USS Polk County (LST-1084)

• World War II Service: USS Polk County (LST-1084) was an LST-542-class tank landing ship, commissioned in March 1945, and served in the Pacific Theater during the final stages of World War II. • Late War Arrival: Although commissioned late in the war, LST-1084 participated in the occupation and redeployment duties in the Far East following Japan's surrender. • Korean War Role: Reactivated for the Korean War, she provided crucial support by transporting troops, vehicles, and supplies to combat zones. • Renamed in 1955: On July 1, 1955, LST-1084 was renamed USS Polk County, honoring counties in multiple states named after President James K. Polk. • Cold War Duties: The ship participated in numerous training exercises and amphibious operations along the U.S. West Coast and the Pacific during the tense Cold War period. • Vietnam War Service: USS Polk County also served during the Vietnam War, where LSTs played an essential role in riverine and coastal logistics operations, supporting U.S. and allied forces. • Decommissioning: She was decommissioned and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1969, marking the end of her active U.S. Navy service. • Transfer to South Vietnam: After decommissioning, the ship was transferred to the South Vietnamese Navy, where she served as RVNS My Tho (HQ-800). • Escape to the Philippines: At the fall of South Vietnam in 1975, RVNS My Tho was among the vessels that fled to the Philippines, carrying refugees and crew. • Final Fate: The ship was taken into service by the Philippine Navy as BRP Samar Del Norte (LT-510), continuing her legacy in Southeast Asia for several more years.