and commissioned on 12 May 1944. During World War II, LST-691 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the invasion of southern France in August 1944. Following the war, she performed occupation duty in the Far East until mid-December 1945. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 14 May 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 19 June that same year. On 4 November 1946, the ship was sold to Hughes Bros., Inc., of New York, N.Y. LST-691 earned one battle star for World War II service. LST-692

LST - 692 was laid down on 7 February 1944 at Jeffersonville, Ind., by the Jeffersonville Boat & Machine Co.; launched on 31 March 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Alma D. Voelker; and commissioned on 10 May 1944, Lt. R. B. Carothers, USNR, in command. During World War II, LST-692 was assigned to the European theater and participated in the invasion of southern France in August and September 1944. Decommissioned in 1946, she was placed in the reserve fleet at Green Cove Springs, Fla., until reactivated in 1951. She performed active service during the Korean War and thereafter. LST-692 was redesignated Daviess County (LST- 692) on 1 July 1955 after counties in Indiana, Kentucky, and Missouri. The ship was struck from the Navy list on 1 June 1964 and transferred to the Military Sea Transportation Service where she operated as T-LST-692. Daviess County was transferred to the Philippine Navy on 13 September 1976. LST-692 earned one battle star for World War II service and two battle stars for Korean service. LST-693

LST - 693 was laid down on 18 February 1944 at Jeffersonville, Ind., by the Jeffersonville Boat & Machine Co.; launched on 7 April 1944; sponsored by Miss Rose Mary Harrod; and commissioned on 15 May 1944, Lt. M. E. Hoag in command. During World War II, LST-693 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Leyte landings-October and November 1944 Mindoro landings-December 1944 Zambales-Subic Bay-January 1945 Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto-April 1945 Following the war, LST-693 performed occupation duty in the Far East until mid-October 1945. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 1 May 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 3 July that same year. On 10 December 1947, the ship was sold to the Southern Shipwrecking Co., of New Orleans, La., for scrapping. LST-693 earned four battle stars for World War II service.

LST - 694

LST - 694 was laid down on 14 February 1944 at Jeffersonville, Ind., by the Jeffersonville Boat & Machine Co.; launched on 16 April 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Ivy H. Wolf; and commissioned on 19 May 1944. During World War II, LST-694 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Morotai landings-September 1944 Leyte landings-October and November 1944 Lingayen Gulf landing-January 1945 Mindanao Island landings-April 1945 Balikpapan operation-June and July 1945 Following the war, LST-694 performed occupation duty in the Far East until mid-January 1946. The ship was decommissioned on 1 December 1947 and struck from the Navy list on 23 December that same year. She was transferred to the United States Army. On 1 March 1950, she was reacquired from the Army and transferred to the Military Sea Transportation Service, where she operated as USNS LST-694 until struck from the Navy list once again on 4 February 1958. LST-694 earned five battle stars for World War II service.

 

LST - 695

LST - 695 was laid down on 28 February 1944 at Jeffersonville, Ind., by the Jeffersonville Boat & Machine Co.; launched on 24 April 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Ursula R. Vilsack; and commissioned on 22 May 1944. During World War 11, LST-695 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and participated in the Morotai landings in September 1944 and the Leyte landings in October and November 1944. She was decommissioned on 6 November 1945 and struck from the Navy list on 28 November that same year. On 22 March 1946, the ship was sold to the George Pollack Co., of Stockton, Calif. LST-695 earned two battle stars for World War II service.

 

LST - 696

 

LST - 696 was laid down on 25 February 1944 at Jeffersonville, Ind., by the Jeffersonville Boat & Machine Co.; launched on 27 April 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Samuel G. Shannon; and commissioned on 25 May 1944. During World War II, LST-696 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Morotai landings-September 1944 Leyte landings-November 1944 Lingayen Gulf landing-January 1945 Following the war, LST-696 performed occupation duty in the Far East until mid-April 1946. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 16 July 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 28 August that same year. On 19 May 1948, the ship was sold to the Bethlehem Steel Co., of Bethlehem, Pa., for scrapping. LST-696 earned three battle stars for World War II service. LST-697

LST - 697 was laid down on 6 March 1944 at Jeffersonville, Ind., by the Jeffersonville Boat & Machine Co.; launched on 1 May 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Josephine B. Kieren; and commissioned on 30 May 1944, Ens. Lo Presti in command. During World War 11, LST-697 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Morotai landings-September 1944 Leyte landings-November 1944 Lingayen Gulf landing-January 1945 Visayan Island landings-March and April 1945 Tarakan Island operation-April and May 1945 Following the war, LST-697 performed occupation duty in the Far East and saw service in China until mid-December 1945. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 12 July 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 28 August that same year. On 14 October 1947, the ship was sold to William E. Skinner for scrapping. LST-697 earned five battle stars for World War II service. LST-698

LST - 698 was laid down on 14 March 1944 at Jeffersonville, Ind., by the Jeffersonville Boat & Machine Co.; launched on 5 May 1944; and commissioned on 3 June 1944. During World War II, LST-698 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the Leyte landings in October 1944 and the assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto in April 1945. She was decommissioned on 26 November 1945 and struck from the Navy list on 5 December that same year. On 25 June 1946, the ship was sold to Arctic Circle Exploration, Inc., of Seattle, Wash. LST-698 earned two battle stars for World War I] service. LST-699

LST - 699 was laid down on 9 March 1944 at Jeffersonville, Ind., by the Jeffersonville Boat & Machine Co.; launched on 9 May 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Louise C. Calhoun; and commissioned on 5 June 1944. During World War II, LST-699 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the following operations: Leyte landings-November 1944 Lingayen Gulf landing-January 1945 Mindanao Island landings-April 1945 Following the war, LST-699 performed occupation duty in the Far East and saw service in China until mid-April 1946. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 24 June 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 31 July that same year. On 5 December 1947, the ship was sold to the Bethlehem Steel Co., of Bethlehem, Pa., for scrapping. LST-699 earned three battle stars for World War II service. LST-700

LST - 700 was laid down on 22 March 1944 at Jeffersonville, Ind., by the Jeffersonville Boat & Machine Co.; launched on 13 May 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Leona M. Slack; and commissioned on 7 June 1944, Lt. C. W. Blodgett in command. During World War II, LST-700 was assigned to the Asiatic- Pacific theater and participated in the Leyte landing in November 1944 and the Lingayen Gulf land. ing in January 1945. Following the war, LST-700 performed occupation duty in the Far East and saw serv ice in China until mid-March 1946. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 27 July 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 28 August that same year. On 13 December 1947, the ship was sold to the Kaiser Co., of Vancouver, Wash., for scrapping. LST-700 earned two battle stars for World War II service.