USS LST-20

LST-20 was laid down on 5 October 1942, at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, by the Dravo Corporation; launched on 15 February 1943; sponsored by Miss Anne B. Sylvester.[2] She was floated down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers and entered commissioned service on 14 May 1943, with Lieutenant Charles W. Smith, USCG, in command.[3]

During the war, LST-20 served exclusively in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater from November 1943 until November 1945.[2]

On 27 July 1943, LST-20 departed with six other LSTs escorted by Oracle, Charleston, and Hutchins for Adak Island in the Aleutians.[3]

LST-20 participated in operations in the Gilbert Islands during November and December 1943.[1]

In October 1944, LST-20 moved to the Philippines to participate in General Douglas MacArthur's promised liberation of the islands from the Japanese occupation. LST-20 participated at the Leyte landings and the Battle of Luzon Lingayen Gulf landings in January 1945.[1]

LST-20 finished her combat career with the assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto in April 1945.[1]

Following the war, LST-20 performed occupation duty in the Far East until early November 1945.[2] She returned to San Diego on 23 December 1945. She departed San Diego on 11 January 1946, for Galveston, Texas, via the Canal Zone, arriving there on 1 February 1946, and was decommissioned on 3 April 1946.[3] She was struck from the Navy list on 19 June 1946, and was transferred to the Maritime Administration (MARCOM) on 8 October 1947.[2]

On 8 October 1947, MARCOM sold LST-20 to Southern Shipwrecking Company that in turn resold her to Pan Ore Steamship Company who reflagged her for Panama, her final disposition is unknown.[1]

LST-20 earned four battle stars for her World War II service.[2]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to USS LST-20.

• Photo gallery of USS LST-20 at NavSource Naval History