About this Unit
USS J. Franklin Bell (APA-16) was a Heywood-class attack transport commissioned by the United States Navy in 1940. Originally built as a passenger liner, she was converted for military use and played a significant role in World War II, participating in major amphibious operations in the Pacific Theater, including landings at Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and the Philippines. The ship was responsible for transporting troops, equipment, and casualties, demonstrating versatility in both combat and logistical support roles. After the war, USS J. Franklin Bell was decommissioned in 1946, having earned seven battle stars for her distinguished service.
Historical Facts
• Namesake: USS J. Franklin Bell (APA-16) was named after Major General J. Franklin Bell, a Medal of Honor recipient and former Chief of Staff of the United States Army.
• Original Build: The ship was originally built as the SS Keystone State in 1921 by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation for commercial service before being acquired by the Navy in 1940.
• Pearl Harbor Survivor: The USS J. Franklin Bell was present at Pearl Harbor during the infamous attack on December 7, 1941, but escaped damage by being moored away from the main battleship row.
• Amphibious Assault Ship: Converted into an attack transport (APA), the ship played a crucial role in amphibious assaults by landing troops and equipment directly onto hostile shores during World War II.
• Pacific Theater Service: The ship participated in numerous major campaigns in the Pacific, including landings at Attu in the Aleutians, Tarawa, Kwajalein, Saipan, Leyte, Lingayen Gulf, and Okinawa.
• Tarawa Landings: During the Battle of Tarawa in November 1943, the USS J. Franklin Bell delivered assault troops and supplies under heavy enemy fire and helped evacuate casualties.
• Kamikaze Threats: While supporting operations in Leyte and Lingayen Gulf, the ship and her crew faced significant threats from Japanese kamikaze attacks but managed to avoid direct hits.
• Post-War "Magic Carpet": After World War II, the ship participated in Operation Magic Carpet, transporting thousands of U.S. soldiers home from the Pacific theater.
• Decorations: The USS J. Franklin Bell earned seven battle stars for her distinguished service in World War II.
• Final Fate: Decommissioned in 1946, the ship was eventually sold for scrap in 1948, ending her long and varied career that spanned both commercial and military service.
