About U.S.S. St. Clair County (LST 1096)

Our ship, the USS ST CLAIR COUNTY (LST-1096) was built in 1945 by the Jefferson Boat and Bridge Company, Jefferson, Indiana for use in World War II. She has an overall length of 327 feet 9 inches and a beam of 50 feet. She is armed with six gun mounts; three forward and three aft. Her crew berthing is 112 and troop berthing is 103. Her maximum speed is 11.5 knots. 

She was commissioned in February, 1945, and at this time was known only as LST-1096. The only action seen by the ship during World War II were several assaults on the beaches of Okinawa. She was decommissioned in 1946 and placed in the "mothball fleet" at Tongue Point, Astoria, Oregon. 

On October 3, 1950, she was recommissioned and sent to Puget Sound, Washington for reconditioning. She sailed for Japan in February, 1951, where she shuttled between Japan and Korea in support of the United Nations Forces; mostly being used to transport prisoners-of-war. 

In November, 1951, LST-1096 returned to the United States and entered the yards where she remained until July of 1952, when she was again summoned to WestPac. From September, 1952, to September, 1953, the ship served in Korea with the United Nations Forces and was actively engaged in the prisoner exchange, "Little Switch." 

In July of 1955, LST-1096 was commissioned by the USS SAINT CLAIR COUNTY. Her name was taken from the names of counties in Alabama, Missouri, Illinois, and Michigan. 

From July, 1955, until early November of 1965, the SAINT CLAIR COUNTY made several WestPac cruises including two cruises in support of the Vietnam crisis. The SAINT CLAIR made the "big time" in 1960, when she was used in the making of the movie "All Hands on Deck," starring Pat Boone, Barbara Rush, and Buddy Hackett. 

On January 14, 1966, the SAINT CLAIR again answered the call of duty for service in the Vietnam conflict. She left San Diego loaded with marines and vehicles enroute to Okinawa. At Okinawa the cargo was unloaded and ready marines and equipment were backloaded and taken to Chu Lai, Vietnam. 

From this period until the end of July, the SAINT CLAIR and her crew were kept busy carrying cargo of men, vehicles, ammunition, food, and building supplies necessary for the armed forces in Vietnam. 

There were long hours at General Quarters stations when the ship on two separate journeys traversed the fingers of the Mekong and Bassac Rivers through Viet Cong territory to carry cargo to defenses in Can Tho. Working hours stretched far into the night with loading and backloading of cargo and security watches that were necessary for the protection of the ship. 

Many trips were made between Danang, Chu Lai, Qui Nhon, Vung Tau, Saigon, and Can Tho in logistic support of troops. 

Only July 1st, the officers and men of the SAINT CLAIR were present at the formal opening of the new bridge ramp and cargo complex in Danang. Read Admiral Thomas R. Weschler, USN, Commander, U.S. Naval Support Activity, Danang, presented the one millionth short ton of cargo off loaded in I Corps Tactical Zone to Lt. General Lewis W. Walt, USMC, Commanding General, 3d Marine Amphibious Force. 

All work and no play was not always the case for the men of the SAINT CLAIR. The officers and men enjoyed liberties in Hong Kong, Saigon, Sasebo and Yokosuka, Japan, Subic Bay, and Honolulu. Many presents were purchased for loved ones at home and sightseeing tours produced literally hundreds of photos and slides. 

In her eight and a half months of service with the SEVENTH FLEET in the Western Pacific from January to late September, the SAINT CLAIR carried 15,000 tons of cargo and supplies and steamed 22,047 miles. Her record of service is a proud one to uphold and during this time the officers and men earned the Vietnam Service Medal and the National Defense Medal.