USS LST-543

USS LST-543 was a United States Navy LST-542-class tank landing ship in commission from 1944 to 1946.

LST-543 unloading at Mulberry off Normandy, France
History
United States
Name: USS LST-543
Builder: Missouri Valley Bridge and Iron Company, Evansville, Indiana
Laid down: 6 December 1943
Launched: 1 February 1944
Sponsored by: Lieutenant, junior grade, Helen C. Hanson, USNR
Commissioned: 6 March 1944
Decommissioned: 31 May 1946
Stricken: 17 July 1947
Honours and
awards:		 2 battle stars for World War II
Fate: Sold 5 December 1947
General characteristics
Class and type: LST-542-class tank landing ship
Displacement:
  • 1,490 long tons (1,514 t) light
  • 4,080 long tons (4,145 t) full
Length: 328 ft (100 m)
Beam: 50 ft (15 m)
Draft:
  • Unloaded 2 ft 4 in (0.71 m) bow; 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m) stern
  • Full load: 8 ft 2 in (2.49 m) forward; 14 ft 1 in (4.29 m) aft
Propulsion: Two General Motors 12-567 diesel engines, two shafts, twin rudders
Speed: 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph)
Boats & landing
craft carried:		 2 x LCVPs
Troops: 140 officers and enlisted men
Complement: 8-10 officers, 100-115 enlisted men
Armament:

Construction and commissioning

LST-543 was laid down on 6 December 1943 at Evansville, Indiana, by the Missouri Valley Bridge and Iron Company. She was launched on 1 February 1944, sponsored by Lieutenant, junior grade, Helen C. Hanson, USNR, and commissioned on 6 March 1944 with Lieutenant Robert F. Blake in command.

Service history

During World War II, LST-543 initially was assigned to the European Theater of Operations and participated in Operation Overlord, the invasion of Normandy, in June 1944.

LST-543 then was assigned to the Pacific Theater of Operations and took part in the assault on and occupation of Okinawa in May and June 1945.

Following the war, LST-543 performed occupation duty in the Far East and saw service in China until early May 1946, when she returned to the United States.

Decommissioning and disposal

LST-543 was decommissioned on 31 May 1946 and stricken from the Navy List on 17 July 1947. She was sold to Bosey in the Philippines on 5 December 1947.

Honors and awards

LST-543 earned two battle stars for World War II service.

References
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