Life in the WWII Gator Navy: An LST Journey Across the Pacific, Part 1 of 2
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- Опубліковано 19 гру 2015
- Leo Bednarczyk’s account of his experiences in the Navy from his battle station in the engine room of a Landing Ship Tank (LST).
He recounts his journey from the South Side of Chicago to the Evansville Ship Yard to commission LST-124, and his experiences as part of the amphibious flotilla that carried troops, invaded the Marianas, and provided the equipment to build air bases in the Pacific 1943-1945.
This first-person account of long days at sea, the LST’s role during historic invasions, and meeting unexpected challenges is brought to life with WWII films and photos from the National Archives and Leo’s own photographs developed aboard LST-124.
Produced by Susan Bednarczyk and edited by Lloyd Charney. Based on recordings by UNC-Wilmington as part of its “World War II through the Eyes of the Cape Fear” project with the Cape Fear Museum.
Thank sir, EVERYONE FROM YOUR GENERATION WAS A TRUE HERO
My Great Grandfather was in the Navy in WW2 on LST 433.
The greatest generation my dad served on the LST 620 in Europe then they went to the Pacific God bless all the men and women who served in World War II
My father in law was a Coast Guard LT. picked up LST 765 at Pittsburg in September 1944, to New Orleans then to Pearl Harbor toured the South Pacific. Back to Pearl Harbor December 1945, released from service early 1946
My Grandfather was a gunner on LST-71.
He made it back thank God. RIP to him and all the men who never made it back.
My dad was on LST 496 sunk off Normandy Beach on June 14th. God rest his soul.
My father started as a gunners mate in the South Pacific and told me very little about his tours in new guinea and delivered heavy gear, trucks, Marines and other troops to the front lines . After my died of leukemia in his fifties I leaned much more where he really was in the thick of things . I honor all who served and continue. God bless
Thanks for this great reminder of our nation’s people who fought to save this great country..I just buried a long-time friend, Frank Burel, who served aboard the LST888, in the Pacific during WWII. His memories of these days and his ability to speak of them were extremely limited. Those he did share were eye-opening to say the least. He enlisted about a year after you (1943), was sent to San Diego, where he boarded 888 and set sail for the war zone of the Pacific. He served through to the occupation of Japan, returning to the states about a year after Japan surrendered. He, like so many others of this “Greatest Generation of Americans” will be remembered by many and remain in our prayers of thanks. GOD BLESS you for your service!
Wat een fantastische film ik kan er uren naar kijken
My great grandfather was on LST 790 and was in Okinawa and Iwo Jima
My father was a USCG fire controlman on LST 795, at Iwo and Okinawa.
My grandfather was on LST 699, at Okinawa and Iwo Jima. Apparently they also earned battle stars for service in the Philippines
Also saw service in the south china sea
My father was a Gunner's Mate on LST 703. He served primarily in the Philippines in the battlesof Mindanao, Leyete, and Balikpapan. Thank you to all who served.
Thanks so much for posting this. My Dad served aboard the LST 1135 as Quartermaster in the Pacific.
Both my grandfathers were on LST's in the south Pacific in ww2. One was enlisted, the other an officer
Dad was USCG on the 66 in the S. Pacific, 42-43. From shake down out of NOLA to Cuba then onto Panama, Brisbane and on to the island campaign. Guinea, Hollandia, Admirality Is. much along this sailor's route. He was a Marine before in China and claimed he knew better than to wait to get drafted back in (he never claimed to be a hero, it was a job) so he joined the CG before they *USMC* got him back to get thrown on a beach. He stated many times the LST was dangerous but he always felt for the guys they were dropping off. At least the boat got a very experienced Gunny for aft.
I served aboard the 901 in Vietnam. Having toured the 325 several times, I appreciate the improvements that were retro-fitted to the ships after WWII. The men who served aboard LSTs in WWII should be honored and respected by all for theirs' was not easy duty by any stretch of the imagination.
Don Lerche Welcome Home ;;; During Nam ,LST s were the most decorated ships in the Navy . Best Wishes.
My Dad served on 901 during WW2. He had many great stories. Our thanks for your service
USS Alameda County(AVB-1) home ported in Naples, Italy. We beached in Souda bay, Crete, set up a beer tent. Bud was a nickel a can. We were in a storm in the Adriatic, the hull cracked and we had water in the sleeping compartment. Ship was sold to the Italian navy in 63.
In the mid 1050s my Dad was the Quartermaster on the LST 1110 built in Evansville I believe in 1945. His LST did two summer re supply missions for the DEW line in Alaska and Canada. If I remember correctly he was away for 6 months each time. Than in 1957 I believe Uncle Sam gave the 1110 to China. My Dad had 22 years in then so he retired.
I got to go on one, possibly two un official Tiger Cruses to the Big Island, still remember them both well. Decades later after my dad passed in 2oo9 I ended finding his skipper somehow on the iNet and chafed with him a few times thru eM.... He actually remembered me on my Tiger Cruse, at least he said he did....
Also Our family ended up getting base housing on Pearl City Peninsula. This was located in-between Middle Lock and East Lock. LosO memories playing on the old Pan AM Sea Plane dock, finding a old rusty machine gun, also finding an old scrap year full of WWII destroyed military equipment... What a great place to grow up, the son of a LST navigator....
My dad served on APA 64 USS Bracken, an attack transport. Very similar ship and background story :)
My dad served in the " black gang" on LST 124 and often spoke of Leo. His name was Gene Wilson and was a chief petty officer at the end of the war
Michael, your dad was my mentor. My daughter attended Clarke .Gene told me his daughter in law did too. Have photos of your parents in Wilmington.
So interesting!
My father was on LST 213, in the engine room LT JG. hope I here from anyone. Oh, he was on the second wave at Laetay
I served on USS Stone County (LST 1141) in 1968. We were deployed to Viet Nam. Out experience was nothing like yours. We supported Swift boats for the first part of our stay, and we ran cargo for the second half. I also had a short time on USS St. Claire County (LST 1096).
my dad was on 1049 and the 921
My dad recalled being an electricians mate 3c on the lst-861 (1944-1945). Does anyone have information about the duty that ship performed. I am making a memorial for my dad.
Hello Tim - Yes, I have information about your Dad's ship LST861. I am a historian doing research on a WW2 steamship named SS WEST TEXAS. In my research I came across numerous WW2 War Diary entries for the ship movements and ports of call for LST861. These documents were once classified as "SECRET" but are now available for researchers. Known as "war diaries," these are daily operational journals created by various naval commands throughout the Navy during WWII. Here is the link to the "War Diaries" www.fold3.com/title/750/wwii-war-diaries . You have to sign up for this service but it is well worth it. Once you have access to the site, just type in whatever you wish to research, in your case you'd type LST861 in the search bar. that will bring up several daily war entries for your ship. Good luck. Mike
@@BigTex347 Thank you so much, I do not know why I didn't see this before, but glad I checked these videos.
I was an electrician's mate on LST1032 during 66/67 in and around Nam. Standing watches in front of a "Live Front" switchboard with knife switches, and when pulling off a beach, the clowns jogging the stern anchor winch would create a nightmare, with the diesel generators almost bogging out and then over revving as the engine governors tried to adjust for load... Your dad would have known what I'm talking about... cheers