Life in the WWII Gator Navy: An LST Journey Across the Pacific, Part 2 of 2
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
- 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
Fine video and highly interesting oral history. Thank you for uploading this onto UA-cam!
Thank you for posting these videos. My father served on LST 468, Group 19.
My Grandfather served on an LST late in the war as a Coxswain. I only found this out after researching his service records recently. He never talked much about the war, but told my Dad about an attack on the group of ships while crossing the Pacific. In my research I found records from his LST that backed up his story. RIP James Morgan Weaver.
Thank you for this video. My father served in the pacific during the war on an LST as a machinist mate and I remember him talking about some of the same places you do and he would try to describe how the ship was laid out and now that I have found your videos with all the pictures I have a better understanding. The LST was such an important ship during the war but is forgotten about.
My dad too . South Pacific theater. New Guinea, Solomon Islands. Gunners Mate then Petty officer 18 years old joined. Thank you all for protecting the world.
Great job capturing events we could not begin to imagine.. thanks.
I flew onboard P-3C Orion's in the US Navy from 1990-1995 (Gulf War Vet). Much respect to all of these guys. It's really something else when you consider what they had to do (and did) especially at an average age of about 20.
My grandfather was a CMoMM(T) on LST-353 and in the Solomons as well. You might have crossed paths in Bougainville. Fortunately, he was already stateside before the West Loch explosion. Thank you for your service and for your testimony. Excellent video!
What a wonderful find. I actually got to see my dear Uncle Jack McGovern and the ship he served on. Thank you
He was a good friend ; Have many photos in my album. So glad you could you could finally sail with your uncle . My daughter NYC did the dvd s.
One of the most informative and well done documentaries of WWII experience I have ever seen. I saw and heard some things I had never known or seen before.
I wasn't wasn't in WWII, but I share his feelings about being in the service . It does make a adult out of you.
Mr. Bednarczyk is a great American. I enjoyed his wartime story. People like him are what made this country great.
What a wonderful first-hand account of an amazing scene. Thank you for sharing.
Most Excellent! Well Done!
my dad island hopped from the Solomons to Luzon.2 thing that came to mind is how they got ice cold beer and playing stickball.They used dry ice extinguishers for the beer and if you ever hit the ball over the side ALWAYS remember to stay away from the bilge dump cause you're going to need a very long shower.
Awesome, Thank You ...
Interesting and nicely done, congratulations on your unique memorable Navy years. I feel likewise wrt to my service career. As for leadership - absolutely, we had some of the best leaders guiding the Pacific theater imaginable: : Arleigh Burke, Turner, Michner, Halsey, Spruance, McCarthur(yes a prima dona but a highly intelligent/effective one), Chester Nimitz, Ernest King, and to a lesser extent Knox and even FDR. A far cry from the unbelievably bad/horrible civilian leadership of today dominated by complete lack of competency and zero relevant training/experience, incredible foolishness and above all shameful degrees of craven cowardice. And just so that you know, during all these years of incredible effort to secure difficult but vital victories the nation was swept coast to coast by all kinds of epidemics including polio. They dealt with it without shutting everything down and running to their closets whimpering.like frightened little children.
Thank you Sir!
skoko1945 is
My hat is off to you, shipmate. Trans-pacific in an early LST must have been uncomfortable, to say the least. Water hours, little ventilation, causeways banging in their troughs and no fresh food. My first two years were in a Korean War vintage LST, shorter runs, some ventilation. Still Last Ship There!
Was Deck/Gunnery Officer on LST 819 during Viet Nam War. Excellent video.
Depest Respekt fore this generation
My father, CPO Derrille Marler) served on LST 349 (North Africa, Sicily, and Italy), 208 ( Normandy), and 1110 (Pacific). I would appreciate any information on him.
USS HENRY COUNTY (LST 824) Boiler Tender/Atomic Veteran Operation Dominic 1962
Anyone know about LST 1002 on Okinawa
Very Good. Thank You for Your Service!
Pretty cool video. My Dad served on one as Chief Motor MAC. He had great stories too. RIP.
My Grandfather, Mr Jessie served aboard LST 808. A stoic man Grandpa was. I remember vividly the day he whip that belt off his trousers and proceeded to whip my ass. I was 6.
My first ship was a LST in 1969
My dad served on the LST 620 they were in Europe then went over to the Pacific in World War II God bless the greatest generation of all time
Never cease to be impressed by these men...