Honoring those who served…


The LSTs, or Landing Ship Tanks, were developed during WWII thanks to Winston Churchill, who wanted a way to unload tanks and heavy equipment directly onto a beach.  With a length of 327' and a beam of 50', these "Large Slow Targets" as they were affectionately known, had a speed of about 11knots.  A typical crew was 7 officers and 200 enlisted.  The topside could carry smaller craft, and there was a tunnel-like hold that carried vehicles or other cargo.  The ships proved so versatile that over 1000 were built for the U.S. Navy for use in World War II.

LST 596 was built by the Missouri Valley Bridge & Iron Co., and launched on August 21, 1944.

Before boarding the ship, an LST sailor's experience began at the national training base at Camp Bradford, Virginia.
 

LST-596


LST-596 was laid down on 11 July 1944 at Evansville, Ind., by the Missouri Valley Bridge & Iron Co.; launched on 21 August 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Palmer L. McMichael; and commissioned on 14 September 1944.

Following World War II, LST-596 performed occupation duty in the Far East and saw service in China until mid-May 1946. She was decommissioned on 12 June 1946 and struck from the Navy list on 25 September that same year. The ship was sold to Bosey, Philippines, on 5 December 1947.

*Above data is from Debbie McLeod, daughter of Thomas Hampton McLeod, who also served on USS LST 596

           Custer, Charles Arthur, (Jr.)

 

First Enlisted 8 May 1944 for two years.  At the time his residence was 1112 Hartsough Ave., Plymouth, Wayne County, Michigan.  Also included were copies of his fingerprints.  Discharge papger, C2900889, Series C Honorable Discharge from the United States Navy.  Fireman First Class on 2 July 1945.  

14 September 1944 reported aboard U.S.S. LST 596, ATB, camp Bradford, North Fork, VA

On 23 February 1945:  This is when Dad got his tattoo...OFFENSE: A.O.L. FROM 2230, 2/16/46 to 0640, 2/17/46 a period of Eight (8) hours. PUNISHMENT: TWENTY (20) HOURS EXTRA POLICE DUTY.

Signed by:  G.A. Dick
                  Lieutenant, USN
                  Commanding

Medals awarded:

Victory Medal, medal is in my possession

American Area Campaign Medal, medal is in my possession

Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal, medal is in my possession

Philippine Liberation Ribbon, ribbon is not in my possession at this time

Honorable Service, Lapel Button, pin is in my possession

Issue dates: From 8 Sept 1939 through 31 Dec 1946 

          Custer, William

 Elder brother of Charles A. Custer, Jr.

    Myers, Eugene

This photo was taken in Europe while Eugene was serving in the military.  Eugene was the s/o Argle Leslie Myers and Laura Maude Custer.

            Cecil, George Edward

 

             Robinson, James Albert

   

James Albert Robinson is the s/o William Robinson and Margaret Jean MacNiel.  James was in the Air Corp Military Police from 1942-1945. James entered the service 22 July 1942, Co. G 1609 C.A.S.U. Fort Custer, Battle Creek, MI in the infantry.  

9 Oct 1942 entered Military Police, Guard Duty, Air Corps as a Corporal of the Guard.

6 Feb 1945 left for the war front.  He arrived in England on 20 March 1945. He served in both France and Belgium.

Robert Earl Vaillancourt  

 

Robert is the son of Thomas Vaillancourt & Agnes (Nancy) Curragh.  Robert Earl Vaillancourt enlisted July 1943 and was discharged in November 1945.  Duty Time was Aviation Cadet.  Since the war was winding down and the need to train additional pilots waned, he spent his time state side.  The Air Corp sent his group to various technological schools while awaiting flight schools, but had no need for additional pilots as the war with Germany and Japan was ending.  One of the programs he attended was a B-24 maintenance school which had a bearing on his career in Aircraft Maintenance.  Robert worked and retired from GM Air Transport in the aircraft maintenance field at Willow Run Airport in Michigan.

Those Who Served - Rev War/Civil War
Those Who Served - Civil War, Pg. 1
Those Who Served - Civil War, Pg. 2
Those Who Served - Civil War, Pg. 3
Those Who Served-WWI
Those Who Serviced-WWI, Pg. 1
Those Who Served - WWII, Pg. 2
Those Who Served - Korea
Those Who Served - Viet Nam
Those Who Served - Desert Shield/Storm
Home
Make a Free Website with Yola.