LST785-wwii.jpg (21977 bytes)

                                                               Original Photo - WWII
From the album of LST-785 crewmember Louis Emmette Price,
Courtesy of his Granddaughter, Judith Williams

LST 785
Built in 1944 by Dravo Corp., Neville Island, Pittsburgh.
Assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater
                                                             79th Battalion Seabees Home

Kiel laid:  25 Jun 1944 Launched:  5 Aug 1944 Decom:  3 May 1946

LST  785 participated in the following operations during World War II:

  • Capture and occupation of Iwo Jima - Feb. 1945
  • Assault and occupation of Okinawa "Gun To" - Apr. thru Jun. 1945.  One of three LSTs that transported personnel and supplies of the 79th Naval Construction Battalion (Seabees) from Saipan to Okinawa in April 1945 in the "Gun To" invasion..

Following the war, LST 785 performed occupation duty in the Far East until early December 1945 and after decommissioning on May 3, 1946, she was struck from the Navy list on June 5, 1946.  On June 3, 1946, she was sold to Walter W. Johnson Co.for scrapping.  For her service in World War II, LST 785 earned two Battle Stars.

Any information on the voyage from Saipan and participation of LST-785 in the "Gunto" invasion of Okinawa during World War II will be greatly appreciated. Please contact:

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Email:  JWinter588@aol.com

Information from:
Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships