USS Blanco County (LST-344)

USS Blanco County (LST-344) Homepage Photos Members

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About USS Blanco County (LST-344)

USS Blanco County (LST-344) was a tank landing ship of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1943 during World War II. She participated in several major amphibious operations, including the Allied invasions of Sicily, Salerno, and Normandy, where she played a crucial role in delivering troops, vehicles, and supplies to contested beaches under fire. After the war, LST-344 was involved in occupation duties in Europe before returning to the United States. The ship was decommissioned in 1946 and later transferred to Greece, where she served under a different name before being retired from service.

Unit Members

Kadell Harrison

U.S. Navy

USS Blanco County (LST-344)View Profile

Gary Oltz

U.S. Navy

USS Blanco County (LST-344)View Profile

Photos

World Cruise 1987 aboard the USS KittyHawk

U.S. Navy • 1987

A School

U.S. Navy • 1979

Buddies

U.S. Navy

All P-3 retired

VP Squadrons • U.S. Navy • 2024

About USS Blanco County (LST-344)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Namesake: USS Blanco County (LST-344) was named after Blanco County in Texas, continuing the US Navy tradition of naming tank landing ships after counties. • Laid Down and Launched: The ship was laid down on 17 October 1942 at the Norfolk Navy Yard and launched on 15 December 1942. • World War II Service: LST-344 played a significant role in some of the most critical amphibious operations of World War II, including the invasions of Sicily, Salerno, and Normandy. • Operation Husky: The ship participated in Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily in July 1943, where LSTs were vital for delivering tanks and equipment to the beaches. • Salerno Landings: In September 1943, LST-344 supported the Salerno landings (Operation Avalanche), facing intense enemy fire while unloading troops and supplies. • D-Day at Normandy: USS Blanco County (LST-344) took part in the Normandy invasion on 6 June 1944, contributing to the largest amphibious assault in history. • Post-War Service: After WWII, the ship performed occupation duties in the Far East and China until mid-1946. • Decommissioning and Fate: LST-344 was decommissioned on 29 June 1946 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 31 July 1946. The vessel was eventually sold for commercial use. • Battle Stars: For her service during World War II, USS Blanco County (LST-344) received three battle stars. • Legacy: Although not a museum ship, LST-344’s contributions are remembered as part of the broader legacy of LSTs, which revolutionized amphibious warfare and logistics during WWII.