About this Unit
USS Henrico (APA-45) was a Bayfield-class attack transport commissioned by the United States Navy in 1943. She played a significant role during World War II, participating in major amphibious operations including the D-Day landings at Normandy and the invasions of Southern France and Okinawa. After the war, Henrico continued to serve during the Korean War, supporting troop deployments and evacuations. The ship earned eight battle stars before being decommissioned in 1968 and subsequently scrapped.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Henrico (APA-45) was named after Henrico County, Virginia, one of the original eight shires established in colonial Virginia in 1634.
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Class and Type: She was a Bayfield-class attack transport, designed to carry troops, equipment, and landing craft for amphibious assaults.
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D-Day Involvement: Henrico played a vital role in the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944, landing troops at Omaha Beach during the first wave of the D-Day invasion.
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Kamikaze Attack: On April 2, 1945, during the Okinawa campaign, Henrico was struck by a kamikaze aircraft, resulting in the deaths of 49 crew members and wounding 125 others.
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Presidential Presence: Future U.S. President John F. Kennedy was briefly aboard Henrico for a visit in 1944 while she was preparing for the southern France invasion.
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Korean War Service: Henrico participated in the Inchon landings in September 1950, a critical operation that turned the tide in favor of United Nations forces during the Korean War.
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Vietnam War: Henrico served in the early years of the Vietnam War, participating in troop and equipment transport missions off the coast of Vietnam.
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Multiple Battle Stars: She earned eight battle stars for her World War II service, two for the Korean War, and three for the Vietnam War, demonstrating a long and distinguished combat record.
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Longevity: USS Henrico served for more than 24 years, from her commissioning in 1943 until her decommissioning in 1968.
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Final Fate: After decommissioning, Henrico was sold for scrap in 1969, ending her long and storied career supporting American military operations across three major conflicts.
