About this Unit
USS Henry County (LST-824) was a tank landing ship of the United States Navy, commissioned in November 1944 during World War II. She participated in the Pacific Theater, notably supporting the Okinawa campaign by transporting troops, vehicles, and supplies to the front lines. After the war, LST-824 performed occupation duties in the Far East before being decommissioned in 1946. Renamed USS Henry County in 1955, she was later transferred to the Royal Malaysian Navy in 1975, serving as KD Sri Langkawi.
Historical Facts
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Commissioning and Namesake: USS Henry County (LST-824) was commissioned on 18 November 1944. The ship was named after counties in nine U.S. states, all called Henry County, honoring Patrick Henry, a prominent figure of the American Revolution.
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World War II Service: LST-824 participated in the Pacific Theater during World War II, notably supporting the Okinawa invasion by landing troops and equipment under heavy combat conditions.
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Landing Ship, Tank (LST): The vessel was part of the LST-542 class of tank landing ships, specifically designed to deliver tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops directly onto shore without docks or piers.
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Post-War Operations: After WWII, LST-824 was involved in occupation duties in the Far East, including transporting personnel and equipment for the rebuilding efforts in Japan and China.
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Korean War Reactivation: The ship was decommissioned after WWII but was recommissioned in 1950 to support the Korean War, again transporting troops, tanks, and supplies to combat zones.
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Vietnam War Service: Renamed USS Henry County (LST-824) in 1955, the ship later served in the Vietnam War, providing logistical support and transporting cargo and personnel along the Vietnamese coast.
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Awarded Battle Stars: USS Henry County earned three battle stars for her service in World War II and additional campaign stars for her Korean and Vietnam War service.
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Transfer to Malaysia: In 1975, the vessel was decommissioned from U.S. service and transferred to the Malaysian Navy, where she was renamed KD Raja Jarom (A-1502).
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Longevity: The ship had an impressive service life, operating under three different flags (U.S. Navy, Military Sea Transportation Service, and Royal Malaysian Navy) for over three decades.
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Legacy: As an LST, the USS Henry County exemplified the critical logistical role such ships played in amphibious warfare, contributing to the success of major military campaigns across three wars.
