USS J. Franklin Bell (APA16)

• 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.