USS LST-6 explained

USS LST-6 was an LST-1-class tank landing ship of the United States Navy. LST-6 served in the European Theater of Operations, participating in the Allied invasion of Sicily, the Salerno Landings, and the Normandy landings. She hit a mine in the English Channel on 17 November 1944 and sank in six fathoms (36 feet) of water the same day.^[1]

Construction

LST-6 was laid down on 20 July 1942 at Dravo Corporation in Wilmington, Delaware, launched on 21 October 1942, sponsored by Mrs. H. E. Haven;^[2] and commissioned on 30 January 1943.

Service history

LST-6 was assigned to the European Theatre and participated in the following operations, for which she received three battle stars:

• Sicilian Occupation – 9–15 July 1943
• Salerno landings – 9–21 September 1943
• Invasion of Normandy – 6–25 June 1944

LST-6 participated in the landings at Omaha Beach as part of Assault Group O3.^[3] In August 1944, Lieutenant W.H. Weddle took command. LST-6 struck a mine and sank in the English Channel while returning from a supply movement from Portland to Rouen on 17 November 1944. She was struck from the Navy List on 22 December 1944.

References

1. Web site: USS LST-6. 18 April 2014. 4 April 2015. NavSource.
2. Web site: LST-6. 4 April 2015. DANFS. Naval History & Heritage Command.
3. Book: Ford, Ken. Operation Neptune 1944: D-Day's Seaborne Armada. 2014. Osprey. 9781472802729. Oxford. 23. en.