My father's birthday was this week. He would have been 89 years old, but I lost him December 28, 1999.
As I was digging back online I was amazed to find a picture of him fresh from Naval Boot Camp in Great Lakes Ill. And then I found his ship! And of course I saved the pictures! He served on LST-658. He saw action in Capture and occupation of southern Palau Islands—September and October 1944
Leyte landings—October and November 1944
Lingayen Gulf landing—January 1945
Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto—April 1945
Following the war, LST-658 performed occupation duty in the Far East and saw service in China until late May 1946.
My Dad did not get back State side untill August 1946.
He was there when MacArthur returned to the Phillipines. My dad served under Admrial Halsey.
LST-658 was awarded 4 Battle Stars.
My father would tell my stories of the War and you could tell he had a great time, even though it was the most frightening experince of his life.
I am proud of him.
Now I have decided to get LST-658 with 4 bronze stars tattoo'd on my back in honor of my dad!
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